Whales or snorkel, the same boat feel. This small-group catamaran ride from Sal Rei mixes sailing, island time, and wildlife encounters depending on the season.

I especially like the chance to relax under sail on a 13m catamaran, with room onboard because they cap the group at just 8. One thing to consider is that you are going to be riding the bay’s weather, and wildlife sightings do not come with a guarantee of being close.

You also get a real local-style guide presence, with captain Marc calling the shots and keeping the pace comfortable. I like the thoughtful mix of onboard extras (coffee/tea/drinks/fruit) plus optional time at Djeu Island for snorkeling or just chilling. The only drawback is simple, the winter whale option is about respectful sailing approach, so you should be ready for sightings that are sometimes best from a distance.

Key highlights (what makes this one work)

• Max 8 travelers for more space and a calmer vibe than big boat trips
• Season swap in Sal Rei: summer sailing to Djeu Island, winter whale watching
• Dinghy transfer included so you get out on the water without the hassle
• Respect-first whale approach using sails in winter for animal comfort
• Onboard refreshment pack with coffee, tea, drinks, and fruit included
• Djeu Island time with the choice of snorkeling or a relaxed break onboard

Catamaran sailing in Sal Rei: 13m comfort, not a cattle-pen

Boa Vista can feel like a beach-and-bus kind of place, so I love when an activity turns your day back into something slow and ocean-shaped. This one is built around a 13m catamaran and a maximum of 8 people, which changes everything. With fewer bodies onboard, you can actually move around, find shade, and settle in without feeling like you are fighting for space.

The tour runs about 3 hours 45 minutes total. That matters because you get a meaningful chunk of time on the water without the whole day vanishing. You also get a mobile ticket, which is handy when you are hopping between beach stops.

If you care about comfort and a friendly onboard pace, the small group is the main reason to pick this style of tour. If you are chasing a big-party atmosphere, you might find it quieter than you expect, but that is usually the point here.

Price and value: $84.92 is only fair if you use the included extras

At $84.92 per person, this is not a bargain you ignore. It is a mid-range activity. The value check is whether the day’s ingredients feel complete, and for most people they do.

Here is what you get that is hard to recreate on your own:

• Dinghy transfer (so you are not just stuck watching boats from shore)
• Coffee/tea/drinks/fruit included
• Two short beach transfers around the sail (your start and end are both at Praia do Estoril)
• A guided plan that switches between summer snorkeling/island time and winter whale watching

Add in the capped group size and the simple fact that a 13m catamaran is the kind of boat you want for comfort. You are paying for that whole package, not just a ride across the water.

One more practical note: the tour is often booked about 19 days in advance on average, so if you are traveling in peak season, it is smart to lock in earlier rather than assuming you can decide last minute.

Getting to the meeting point: simple start at Sal Rei

You meet at 53CP+W3F, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, and the activity ends back at that same meeting point. That round-trip matters. You are not scrambling to coordinate another ride afterward.

From there, the day is structured around a beach-to-boat approach. The catamaran does not just pick you up like a cruise ship. Instead, you get a dinghy transfer, which also keeps the plan flexible for the harbor conditions.

The itinerary calls for two 15-minute transfer segments at the beach. Those are short windows, but they are long enough to get you positioned without feeling rushed. If you hate waiting around, this format is usually pretty tolerable.

Stop 1, Praia do Estoril: the quick transfer that sets the tone

Your first stop is Praia do Estoril. You transfer from the beach to the catamaran, and your ticket is included. Expect about 15 minutes here.

Why this matters: the moment you switch from sand-level beach logistics to the catamaran world, your mindset changes. You move from I should do something today to I’m actually on the water. That sets the pace for the rest of the tour.

If you are the kind of person who likes to be ready early, arrive a few minutes before the stated meeting time so the transfer does not turn into a last-minute scramble.

Stop 2, Sal Rei bay: summer sailing to Djeu Island or winter whale watching

This is the heart of the trip. Stop 2 at Sal Rei runs about 3 hours, and it is where the season makes the experience feel different.

