Sal Island: Catamaran cruises on Sal Island

The best part of this Sal Island cruise is the change of pace. After hotel pickup and departure from Palmeira, you leave the dry, sunbaked shore behind and watch Sal slip past from the water. The stop near Monte Leão brings a swim in open sea, plus time on the catamaran’s nets above the water.

I like the all-inclusive snacks and drinks, which save you from packing a lunch, and I like the chance to spot whales on the return trip, especially from February through May. The main caution is the boat’s diesel smell: one passenger reported that it made several people feel sick and spoiled the snorkeling stop. If you are sensitive to fumes or seasickness, bring suitable medication and choose your place on deck carefully.

Key points to know before you sail

• The cruise leaves from Palmeira: Hotel transfer is included before you board the catamaran Bazov.
• Murdeira Bay is the swimming stop: The boat anchors near Monte Leão for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• The water nets are part of the fun: You can lie above the sea, dry in the sun, and watch the water below.
• Whale watching is seasonal: Your best chance comes from February to May, though sightings are not guaranteed.
• The price is $70 per person: That includes transfer, the cruise, snacks, and drinks.
• The boat is not wheelchair accessible: Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Leaving Palmeira for Sal’s west coast

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel, followed by boarding at Palmeira port. The boat used for this outing is the catamaran Bazov, and once the captain turns along the west coast, you have time to settle into the rhythm of the sea.

This first stretch is less about a single sight and more about seeing Sal from a different angle. From shore, the island can feel spare and stark. From the water, its coastline becomes your moving view, with the port fading behind you and the coast sliding past at a slow, easy pace.

Choose your seat with some care. The catamaran offers sunny spots for people who want a tan and more sheltered areas for anyone who prefers shade or feels the motion of the boat. Since the cruise includes music, drinks, and dancing, the mood is designed to be social rather than silent and formal.

The listed languages are Italian, English, Portuguese, and French. That makes the trip practical for an international group, though no individual guide names are provided. The captain handles the sailing, while the onboard staff serve snacks and drinks and help with the swimming stop.

The trip takes about an hour from Palmeira to the Murdeira Bay area. That is enough time to relax, talk, listen to music, and watch the shoreline. It is also the part of the outing when motion sickness may show itself, so keep your first drink modest and stay where you can get fresh air if you need it.

Monte Leão and the open-sea swimming stop

The main stop comes near the characteristic Monte Leão, where the captain drops anchor. Here, you can get into the sea for a swim or try snorkeling in the clear water around the bay.

This is not a guided reef lesson or a long, shore-based snorkeling session. It is a boat stop in open water. That distinction matters. You need to be comfortable entering the sea from the catamaran, and you should expect the conditions to depend on wind, waves, visibility, and the boat’s position.

The setting is appealing because you are not crowding onto a beach. You swim beside the catamaran, with Monte Leão nearby and Sal’s coast behind you. The water gives you a fresh view of the island, while the boat provides a place to return, dry off, and have a drink.

Snorkeling may be possible, but it is not guaranteed to be the highlight. One person reported that the diesel smell inside the cabin caused several people to vomit and that snorkeling could not go ahead. That is a useful warning, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Stay on deck when possible, face the open air, and let the crew know if you feel unwell.

The bay area is a marine nature reserve because of important populations of sea turtles and seabirds. That gives the stop added value, even if you do not see wildlife during your swim. Use biodegradable sunscreen, avoid touching marine life, and keep your expectations sensible. The reserve protects a living environment, not a guaranteed animal encounter.

Floating above the water on the catamaran nets

The nets at the front or side of the catamaran offer a different way to enjoy the stop. Instead of swimming, you can lie above the water and feel the boat move beneath you. It is a simple feature, but it suits the relaxed nature of this cruise.

The nets are also useful after your swim. You can stretch out, dry in the sun, and watch the sparkling water below. If you are not a confident swimmer, you may prefer the nets to a long spell in open sea, although the information provided does not specify safety arrangements or whether flotation equipment is available.

This is one reason the cruise works for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can enter the water, while others can remain on deck with a drink and enjoy the view. Parents should check the setup with the crew for their children, since no specific child-safety details are provided.

Bring a towel. The boat offers snacks and drinks, but you should not assume that personal beach equipment or special snorkeling gear is included unless the operator confirms it. Pack swimwear and biodegradable sunscreen, and keep valuables in a secure, dry place.

Snacks, drinks, music, and dancing onboard

The food and drink setup is straightforward. Snacks and drinks are included in the $70 price, so you are not paying separately each time you want something during the cruise. The exact menu is not specified, so anyone with allergies or strict dietary needs should ask Cabo Verde Time LDA before booking.

Music and dancing add a party element. This will appeal to you if you want more than a quiet sightseeing boat. It may be less appealing if you are hoping for a calm, naturalist-style trip with long periods of silence.

