Big game fishing trips Boa Vista

The best part of this Boa Vista outing is the move from Sal Rei harbor into open Atlantic water, where the boat slows to a steady troll and the next strike could come from a blue marlin, tuna, or wahoo. This is not a sightseeing cruise with a fishing rod added on. Fishing is the point.

I like the private format for up to three people, which gives you room to focus on the rods rather than share a boat with strangers. I also like the practical setup: GPS, fishing radar, marine radio, and a front sun deck, plus a local captain who can explain technique as you fish. The main drawback is simple: you are paying for the chance to catch big fish, not a guaranteed catch, and a taxi from Hotel Riu Touareg costs an extra €50.

Key points to know before you book

• A private boat for up to three people: The $571.34 price is for the group, not each person.
• Five hours on the Atlantic: The boat leaves Sal Rei at 8:00 am and returns to the same pier.
• Targets include blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo: Amberjack is also possible, especially for anglers interested in jigging.
• A 7-meter boat with useful equipment: You have GPS, marine radio, fishing radar, and a front sun deck.
• Local fishing advice matters: The captain helps with techniques, positioning, and the practical work of landing a fish.
• Good weather controls the schedule: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

From Te Manché pier to open Atlantic water

Your morning begins at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché on Avenida dos Pescadores in Sal Rei. The stated start time is 8:00 am, and the trip ends back at this meeting point after about five hours.

The first part is easy and scenic in a low-key way. You leave the pier, pass through the bay and harbor, and watch Sal Rei recede as the boat reaches open sea. This short harbor run matters because it gives the captain time to settle the boat, explain the day, and get you ready before the fishing begins.

Pickup is offered, but you should check the exact arrangement when booking. If you are staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, a €50 taxi fee is not included and is paid at the pier. That extra cost is easy to miss, so include it in your trip budget.

Once you are out on open water, the mood changes. Big game fishing is not constant casting from a stationary boat. The motorboat trolls at low speed, with lines in the water while the captain searches for productive areas. You will need some patience. The reward comes when a rod bends and the quiet wait turns into a fast, physical contest.

What the 7-meter boat means for your day

The boat is described as 7 meters long, or about 22 feet. For a group of three, that is a sensible size for a private fishing trip. You are not booking a large vessel with a crowd of anglers, and the smaller setup keeps the outing personal.

A boat of this size also has limits. Atlantic conditions can feel more noticeable than they would on a much larger craft. You should expect a real boat trip, not a flat-water excursion. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare accordingly, though the supplied information does not specify what medication or safety equipment is provided.

The front sun deck gives you a place to sit when you are not working a rod. That is useful on a five-hour trip, since you will spend part of the time watching the water and waiting for a strike. Bring sun protection and drink water, as the equipment list does not say that refreshments are included.

The onboard technology is more important than it may sound. GPS helps the captain work known positions and return safely, while fishing radar helps locate signs of activity. A marine radio is a practical safety tool for a boat working offshore. None of this guarantees fish, but it gives the captain better tools than a simple pleasure boat would have.

Trolling for marlin, tuna, and wahoo

The main style of fishing here is trolling. The boat moves slowly while bait or lures are pulled through the water. You may spend several minutes or longer watching the lines before anything happens. That waiting is part of game fishing, but you should know it before booking.

The target species are the reason to choose this trip. Blue marlin offers the biggest sense of occasion, while tuna and wahoo can also bring speed and strength. The captain will explain specific techniques and help you handle the equipment, which matters if you have enthusiasm but limited offshore fishing experience.

There is no promise that you will land one of the headline fish. Ocean conditions, season, water temperature, and fish movement all affect the result, and none of those details are specified for this trip. You should book it for the chance to pursue large Atlantic fish, not for a guaranteed photograph with a marlin.

The captain’s local experience is especially useful here. Finding fish is not simply a matter of pointing the boat into open water. The captain can watch conditions, use the onboard equipment, and move between areas when a spot is not producing. That active approach makes the trip feel like a genuine fishing outing rather than a fixed route.

The amberjack option for serious anglers

The experience also suits people interested in speed jigging. One successful outing produced about nine amberjack, with the crew taking the group to suitable spots and checking the water carefully. That catch should not be treated as a forecast, but it shows that the trip is not limited to trolling for marlin and tuna.

Amberjack fishing can give you more regular action than waiting for a single large game fish. If you already fish, ask the captain about the available methods when you arrive. The supplied information confirms that advice on fishing techniques is part of the experience, but it does not state exactly which tackle or lure types are provided.

This is where the private format helps. With only your group aboard, you can ask questions and adjust your approach without worrying about holding up a larger party. A group of two or three friends with similar interests will get the most from that arrangement.

