Boa Vista: Motoryacht Trip with Fishing, Snorkel, Beach BBQ

The best part of this Boa Vista outing is the mix of real time on the water and a simple beach lunch you help provide. You fish for about an hour, snorkel near Sal Rei Islet, then eat grilled fish or meat on a quiet beach beside a renovated fort.

I like the small-group feel, with room on the boat and good toilet facilities, and I like that fishing is optional. You can sunbathe, read, or watch the action instead. The main caution is seasickness: this is a long day at sea, and the operator specifically warns that the trip is not suitable for people prone to it.

Key points to know

• Fish for the BBQ: Bottom fishing lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, and the catch may become part of lunch.
• Sal Rei Islet stop: Snorkel around the reef, swim in calm water, and visit the old renovated fort.
• Two hours on the beach: The crew cooks fish or meat with rice, salad, and bread while you relax.
• Drinks are covered: Water, soft drinks, beer, and red and white wine are available during the day.
• Useful pickup service: Vans collect you from listed hotels and apartments, then return you after the cruise.
• Weather matters: Wind and sea conditions can change the schedule or cancel the outing.

A full morning on Boa Vista’s blue water

This is a 390-minute outing, or about six and a half hours, built around three good Cape Verde pleasures: being on the ocean, eating outdoors, and taking your time on a beach.

Your day begins with a van ride to the port of Sal Rei. The transfer takes about 20 minutes, depending on your pickup point. At the harbor, you board the motor yacht by dinghy. That short transfer is worth knowing about if you have limited mobility or dislike stepping between small boats.

The yacht then heads out for bottom fishing. You get fishing equipment and spend around one to one and a half hours trying to catch the fish for the BBQ. This is not a formal fishing lesson with a packed schedule. It is a relaxed stop, and the idea is as much about taking part as it is about landing a big catch.

If fishing does not appeal to you, the operator makes clear that you do not have to join in. You can stay on the yacht, use the sundeck, take photographs, read, or watch the fishing. That flexibility makes the trip easier to recommend to mixed groups where one person wants an activity and another prefers a quiet day.

The views are a major part of this first stretch. The boat cruises around the Bay of Chaves after fishing, giving you time to sit with a cold drink and enjoy the coast from offshore. This middle section also keeps the day from feeling like one activity after another. You get a pause before the snorkeling and beach stop.

Fishing first, with no pressure to take part

Bottom fishing is the most distinctive feature of the day. Many boat outings simply bring you to a restaurant or serve a prepared meal. Here, you have a hand in the lunch, although the catch is not presented as guaranteed.

The fishing stop lasts long enough for you to settle in and try several times. You should bring patience rather than expect a constant run of fish. If you have never fished from a boat, the crew provides the gear, so you do not need to pack your own equipment.

I like the way this stop gives the day some local character. The meal later has a clear connection to the morning activity. At the same time, you should not book this trip mainly for the fishing. The point is the whole day, and the fish catch may vary.

For people who do not eat fish, meat is available. You need to state your preference and any dietary restrictions or allergies in advance. The BBQ includes fresh fish or meat, rice, salad, and bread. It is straightforward beach food, not a formal restaurant meal, which is exactly right for the setting.

Cruising through the Bay of Chaves

After the fishing stop, the yacht takes a slower route around the Bay of Chaves. This is when you can make the most of the sun deck and the open views.

Drinks are included throughout the day. The selection listed for the boat includes Coca-Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, and white and red wine. That matters because six and a half hours on a boat can become expensive if every drink costs extra. Here, you can settle in without constantly checking your wallet.

Bring a jacket even if the morning is warm. Wind can make the boat feel cooler than the beach, especially while cruising. A hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and a towel are also sensible. The operator recommends motion sickness medication in advance if you are prone to seasickness, and says medication is also available on the boat.

One useful sign of the day’s setup is the small-group format. The boat is not described as a packed party vessel, and the available feedback specifically praises having plenty of room onboard and good toilet facilities. That makes the cruising portion more comfortable, especially for anyone who prefers a calm boat ride to loud entertainment.

Snorkeling around Sal Rei Islet

The next stop is off Sal Rei Islet, where you snorkel around the reef for about 45 minutes. The stop gives you a chance to see the underwater side of Boa Vista rather than spending the whole outing above the water.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You still need to bring your own towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and camera if you want photographs. The provided details do not promise a particular species list or guaranteed visibility, so think of this as a reef stop in a good setting, not a specialist marine-life excursion.

The water around the island is described as calm and blue, but sea conditions can change. The activity can be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather. That warning is important on an ocean trip, and you should keep some flexibility in your holiday plans.

One piece of feedback also describes two whale sightings after a long search. Treat this as a lucky possibility, not part of the promised itinerary. The boat trip gives you a chance to look out to sea, but nobody can guarantee whales.

Two hours on a small island

After snorkeling, a dinghy takes you from the yacht to the small island. You have about two hours there, which is long enough to slow down rather than rush from one photo stop to the next.

