Big fish hunting starts at Sal Rei pier. This big game fishing in Boa Vista is built for action, with a boat set up for finding fish fast, plus a local captain who can steer you toward the right spots and share technique tips as you go.

What I like most is the tech and the human help: you’ll be on a GPS, marine radio, and fishing radar-equipped 7m boat, and the crew can guide you on how to fish once you’re in the right area. One thing to budget for up front, the taxi from some hotels is not included (example given: €50 from Hotel Riu Touareg).

Key highlights to know before you go

• Radar and GPS on a 7m boat help the crew locate promising fishing grounds.
• Local captain coaching means you are not just sitting there hoping.
• Slow trolling in open water is the rhythm for chasing blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna.
• Private group, up to 3 people keeps the day feeling personal.
• Catch is handled on the spot with release or sale at the fish market.
• Bring a plan for getting to Te Manché since the taxi may cost extra.

How the Sal Rei big game trip actually plays out in 5 hours

This is a half-day fishing mission, designed to get you onto the water early and keep the day focused. You start at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei, and the trip is about 5 hours total. The pace is not rushed, but it is not “look at the sea and hope.” The plan is to get to productive areas, fish while conditions allow, and work the day with a captain who knows how to read the water.

The trip also feels efficient because you are not dealing with a huge shared schedule. It is a private tour, meaning only your group goes out together (up to 3 people), so there is less waiting around and more hands-on time. That matters on fishing days, where small timing changes can make a difference.

Meeting at Te Manché: timing, pickup, and the easy handoff to the boat

Your start point is Avenida dos Pescadores, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, with the activity set to begin at 8:00 am. The experience ends back at the meeting point, so you do not have to worry about a complicated return.

Pickup is offered, and the overall handoff to the boat is clearly meant to be smooth. One review highlighted that pickup arrived right on time and dropped the group exactly where they needed to be to transition onto the boat. That is the kind of detail that saves your day when you are trying to start fishing on schedule.

One practical thing to plan for: the taxi may be separate from the trip price. The information provided gives an example, a €50 taxi fee from Hotel Riu Touareg. Even if your hotel is different, assume you might need to arrange transport to the pier, especially early in the morning.

The boat setup: 7m, radar, and why the gear matters on the water

You will be on a 7m boat described as about 22 feet long, and it is built for fishing rather than sightseeing. The big deal is what is installed onboard:

• GPS
• Marine radio
• Fishing radar
• Front sun deck

Here is why that matters for you. When you are targeting blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna, the goal is to be in the right place when fish are feeding. Radar and GPS are what help the crew search efficiently instead of guessing. Marine radio is what supports communication during the day, especially if conditions shift and the crew needs to coordinate adjustments quickly.

Also, the boat is small enough to feel like a real fishing trip, not a cruise. On the other hand, that size can also mean it feels more “sea-day” if the water is choppy. The trip notes say you should have moderate physical fitness, so think about your comfort with movement aboard a working boat.

Sailing from the bay to open water: where the fishing starts

Once you depart from Te Manché, you sail through the bay and harbor area before heading to the open sea. This transition is more than just getting out of town. In many fishing zones, the early stretch helps the crew line up routes, check conditions, and then move to areas where big game fish are more likely.

When the open sea portion begins, that is when the fishing starts in earnest. The style you’ll use is trolling at low speed. That is a deliberate approach for chasing larger pelagic species, and it fits the way the trip is described: steady, controlled movement while the team looks for bites.

Chasing blue marlin, wahoo, tuna, and what you might land

The headline targets are clear: blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. But fishing is fishing, so your real experience will depend on what is around that day and where the captain places the boat.

One useful data point from past trips: a group doing speed jigging in Boa Vista reported catching around 9 amberjack during the day. That is not the same as marlin or tuna, but it shows two important things:

1) the crew can get you into fish-holding areas, and

2) the trip is flexible enough to work with what is available.

So, if your heart is set on a blue marlin, you are buying into that chance. If your goal is also “catch something solid and learn how,” this type of outing can deliver that too, because the crew actively checks conditions and fishing prospects rather than just taking you to one spot and hoping.

Captain coaching and fishing technique advice that actually helps

This is not a hands-off day. The captain and crew are described as experienced, and you are given advice about fishing techniques and strategies. That matters a lot if you are new to big game fishing, because the difference between a frustrating day and a productive one is often how your lure or bait is presented and what you do once you feel action.