The tone seems flexible enough for both styles, since you can pick a spot and spend much of the ride sitting in the sun or on the nets. Still, this is best understood as a social catamaran outing, not a private sailing trip or a specialist wildlife expedition.

The drinks are welcome after swimming, but pace yourself. The cruise involves sun, open water, and an hour-long ride to the bay. Drinking heavily can make motion sickness and dehydration worse, particularly in hot weather.

Whale and dolphin watching on the return

On the way back, keep watch for whales and dolphins. The strongest seasonal window is February to May, when whale sightings are more likely. A whale was seen during one outing, and that sighting made the trip worthwhile even though snorkeling did not happen.

That detail gives you a fair way to judge the wildlife side of the cruise. There is a real chance of seeing something, but this is not a dedicated whale-watching boat with guaranteed sightings. The crew may point out animals if they appear, yet the sea and wildlife set the schedule.

The possibility of whales adds a nice sense of anticipation to the return trip. You can scan the water, listen for announcements, and watch the horizon rather than treating the ride back as dead time. Dolphins may also appear, though no sighting is promised.

Bring sunglasses and keep your eyes moving across the water. A whale may surface only briefly, and a dolphin can be easy to miss. If you want photographs, a phone with a secure case is more sensible than carrying loose equipment around a wet deck.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this cruise is priced as a full outing rather than a simple boat transfer. The package includes hotel transfer, the catamaran ride, snacks, and drinks. You also receive the swimming stop, access to the nets, onboard music, and the chance to look for marine life.

That is a reasonable package if you want convenience. You do not have to arrange your own ride to Palmeira, search for a separate boat, or buy refreshments during the outing. The value improves for visitors who want a ready-made day at sea and do not need specialist snorkeling equipment or a private group.

The price is less compelling if your only goal is a short swim. Much of the experience is the cruise itself, including the ride to Murdeira Bay and the return along the coast. You are paying for time on the water, the social atmosphere, and the possibility of wildlife, not just a few minutes in the sea.

The overall rating of 3.7 from three reviews suggests a mixed but generally workable experience. The strongest praise focuses on the staff and whale sightings. One five-star report described the staff as extraordinary and included two whales, while another three-star report called the staff friendly. The main criticism involved diesel fumes and the loss of the snorkeling activity.

That mix tells me to book for the boat ride, crew, swimming, and possible wildlife. I would not book it solely for snorkeling.

Who will enjoy the Bazov catamaran cruise

I would recommend this outing to you if you want an easy way to get on the water without planning every detail. It suits couples, friends, and families who like swimming, sun, music, and a relaxed group setting.

It is also a good choice if you want to see more of Sal without spending the day on land. The west coast looks different from the water, and the cruise gives you a clear change from hotel pools and beach time.

You may enjoy it less if you need a quiet boat, a guaranteed snorkeling session, or a fully accessible experience. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the open-sea swim may not work for anyone uncomfortable entering deep water from a boat.

People sensitive to fuel smells or motion should take the diesel report seriously. Ask where you can sit in the open air, and consider taking your usual seasickness precautions. The information does not confirm the availability of medication or special medical support onboard, so plan ahead.

Wildlife fans should book in the February to May period if whale watching is important to you. Even then, sightings depend on nature. The marine reserve setting and the chance of turtles, seabirds, whales, or dolphins add interest, but none of these encounters is guaranteed.

Practical details for a comfortable day

Pack light, but bring the items that matter:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

You should also consider a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof case for your phone, though these are not listed as required items. Keep your sunscreen environmentally suitable because the bay is a protected marine area.

Wear something comfortable for sitting in the sun and moving around the boat. If you swim, dry off before settling onto the nets or deck so you can stay comfortable during the return.

Cabo Verde Time LDA allows you to reserve and pay later, which is useful if you are still arranging your schedule. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the final booking terms before paying, especially if your hotel pickup details or group needs require special handling.

Should you book this Sal Island cruise?

Book it if you want a convenient, social day on the Atlantic with a swimming stop, included refreshments, music, and a chance to see whales. The friendly crew and occasional wildlife sightings are the strongest reasons to go, while the view of Sal from the sea gives the trip more purpose than a simple party boat ride.

Think twice if snorkeling is your main goal, if diesel fumes make you ill, or if you need wheelchair access. For the best chance at whale watching, choose a date from February to May, sit in fresh air when possible, and treat the wildlife as a bonus rather than a promise.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Palmeira port on Sal Island. Hotel pickup and transfer are included.

What boat is used for the cruise?

The catamaran used for the outing is called Bazov.

How long does it take to reach the swimming area?

It takes about one hour from Palmeira port to the Murdeira Bay area.

Where can you swim and snorkel?

The boat anchors near Monte Leão, where you can swim and snorkel in the clear water. You can also use the catamaran nets above the sea.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are included in the $70 per person price.

When are whales most likely to be seen?

Whales are especially likely to be seen from February to May. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.