Fish your lunch, then snorkel a quiet reef. This Sal Rei motor yacht day mixes bottom fishing for your BBQ and reef snorkeling from a small islet, plus a calm swim by an old fort. One clear consideration, if you are prone to seasickness, the boat ride and open water may not feel great.

I also like that the fishing part is not mandatory, so you can still enjoy the day on the sundeck and watch the line action without pressure. You get a full flow of stops, snacks, and swimming time, with cold drinks available throughout.

The big trade-off is weather. The itinerary can shift or cancel if conditions are rough, so plan on flexibility and pack sun protection and a light layer.

Quick Take

• Bottom fishing for your BBQ means your lunch can come from your own catch
• Snorkeling off a small islet gives you a focused reef stop instead of all-day wandering
• Bay of Chaves cruise time is built in, so you get real relaxation aboard
• Renovated fort + calm water swim makes the island stop feel more than just a beach break
• All-day drinks are included, from soda to beer and wine

Setting Off From Sal Rei, Then to the Water

This is a true half-day on the ocean, timed at about 6.5 hours total. You start with a van pickup from your hotel area, then head to Sal Rei port. From there, you board the motor yacht by dinghy, so it feels like a day trip with a bit of “water transfer” energy, not just hopping on a bus and stepping onto a big boat.

The day is guided in English and German, and the tour is set up to keep things moving. There is a clear meeting point at the gate by the hotel area entrance, near security. If you chose pickup at specific resorts, you still want to wait at the gate, and the drivers carry a name list.

Practical note: bring a light jacket even if it is sunny. Winds and spray are real on the sea, and a comfortable layer helps during the cruising and dinghy rides. If you are dealing with motion sickness, it is recommended to take medication in advance, and it is also available on the boat.

Bottom Fishing for Your BBQ, Without the Pressure

The highlight is the fishing stop: about 1 to 1.5 hours dedicated to bottom fishing. You will be given the fishing equipment, and the crew helps set you up so you are not flailing around. The goal is simple, catch fish for the beach BBQ later.

Here is the part that matters for your enjoyment: fishing is not a must. If you do not want to fish, you can still relax. You can watch others pull in the catch, read, or sunbathe on the sundeck. That flexibility is a big plus if you booked for the swimming and snorkeling, not for the tackle work.

What to expect, realistically, is not guaranteed fishing action. It is ocean fishing, and conditions vary. Still, the day is designed around using what is caught for the BBQ, and the BBQ is prepared on the island later, so your effort (or your spectator mode) ties into a fun payoff.

If you are prone to nausea, remember that fishing time often means you are stationary for a bit, which can help. But the boat still moves, so if you know your limits, protect yourself early.

Bay of Chaves Cruise Time: The Slow Part of the Day

After fishing, the schedule shifts from work to relax. You cruise inside the Bay of Chaves, and the point is to slow down and enjoy the views. This is where the day stops feeling like a checklist and starts feeling like a real outing.

You can stay on the sun deck, hang out in the shade, and sip cold drinks. Drinks are included all day, including Coca Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, white wine, and red wine. That matters because it reduces the “pay-per-hour” stress that can come with other boat tours.

Also, the boat setup is part of the comfort. One strong theme in positive feedback is that the trip stays practical, including toilet facilities on board. On a longish outing, that small detail can change your whole mood.

Snorkeling at the Small Islet Reef, Plus Dinghy Fun

The snorkeling stop is off the small uninhabited islet, with about 45 minutes for the reef. You get snorkeling gear, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. This is the kind of time box that works well: enough time to enjoy the reef, not so long that you lose the day to getting in and out of the water.

You start snorkeling around the reef from the boat area. The water here is described as calm in the island phase, and the snorkeling stop itself is one of the most praised parts of the day. If you want a straightforward reef experience without trying to manage a whole independent swim, this is a good match.

After snorkeling, you move by dinghy to the small island. That dinghy ride is short but adds to the “we are really going somewhere” feel. If you are traveling with kids or older adults, the dinghy transfer can still be fine, as long as everyone can handle stepping in and out carefully. Keep a towel ready, because you will get splashed even if you try to stay dry.

The Renovated Fort, Beach Swimming, and Island Time

Once you reach the small island, you get a chance to do more than just float in the water. You can visit an old renovated fort and then enjoy calm blue water for swimming.

This is a smart combination. The fort stop gives you a land-based change of pace, something to look at and photograph. Then the beach water gives you the easy reward: sit, wade, swim, and cool off without the churn of constant boat movement.

You also get about 2 hours on the island in total time built around the BBQ. That means you are not racing from one point to the next. You can take your time exploring the fort area, then return to the beach and relax.

One extra angle: some people have reported wildlife sightings during similar water time on this route, including a whale sighting. You cannot count on it, but it is a nice bonus possibility when the sea is clear and the boat is cruising thoughtfully.

Beach BBQ on the Sand: Fresh Fish Plus Options

The island is where the day pays off with the BBQ. The crew prepares food while you enjoy the beach. The meal includes freshly caught fish, rice, salad, and bread.

