Natural Turtle Reserve

The entire eastern coast of the island is designated as a protected area, safeguarding both the island’s flora and fauna. Here lie the beaches of Costa de Boa Esperança, vast expanses of white sandy shores. While swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, these beaches are well-known among the water sports community, particularly for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to the prevailing winds.

However, the main attraction lies in the fact that these beaches host the highest rate of turtle nesting on the island. The entire coastline witnesses frequent appearances of turtles, especially loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), the third-largest turtle species in the world. Given the considerable distance between these beaches and the city, there are fewer negative factors that degrade the turtle habitat.

BIOS.CV

A non-profit organization for environmental conservation and sustainable development, registered in Cape Verde on February 1, 2013. It comprises national and international professionals in the fields of marine biology, veterinarians, researchers, university professors, ecotourism entrepreneurs, and more.

Over the past 14 years, BIOS.CV members have dedicated significant efforts to the study and conservation of marine turtles in Cape Verde. They also engage in activities aimed at raising awareness among relevant authorities, the local population, and tourists about the importance of protecting these endangered species and their critical habitats. Furthermore, they promote sustainable development practices among local residents.

BIOS.CV’s conservation experience extends beyond marine turtle protection. They also conduct research and monitoring of birds (seagulls, terns, frigates, etc.), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), and maintain a record of cetacean strandings along the Boa Vista coast. Alongside the general study of marine biodiversity in the archipelago, they also conduct information, education, and environmental awareness activities aimed at the local population and visitors.

Visit the website for more information: http://www.bioscaboverde.com/

Turtle Foundation:

• Founded on July 3, 2012, with its official headquarters in Germany, it has a field station located on the coast of Curral Velho, and others at strategic points on the island;
• With the mission to contribute to the conservation of marine turtles through its projects, collaborating with local communities where marine turtles and people can coexist harmoniously. Their goal is to protect turtle populations and their habitats sustainably, healthily, and securely from the threat of extinction and destruction. With the expertise of biologists and specialists, they excel in the conservation of this species.

Visit the website for more information: https://www.turtle-foundation.org/en/program-boa-vista/

Cabo Verde Natura 2000

One of the oldest non-governmental organizations established on the island, with main objectives including:

• Directly participating in the protection of female breeding marine turtles, specifically the Caretta species, when they come to the beaches to lay their eggs (the mere presence of volunteers usually deters potential hunters of marine turtles);
• Participating in basic information collection activities essential for the census of breeding females, nests, hatchlings, etc. These data will be used both in the preparation of a Marine Turtle Atlas for Cape Verde and in other ongoing scientific studies on this and other species of marine turtles.

They have camps in Ervatão with years of experience, Porto Ferreira inaugurated in 2009, and all their volunteers have the opportunity to know both camps. There are always 30 volunteers, 15 monitors, and 4 field directors, distributed between Ervatão and Porto Ferreira. Volunteers, monitors, and field directors come from Spain, Portugal, and Cape Verde.

Cape Verde is the only stable nesting area for Caretta Caretta in the Eastern Atlantic. The main threats to this population are the poaching of adult female turtles, especially during nesting, and habitat loss due to coastal tourism development. Within the same area where turtles appear, some environmental protection organizations have been established.

– The recommended ways to reach João Barrosa are by pickup or quad bike, but you can also get there with a rental car (with a bit of patience).

– If you’re going there for the first time, we advise against going alone: this page lists official excursions. Be cautious of individuals without proper licenses or insurance.

– Due to its size, the beach is perfect for long walks and spectacular swims. Bring water and a snack. Nonetheless, your phone will work fine here.

– The sun’s reflection on the sand is like snow: bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. In winter, there’s a lot of wind, but visiting this beach is worth it at least once, you won’t regret it (it’s breathtaking).