Working with the captain and first mate

The captain is an experienced local fisherman, and a first mate may also help on the boat. Their job is more than steering. They guide you toward productive water, explain how to fish, and help when a fish takes the line.

One important detail is the practical support. If you are new to game fishing, you do not need to arrive with a full set of offshore skills. You will still need to listen, follow instructions, and handle a moderate level of physical activity, but the crew helps you learn as you go.

The private nature of the tour also gives you direct contact with the crew. You can ask about the fish, the fishing grounds, or why the boat is changing speed and direction. That kind of local input is one of the better reasons to choose this over a generic group cruise.

The experience is not designed as a polished entertainment show. It is built around fishing, waiting, reacting, and learning. If you want a quiet ocean ride with a guaranteed schedule of stops, choose something else. If you like the uncertainty of real fishing, this format makes sense.

Catch, release, and the local fish market

The fish you catch are released back into the sea or sold at the fish market. This is worth knowing before you go, especially if you have a strong preference about keeping a catch.

The release option fits the nature of big game fishing, where the excitement often comes from the fight and the landing rather than taking a large fish home. If the catch is sold, the information does not explain how that process works or whether your group receives any proceeds. Ask the crew directly if this matters to you.

Do not assume that catching a fish means you will have a meal included afterward. The supplied details do not list food, cooking, or a restaurant stop. Think of this as a fishing experience, not a seafood lunch excursion.

Is $571.34 good value for three people?

The listed price is $571.34 per private group of up to three people. Split three ways, that is about $190.45 per person before any extra transport costs. For two people, the per-person price is higher, but you still have the benefit of exclusive use of the boat.

The value depends on what you want from a fishing trip. If you are comparing this with a shared boat, the private arrangement may justify the cost. You get your own time with the captain, room to ask for advice, and no need to fit your fishing around strangers’ preferences.

It is less compelling if only one person in your group really wants to fish. The price is still charged by the group, so a solo participant would carry the full cost. The strongest value comes when three people share the booking and all care about the fishing.

You should also budget for the €50 taxi from Hotel Riu Touareg if that applies to you. Pickup is offered, but the information does not say that every hotel transfer is included. Confirm the pickup details rather than assuming a complimentary hotel shuttle.

The trip is booked, on average, 44 days ahead. That does not guarantee that every date sells out, but it is a useful sign to plan early, especially if you have only a short stay on Boa Vista and want a particular morning.

Who will enjoy this five-hour outing?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Anglers who want a serious chance at large Atlantic fish
• Couples or friends who can share the private-group price
• Families with older teenagers who can manage a moderate level of physical activity
• People who value local instruction over a scripted boat tour
• Fishers interested in both trolling and possible amberjack jigging

The outing may be less suitable for anyone seeking a guaranteed catch or a short, gentle harbor cruise. The boat goes into open sea, and the fishing relies on changing conditions. You also need to be comfortable spending several hours outdoors while waiting for action.

A previous booking included a parent with a teenage son and daughter, with hotel pickup arriving on time and the transfer to the boat handled smoothly. That makes the experience sound workable for an older family group, though the physical demands and sea conditions still deserve honest consideration.

Service animals are allowed. The activity advises a moderate fitness level, so expect to take part rather than simply watch from the deck.

Timing, cancellation, and weather

The trip starts at 8:00 am and lasts about five hours. That early start leaves much of the afternoon open, but you should allow enough time to reach Te Manché pier without rushing.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

Weather is a major factor for an offshore trip. If poor conditions make the outing unsafe or impractical, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also means you should avoid scheduling this on the final morning of your holiday if catching the trip is especially important.

Should you book Big Game Fishing Trips Boa Vista?

Book it if you want real offshore fishing in a small private group, especially if you are sharing the cost with two other people. The boat has the right basic tools, the captain offers hands-on advice, and the targets include some of the most exciting fish around Cape Verde.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may catch a blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, or amberjack, but you may also spend much of the morning trolling and waiting. That uncertainty is not a flaw in the trip. It is the nature of game fishing.

For the best value, bring two other anglers, confirm transport from your hotel, and ask the captain about the day’s fishing method when you arrive. If you want a guaranteed catch or a relaxed sightseeing boat ride, this is not the right choice. If the thrill is the possibility of a sudden strike in open Atlantic water, it is a strong Boa Vista option.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The trip starts at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché on Avenida dos Pescadores in Sal Rei, Cape Verde.

What time does the activity begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 am.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing trip lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to three people.

What fish might I catch?

The main target species are blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. Amberjack may also be caught, particularly when using speed jigging techniques.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but the information does not confirm that every hotel transfer is included. A €50 taxi fee from Hotel Riu Touareg is not included and can be paid at the pier.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes the trip to be canceled, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.