Museu Dos Naufragos
About This Museum
Tucked away in Sal Rei on Boa Vista, the Museu Dos Naufragos isn't your typical museum; it's a poetic tribute to the countless ships claimed by the treacherous Atlantic surrounding Cape Verde. The entire collection feels like a treasure chest washed ashore, where every artifact has a story whispered by the sea. You'll find everything from sun-bleached timbers and rusted anchors to delicate porcelain that somehow survived the deep. It’s a hauntingly beautiful place that connects you directly to the maritime drama of these islands.
Collection Highlights
The heart of the museum is its evocative display of recovered shipwreck artifacts—think delicate blue-and-white colonial-era pottery, heavily encrusted navigational instruments, and glass bottles transformed by decades underwater. One of the most poignant exhibits is a collection of personal effects, like a single leather shoe, that make the history feel intensely human.
Visitor Information
It's a small, intimate space, so you can easily absorb it all in an hour or so. The staff are incredibly passionate and often share stories you won't find on any placard. Don't forget to look up at the ceiling, which is adorned with a beautiful mural of a whale—a lovely surprise.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a charming, traditional Cape Verdean building with cheerful yellow walls and bright blue trim, it feels more like visiting a knowledgeable local's curated home than a formal institution.
Contact & Location
Address: Museu dos Náufragos, Rua Bom Sossego, Sal Rei, Boa Vista, 5110, Cabo Verde
Phone: +238 528 11 73
Website: Visit Website