The general rhythm you should expect is:

• the crew locates fishing spots using onboard tech and local judgment
• the boat trolls through the water at low speed
• you fish with guidance on technique
• the crew helps you adjust as the day goes

One review called out that the crew brought the group to the spots and seemed confident about where fish were, with an organized feel throughout. Another highlighted the crew and first mate as strong at the job, with the day running smoothly from pickup to being out on the water. That is exactly the kind of competence you want when the line is out and you are trying to stay calm and focused.

Catch handling: release back to sea or sale at the fish market

Here is a key detail about what happens if you land a fish. The information provided says caught fish are either:

• released back into the sea, or
• sold at the fish market

That tells you the trip is not only about “bring home the biggest trophy.” It can also be about responsible handling and using what can be sold. For you, it also means you should be ready for a process where the crew manages the catch right there, rather than leaving all the next steps up to you.

If you are hoping for a specific outcome, like bringing fish home, that expectation is not guaranteed based on the provided information. The best mindset is: enjoy the fight, follow the crew’s lead, and trust their handling process.

Price and value: $571.34 per group up to 3, and what you are really paying for

The price is $571.34 per group for up to 3 people. That is not cheap per person if you compare it to shared excursions. But it is a different deal category: you are paying for a private boat day plus a crew focused on fishing.

Here is the value math that usually matters on trips like this:

• If you go as a full group of 3, you are effectively paying about $190 per person.
• If you go as 1 or 2 people, the per-person cost rises, but you still keep the privacy and full attention of the boat crew.

You also start early and go out with a properly outfitted boat, not a basic charter with no real detection gear. The GPS, marine radio, and fishing radar are the kind of items you want when the goal is big game. In other words, you’re paying for an outing built to hunt fish, not just ride the sea.

If you plan to book, the average booking window provided is 44 days in advance, which suggests many people set this up ahead of time. That does not mean you cannot find availability later, but if you have specific dates, earlier planning is smart.

Weather, sea conditions, and practical tips for comfort

This experience runs with a weather requirement. The notes say it requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Even with good weather, fishing days can be bouncy. So I recommend you plan like it is a boat day, not a beach day:

• wear shoes with solid grip
• dress in layers for morning wind
• protect yourself from sun while you are underway and waiting

If you are prone to motion sickness, have your usual remedy ready. The tour notes mention moderate physical fitness, which is less about hiking and more about being able to handle movement aboard a working boat.

Who this trip fits best in Boa Vista

This outing is a good fit if you:

• want real big game fishing chances, not just casual line-casting
• care about the crew using modern fish-finding tech
• prefer a private setup for your group
• are okay with a half-day schedule that starts at 8:00 am

It is also a nice option for mixed groups with different fishing skill levels, because the captain provides technique and strategy advice. One review mentioned a trip enjoyed by a family with teenagers, which signals the day can work beyond hardcore anglers, as long as everyone can handle the boat routine and early start.

Should you book this Boa Vista big game fishing trip?

Book it if you want a serious shot at blue marlin, tuna, or wahoo and you like the idea of a crew using radar, GPS, and local expertise to find fish. The private group format, the early departure, and the hands-on coaching are the big reasons this can feel worth it.

Skip it or consider alternatives if you cannot handle boat movement, if your transport to Te Manché is uncertain (since a taxi like the €50 example may be extra), or if weather timing is tight. Because the trip depends on good conditions, it is best if you can be flexible with dates.

If you are looking for a half-day that feels like actual fishing work with a good chance of action, this is one of the stronger picks in Boa Vista.

FAQ

What time does the big game fishing trip start in Boa Vista?

The tour starts at 8:00 am.

How long is the boat fishing experience?

It runs for approximately 5 hours.

What is the price, and how many people is it for?

It costs $571.34 per group and is for up to 3 people.

Where do we meet the boat in Sal Rei?

Meet at Avenida dos Pescadores, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde. The trip ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered.

Are transportation costs included, like a taxi from hotels?

Taxi fee is not included in the price. An example given is a €50 taxi fee from Hotel Riu Touareg, payable upon arrival at the pier.

What fish are you targeting?

You’re chasing big game fish such as blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is it a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour or activity, and only your group participates.