Catamaran Sailing Tour or Whale Watching at Boa Vista

The best part of this Boa Vista outing is its small eight-person limit. You are not packed onto a floating platform with a crowd. Instead, you have room to stretch out, listen to the sails, and move around while Marc guides the catamaran across Sal Rei Bay.

I like the calm mix of sailing and time ashore at Djeu Island in summer, plus the simple extras: fruit, coffee, tea, and a drink. In winter, the crew uses the sails when approaching whales, which keeps the experience quieter and more respectful. The main catch is nature’s timetable: whale sightings are never guaranteed, and some boats see whales only from a distance.

Key points

• Small catamaran group: The boat carries no more than eight people, with some departures operating with only six.
• Two seasonal versions: Summer brings Djeu Island, snorkeling, and bay sailing. Winter is aimed at whale watching.
• Comfortable half-day pace: The full outing lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including dinghy transfers from Praia do Estoril.
• Marc’s personal approach: The captain is praised for attentive care, thoughtful sailing, and respect for whales.
• Good onboard value: Fruit, coffee, tea, and a drink are included, while bar drinks cost extra.
• A real wildlife gamble: You may see humpback whales, turtles, or a shipwreck, but sightings and conditions cannot be promised.

Setting Out From Praia do Estoril

Your time on the water begins at Praia do Estoril, where a dinghy carries you from the beach to the 13-meter catamaran. That short transfer takes about 15 minutes each way, so allow for a little beach-to-boat movement rather than expecting to step directly onto the catamaran from a pier.

This is part of the character of the outing. You begin with sand, surf, and a small boat ride before settling onto the larger vessel. Wear footwear that can handle a beach transfer, and keep anything you do not want splashed in a secure bag.

The meeting point is listed at 53CP+W3F in Sal Rei, and the tour ends back there after the return to the beach. A taxi from your hotel is not included, so you need to arrange that separately. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in or around Sal Rei, but the operator does not provide a hotel taxi.

Once aboard, the limited capacity matters. A maximum of eight people gives you more personal space than a typical group boat. It also makes it easier to find a comfortable place to sit, talk with the crew, or watch the water without feeling crowded.

Sailing Across Sal Rei Bay

The central sailing period lasts about three hours. The exact shape of it changes with the season, and that is important when you decide if this is the right trip for you.

In summer, the catamaran explores Boa Vista Bay under sail before stopping at Djeu Island. The pace is designed more for an easy afternoon on the water than for a packed sightseeing schedule. You can relax aboard, take in the bay, and enjoy the simple pleasure of moving under wind power.

The attraction here is the quiet. You are not rushing between a string of photo stops. You have time to let the boat carry you, listen to music if the crew is playing it, and watch the coastline shift from the water. One particularly memorable version of the trip included a sunset, though the exact light and timing will depend on the departure.

Marc, the captain, is central to the experience. His approach comes across as personal rather than purely procedural. You can expect attention to the group, help when needed, and an effort to keep the sailing comfortable. The crew has also been praised for friendly service and good organization.

The catamaran is a strong choice if you want a restful boat outing. It may be less suitable if you want constant activity, a fast ride, or a long list of formal commentary. The point is the time spent at sea, not a nonstop entertainment program.

Summer at Djeu Island

The summer version includes a stop at Djeu Island, reached by transfer from the catamaran. This gives you a chance to leave the boat for a while and see a small island setting up close, rather than spending the entire trip seated on deck.

You can use the stop for snorkeling or relaxation. That flexibility is useful. If conditions feel right and you enjoy being in the water, snorkeling adds an active element to the day. If you would rather stay dry, you can take in the island or rest aboard the catamaran.

The stop may also include views of a shipwreck in the bay and turtles swimming in the water. These are worthwhile possibilities, but they should not be treated as fixed attractions at a guaranteed time. Wildlife, visibility, and sea conditions can change.

Bring a swimsuit and any personal sun protection you need. The supplied details confirm drinks, coffee, tea, and fruit, but they do not list specialist snorkeling equipment or other personal items. Ask the operator what equipment is provided if snorkeling gear is important to your plans.

Djeu Island works best for people who like a loose, unhurried schedule. You get several ways to spend the same stop, and nobody needs to snorkel simply because it is on the program. That said, anyone expecting a long island visit should keep the scale in mind. This is a short catamaran excursion, not a full-day island tour.

Winter Whale Watching Under Sail

In winter, the focus changes from Djeu Island to humpback whales. The crew goes out into the bay and nearby open water in search of them, attempting to approach under sail whenever possible.

That sailing method matters. It reduces engine noise and supports a more respectful encounter with the animals. You are still watching wild whales, not visiting a controlled show, so the crew cannot promise a close approach or a sighting at all.

The experience can range from distant blows to a much closer view. On one outing, two whales were seen from a distance. On another, a humpback breached far away, followed later by a mother and calf surfacing roughly 30 meters from the boat. Those different outcomes show why you should book this for the chance to see whales, not as a guaranteed performance.

If whales appear, the mood changes quickly. A quiet sail can turn into a focused wait as everyone watches the surface for a blow, a back, or a breach. The crew’s attentiveness is especially useful here. You need patience, a bit of luck, and realistic expectations.