The island offers three simple choices. You can visit the old renovated fort, swim in the calm water, or rest on the beach. The fort adds a little history to what could otherwise be only a swimming stop. The information provided does not give a detailed account of the building, so you should expect a short visit and views rather than a full guided historical tour.

The beach time is where the day’s rhythm works best. While you swim or walk around, the crew prepares lunch. You are not required to sit beside the grill or help cook. The work happens in the background, leaving you free to enjoy the island.

A beach BBQ is also a practical way to use the fish caught earlier. The meal includes the catch, when available, along with rice, salad, and bread. If you prefer meat, that can be arranged in advance. A review of the outing praised the lunch and its location, while another singled out the BBQ on the beach as a highlight. I can see why: the setting does much of the work, and the two-hour stop gives lunch room to unfold at an easy pace.

What lunch and the boat setup are really like

This is not a luxury yacht dining experience. It is a casual meal on a small uninhabited island, with a menu built around grilled fish or meat and familiar side dishes.

That is a strength if you want something relaxed and connected to the day. It may be less appealing if you need a wide menu, formal service, or guaranteed specialty food. Tell the operator about allergies and dietary needs before departure, rather than waiting until lunch.

The yacht has a sundeck, toilets, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. Those inclusions add real value to the $111 price. You are not paying only for a boat seat and a short island visit. The fee also covers return transport, gear, lunch, drinks, and an English or German-speaking guide.

The trip received an overall rating of 4.2 from 15 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience but not a perfect one. One low score raised a concern about the guide’s manner and language preference, while another account praised the communication and the team’s handling of issues. I would not ignore that mixed picture. Most of the practical feedback is encouraging, but guide style can affect your day, especially on a long group excursion.

Transfers, meeting points, and timing

Pickup is offered from a long list of hotels and accommodation areas, including Riu Karamboa, Riu Palace Boavista, Hotel Riu Touareg, Iberostar Club Boa Vista, Occidental Boa Vista Beach, Vila Cabral 2, and several smaller properties.

At Riu Karamboa, Riu Palace, VOI Hotel, Royal Horizon, and Villas de Chaves, wait at the gate. At other accommodations, wait in front. The driver carries a name list. The operator also sends detailed confirmation information after booking, and you should check your spam folder if it does not appear.

These details sound minor, but they matter. Hotel areas can have security gates and several entrances, and a driver cannot always stop directly at a lobby. Be ready at the correct place and allow time for the van transfer.

The meeting point is at the gate at the entrance to the hotel area, where security is located. After the boat returns to Sal Rei, your transfer takes you back to your accommodation.

The price is $111 per person. I consider that fair for a day lasting roughly six and a half hours, especially since transport, lunch, drinks, equipment, and the guide are included. The value is strongest if you will use the fishing, snorkeling, BBQ, and drinks. If you plan to stay dry, skip the fishing, and spend most of the time sitting on the boat, a shorter cruise may suit you better.

Who should book this Boa Vista boat trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a varied sea day rather than a single-purpose fishing or snorkeling tour. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, and groups with mixed interests because fishing is optional and there is time to relax.

It also suits you if a beach BBQ sounds more appealing than a restaurant lunch. The small island, fort, swimming stop, and open-air meal give the day a sense of place without requiring a demanding hike or a full day away from the resort area.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The operator lists that as a reason not to take the tour, and the boat spends much of the day offshore. Take motion sickness medicine in advance if you know you need it.

You should also think about your expectations. This is not a specialist wildlife trip, not a history tour, and not a fishing charter built around trophy catches. It is a friendly all-round boat outing with several stops and a relaxed lunch.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking give you some flexibility. Still, weather can force a change or cancellation, so avoid scheduling this on the final possible day of your holiday if missing it would matter.

My call: a good-value day with two clear cautions

I would book this trip if I wanted one day that combined fishing, snorkeling, swimming, a fort, and a beach meal without arranging each part separately.

The strongest reasons are the optional fishing, the two-hour island stop, the included drinks, and the transfer service. The small-group setup and onboard toilets are useful comforts, and Josie and her team have been praised for clear communication and a genuine effort to solve problems.

The cautions are simple: seasickness can spoil the day, weather can change the plan, and the guide experience may not feel identical for everyone. Book it for the full mix of activities and the easy pace, not for a guaranteed fishing catch or whale sighting.

FAQ

How long does the Boa Vista motor yacht trip last?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, which is about six and a half hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The van takes you to the port of Sal Rei, where you board the motor yacht by dinghy.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Transfer from your accommodation to the port and back is included for the listed pickup locations.

Is fishing compulsory?

No. Fishing is optional. You can relax on the sundeck, read, sunbathe, enjoy the views, or watch the fishing instead.

How long does the fishing stop last?

The bottom fishing stop lasts about one to one and a half hours.

What food is served at the beach BBQ?

The BBQ includes freshly caught fish, chicken or other meat for those who request it, rice, salad, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are available on the boat throughout the day, including water, Coca-Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, beer, and red and white wine.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and German.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather.