• Both islands have little rainfall.
• They are popular winter sun destinations.
• Blue seas surround the islands.
• The white sandy beaches are fabulous.
• It's a great place to relax
• The winter months are more popular with water sports enthusiasts for kite surfing and wind surfing, as the winds generally pick up.
• Scuba diving, boat trips and fishing are also provided.
• Friendly local people.
• A mixture of nationalities from Portuguese, British and Irish, Italian, Scandinavian and more.

• Direct international flights from UK and Europe to both islands.
• All inclusive and other hotel accomodation on both islands.
• Rental properties available within towns or near beaches and within some larger developments.
• Main hotels situated along the beach.
• Turtle protection programmes operate on both islands : SOS Tartarugas (Sal), Turtle Foundation (Boa Vista).
• Excursions which can be booked prior to arrival or after you arrive.
• Day trips to other islands or longer trips can be booked.

• Has more to offer as regards accomodation, restaurants and bars, facilities/activities and water sports.
• The main town of Santa Maria provides most of the services you require and is a short distance from the main hotels.
• The newly opened Tortuga Beach Hotel and Resort is about a 10 min taxi drive from Santa Maria. Estimated taxi cost: 6-7 euros or 600-700cve.
• Other resort complexes include: Porto Antigo 1, 2 or 3. Vila Verde, Murdeira.
• Hotels on Sal are mainly in or around Santa Maria.
• Santa Maria is around 15-20 mins from the airport. Taxi fare 1.000cve or 10euros.
• Hotels in/around Santa Maria:
• Hotel Riu Garopa and Funana. Taxi : 400cve to centre of Santa Maria. Walking distance 20mins +.
• Hotel Sabura. Taxi 400cve to centre of Sal.
• Hotel Farol. Taxi: 300-400cve to centre of Santa Maria
• Hotel Crioula. Taxi: 300-400cve to centre of Santa Maria.
• Hotel Dunas de Sal. Taxi: 300-400cve to centre of Santa Maria.
• Hotel Belorizonte and Novorizonte. Taxi:  200cve to centre of Santa Maria.
• Hotels in Santa Maria:
• Hotel Pontao, Hotel Santa Maria, Hotel Central, Hotel da Luz..

• Is quieter and has fewer bars and restaurants, facilities/activities and water sports than on Sal.
• Some of the main Hotels on Boavista are some distance from the main town of Sal Rei.
• There are more unspoilt sandy beaches on Boavista.
• Boavista is a much larger island than Sal, but fewer things to do outside the hotels.
• Hotel Riu Karamboa is 1.5klms from the airport and then Sal Rei is another 5.5klms from airport. Situated on Praia de Salines beach.
• The Hotel Riu Touareg 15-20mins travel time from the airport and approx 25klms from the airport. Situated on Praia de Lacacao beach.
• Hotel Parque das Dunas, 3klms from the airport. Situated on Chaves Beach.
• Hotel Iberostar, 10 mins from the airport. Situated on Areja de Chaves beach.
• Hotel Royal Decameron. 10mins from the airport. Situated on Areja de Chaves beach.
• Hotels in Sal Rei :   Hotel Estoril, Hotel Riu Luca Kalema, Hotel Boa Vista.

• The Riu Hotels on the islands will not play host for ceremonies or functions within the hotel, the grounds or on the beach in front of the hotels. Guests of the Riu will have their ceremony at other venues and if no after ceremony function is planned, some couples return to the hotel to relax, enjoy the all inclusive drinks and meal with family and friends.
• Other hotels will accomodate ceremonies and after ceremony functions.
• Rainy season is in August and September, we may not get a lot of rain, but the rain can fall outside of these months.
• There may be occasions where we will need to consider certain factors, such as during an evening on the beach during turtle laying and nesting season, we need to keep away from keep away from beach areas where our voices may disturb turtles laying their eggs. There are laws protecting the turtles and their nests during the turtle nesting season. Vehicles may not be permitted to access some beach areas.
• Going to isolated areas off road will mean there is a need for 4x4 vehicles, transportation costs will increase and as already stated this isn't advisable due to unexpected illness,dehydration, no bathroom facility, no drinking water available and more.
• Availability of venues for table reservations. Some venues may be fully booked or closed for holiday or other reasons. We will need to make enquiries early.

Before you fly, it’s important to tell this to guests and family too:

• Suntan lotion........ It’s expensive in the hotel
• After sun...as above
• Travel plugs.......you can’t buy them on Boavista or Sal
• Camera, charger, leads, batteries, memory cards, camcorders, throw away cameras for guests.........spares and backups.
• Wet wipes or hand gel.
• Mosquito repellent, bite pens, sting relief clickers.
• Sunglasses
• Don’t forget to bring the items above with you to the venue/beach for the ceremony.
• Don’t leave items un-attended at the venue or on the beach.
• Wear protection against the sun: suncreams, clothing, hats.
• Bring bottles of water with you from the hotels, this is especially important for young children, older people, people who are dehydrated, been unwell or have had some alcohol the night before.
• Try not to drink alcohol before the ceremony.
• Flat shoes advisable for beaches.
• There may be broken shells, coral, glass on or beneath the surface of the sand, so take care. There could possibly be some in the water, when or if swimming in sea.
• There will be a bar or structure nearby where you can get some shade,more drinks and use bathroom facilities.

Boavista environment

And for those who are thinking of driving Off--Road, or going on one of the island tours : 

Be responsible and follow the law regarding driving on beaches, : Turtle Protection