What I like about this setup is that it matches the earlier fishing segment. If you caught fish, your BBQ feels like a direct result of being out on the water. If you did not fish, you still get the same meal and the same island experience.

If you do not like fish, there is a plan. The operator says you can indicate your preference with the detailed confirmation, and the crew will bring meat instead. So you should not have to choose between booking the trip and sticking to your food preferences.

Also, the BBQ includes drinks, and those cold drinks on a hot day are not a small detail. They help you keep your energy up while you swim, dry off, and snack again.

Drinks All Day and Why That Matters

Boat days can get expensive fast if you have to buy everything on board. Here, drinks are included throughout the day, including non-alcohol options like Sprite Zero and soda, plus beer and wine.

That inclusion changes how you pace the day. You can snack, cool down, and stay comfortable through the snorkeling and island time. You are less likely to rush for shore because you are not hunting for water or paying for each round.

If you prefer to keep it light, stick to water and soda options and save the wine and beer for later on the island. It is your day, and the schedule gives you enough time to settle into it.

Guide Service, Group Size, and Vibe Checks

The tour runs with a guide who speaks German and English. The experience is generally described as well organized, with smooth communication and quick help if anything went off track.

There is also a useful lesson hidden in the mixed feedback: guide style can shape your day. One negative note described an unfriendly guide and a preference for German tourists. That does not invalidate the tour, but it is a reminder to go in with realistic expectations, especially if you care a lot about how people talk to you and how often they manage the group.

On the positive side, another review emphasized a team that did not feel like it was pushing tips, and that supports a more relaxed vibe. The snorkeling and BBQ seem to win most people over, regardless of guide personality.

Small-group comfort comes up too, with comments about having room on the boat. If you hate feeling packed in tight quarters, that matters. More space usually means easier movement to the sun deck and better viewing when you spot something interesting in the water.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Day

You can make this day much easier with the right basics. Bring:

• Hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Jacket
• Comfortable clothes

My tip: pack your sunscreen so you can reapply after snorkeling. Reef time and salt water can wipe it off quickly. Also, keep a small dry bag or pouch if you have one. You will likely go from sun to water to sand within hours.

If you are sensitive to motion, take your medicine early, before you feel sick. It is recommended in advance, and it is available on the boat, but starting early gives you the best chance.

Price and Value: Is $111 a Good Deal?

At about $111 per person for a 6.5-hour outing, this is not a “cheap boat ride” and not a “luxury charter” either. The value comes from what is bundled.

You are paying for:

• transfers to and from your accommodation area
• fishing equipment
• snorkeling gear
• the boat day experience with cruising time in the bay
• visit to a small island and the old renovated fort
• beach BBQ with fresh fish (or meat if you prefer)
• drinks all day long

When you add those together, it makes the price feel more reasonable. Many half-day tours charge extra for lunch, drinks, or gear. Here, the meal and drinks are part of the plan, and that is why the trip can feel like good value even if it is not the lowest price option.

The real “value test” for you is simple: do you want fishing plus snorkeling plus an island BBQ, all in one day? If yes, this price structure tends to make sense.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This day fits best if you want a balanced mix:

• water time (snorkeling and swimming)
• a hands-on activity (bottom fishing) without the pressure
• a proper sit-down meal on the beach

You should also like it if you prefer a guided plan that handles logistics, like equipment and transfers, while still giving you enough freedom to lounge.

Consider skipping or choosing a different option if:

• you are very prone to seasickness
• you expect a fully hands-off tour where you never need to step on or off boats and dinghies
• you want purely scenic cruising with zero fishing focus, since the day includes dedicated bottom fishing time

Should You Book This Boa Vista Motoryacht Fishing and BBQ?

If your ideal Boa Vista day includes snorkeling, swimming, and a beach BBQ that connects back to your time on the ocean, I think this one is worth booking. The structure is clear, the stops are varied, and the included drinks and BBQ reduce extra spending.

The two main reasons to hesitate are also clear. Weather can change the plan, and motion sickness can be an issue if you are sensitive. If you know you get queasy, take precautions early and consider bringing a jacket for comfort in windy moments.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether anyone in your group gets seasick. I can help you judge if this is a smart timing choice for calmer conditions and a smoother day at sea.

FAQ

Where do you meet for pickup?

You meet at the gate on the entrance to the hotel area, where security is located. The driver also has a name list.

Does the tour require me to go bottom fishing?

No. Bottom fishing is available, but it is not a must. You can choose to relax on the sundeck instead.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The snorkeling stop is about 45 minutes off the small islet.

How long do you spend on the island for the BBQ?

You have about 2 hours on the island, including the BBQ time.

What food is included in the BBQ?

The BBQ includes freshly caught fish, plus rice, salad, and bread. If you do not like fish, you can indicate a preference and meat will be provided.

What drinks are included during the trip?

Drinks are available all day, including Coca Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, and white and red wine.

What snorkeling and fishing gear is provided?

The tour includes fishing equipment and snorkeling gear.

What should I bring with me?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, a jacket, and comfortable clothes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The activity is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are not suitable.