Winter whale watching is best for you if wildlife matters more than a fixed itinerary. It is not the right choice if you need guaranteed close views or a busy schedule of activities. Even a distant sighting can be memorable, but the value rests partly in the sailing itself.

What the Small Group Really Adds

The small group size is not just a marketing detail. With a maximum of eight people, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable position and seeing the water without a wall of bodies in front of you.

Some departures have operated with six people. That makes the catamaran feel more like a private outing without the cost of hiring the whole boat. You can ask questions, move around, and speak with Marc and the crew more easily than you could on a large excursion vessel.

The boat measures 13 meters, enough to provide room for a relaxed trip while still keeping the group connected. This balance suits couples, families, and small groups of friends who want something sociable but not crowded.

I also like that the experience does not appear built around constant selling. Coffee, tea, a drink, and fruit are included. You can buy drinks from the bar, but those are extra. The included refreshments are modest, yet they cover the basics during a half-day on the water.

Music may form part of the atmosphere. The mood has been described as relaxed, with good music and refreshing fruit. Do not book this expecting a silent sailing retreat, but you can expect a casual social tone rather than a loud party boat.

Price, Timing, and Practical Value

At $84.92 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Sal Rei Bay. It is also not an ordinary transport ride. Your price covers roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes, a catamaran rather than a basic motorboat, dinghy transfers, the seasonal activity, and a deliberately small group.

For the summer trip, the value is strongest if you want several gentle experiences in one outing: sailing, Djeu Island, possible snorkeling, wildlife in the bay, and perhaps sunset views. For winter, the price makes more sense if you place a high value on the chance to see humpback whales from a boat using sails.

The included fruit and drinks are useful but not the main reason to book. The better value comes from the space aboard and the personal attention of a small crew. A larger boat might offer more facilities, but you would probably give up some quiet and elbow room.

The experience is typically booked about 19 days ahead, so it is wise to reserve before your trip if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. Keep your booking confirmation on your phone, since the activity uses a mobile ticket.

The tour requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number is not met. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would choose this outing if you want a quiet half-day on the sea with a real chance of wildlife and a small group. It suits people who like sitting back as much as they like activity.

The summer version is a good match for you if you want variety. Djeu Island gives you a change of scene, while snorkeling offers an option for getting in the water. It also works well for couples looking for a relaxed shared outing rather than a full day of organized stops.

The winter version suits wildlife watchers and anyone willing to be patient. You might see whales from far away, or you might get a remarkable view of a mother and calf. You should be comfortable with uncertainty and able to appreciate the sailing even if the animals stay out of range.

Most people can participate, according to the activity information, but you should be comfortable with a beach transfer by dinghy and time aboard a boat. The tour does not provide a hotel taxi, and bar drinks are not included, so plan those costs in advance.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Check the season before booking. Summer and winter offer different experiences, with Djeu Island and snorkeling in summer, and whale watching in winter.

Keep your expectations realistic. The crew works to approach whales respectfully, but wild animals decide where they go. A distant sighting is possible, and no sighting is also possible.

Pack for sun, wind, and water transfer. A secure bag is sensible for phones and valuables, especially during the ride from the beach to the catamaran.

If you hope to snorkel, confirm the equipment arrangements before departure. The supplied information confirms the activity, but it does not specify all snorkeling gear.

Finally, leave room in your schedule. The advertised duration is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, and the outing includes two 15-minute dinghy transfers. Weather can also affect the timing.

Should You Book the CatVerde Catamaran?

Book it if you want a small, comfortable sailing trip with a friendly local captain, room aboard, and a seasonal choice between Djeu Island and humpback whales. The strongest reasons to go are the eight-person limit, Marc’s attentive style, and the chance to see the bay at a slower pace.

Skip it if you need guaranteed wildlife, a large selection of onboard facilities, or a tightly timed sightseeing program. Whales may remain distant, and summer snorkeling depends on conditions.

For most visitors who value calm sailing over spectacle, this is a good use of half a day in Boa Vista. I would choose the summer version for flexibility and the winter version for the possibility of a truly memorable whale encounter.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The meeting point is 53CP+W3F in Sal Rei, Cabo Verde. The first part of the trip includes a dinghy transfer from Praia do Estoril to the catamaran.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. The itinerary includes about 15 minutes for the transfer to the catamaran, three hours for the main activity, and 15 minutes for the return transfer to the beach.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran takes a maximum of eight travelers. Some departures may operate with fewer people, including six-person groups.

What happens during the summer trip?

In summer, you sail around Boa Vista Bay and stop at Djeu Island. You can use the stop for snorkeling or relax on the island or aboard the catamaran.

What happens during the winter trip?

In winter, the outing focuses on whale watching. The crew tries to approach whales under sail to show respect for the animals.

Are food and drinks included?

Coffee, tea, a drink, and fruit are included. Drinks purchased from the bar are not included.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. A taxi from your hotel is not included. The activity begins and ends at the stated meeting point, with dinghy transfers between Praia do Estoril and the catamaran.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If bad weather or an insufficient number of participants cancels the experience, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.