Summer plan: sailing in the bay plus Djeu Island time

In summer, you sail in Boa Vista bay and you do a stop for access to Djeu Island. From there, you get a transfer on the island and time for either:

• snorkeling, or
• relaxing onboard

That combination is smart because not everyone wants to snorkel for the whole time. Some people just want the water views and a quiet break from sun and sand. You can do both during the same 3-hour window, without the day turning into a strict schedule.

One neat detail from the experience notes is that the day can include small surprises around the waters near the bay, like a shipwreck sighting mentioned by some visitors, plus sea turtles in the water. You should not treat that as a promise every trip, but it helps explain why this part of the itinerary gets repeat praise.

Potential drawback in summer: if the sea is choppy, snorkeling comfort can vary. You might want to be honest with yourself about how you feel in moving water.

Winter plan: approach whales with sails and respect

In winter, the plan shifts to whale watching. The goal is to approach whales as much as possible, but in a respectful way. The tour uses sails during the approach so the presence of the boat is gentler than a motor-only pursuit.

The big practical takeaway: this is wildlife in the wild. You could see whales from a distance, or you might have a better window where they come nearer. In the experience feedback, some sightings were brief and far, while others were unforgettable, including reports of humpback whales visible in the wild and a mother and calf seen close enough to create that wow moment.

So, here is the real consideration: if you are booking solely for the fantasy of guaranteed close encounters, you may feel disappointed. If you are okay with nature doing its thing, you will likely enjoy the whole experience, even when the timing is subtle.

Either way, the captain style matters. Some feedback highlights Marc’s attentive way of running the boat and keeping everyone looked after, which helps on open water.

Dinghy transfer and onboard comfort: why small group makes the day better

The tour includes dinghy transfers, and that shapes the experience in a good way. Dinghies are used to move people between the beach area and the catamaran, so you are not stuck waiting for a big boat to dock perfectly.

What you feel onboard matters more than what you read on paper. With max 8 travelers, you get:

• easier movement around the boat
• more chance to find your own spot in the shade
• a calmer feel when everyone is doing the same thing together

And there’s another comfort factor many people appreciate: the catamaran itself. It is set up for sailing, and some visitors specifically call out relaxing under sail as the highlight, not just sightseeing.

If you are sensitive to motion, bring your comfort basics (water, sun protection, and something you know works for you). The itinerary is not a long open-ocean slog, but you are still out on the bay.

What is included on the boat: the little things that keep morale high

This tour includes coffee/tea/drink/fruit. That sounds small, but it changes the temperature of the day. You get a drink without having to think about it, and fruit is an easy snack when you are out in sun and wind.

It also means the tour is not asking you to spend money the second you step onboard. You only need to think about what you want from the bar if you choose to add more drinks, since drinks on bar are not included.

Timing and flow: a half-day that does not feel rushed

The overall duration is about 3 hours 45 minutes. With two beach transfer segments plus the main 3-hour block at Sal Rei, the pacing feels built for people who want a meaningful water experience without a full-day commitment.

Also, some feedback calls out punctual timing. That sounds boring, but on island days it is gold. When the boat time is steady, you can build your own day around it.

If you like planning with fewer moving parts, this tour is a good fit because it is straightforward: meet, transfer, sail and snorkel or whale watch, transfer back.

Who should book this catamaran tour at Boa Vista

This is a strong pick if you:

• want small group space on a real sailing boat
• like a plan that changes by season, so you get different experiences in different months
• want an active day without it being exhausting
• prefer respectful wildlife viewing over loud, high-speed chasing

It is also ideal for couples and small friend groups. When only 6 to 8 people are onboard, you can actually talk, hear the guide, and enjoy the sound of the sea without shouting.

If you are traveling with kids, this can work too since the tour is not listed as a restricted activity and “most travelers can participate.” Still, you should judge based on your own comfort with dinghy transfers and open water.

Should you book this tour or skip it?

Book it if you want a comfortable small-group catamaran day that gives you either Djeu Island snorkeling and island time (summer) or a respectful whale-watching approach (winter). The inclusion of dinghy transfers and onboard refreshment makes the price feel more justified, especially compared to doing everything separately.

Consider a different option if:

• you need a strict guarantee of close-up wildlife encounters in winter, or
• you hate any kind of transfer time at the start and end of an excursion

If you are flexible and you like the idea of spending a half-day in the sea with an attentive captain, this one is a solid choice for Boa Vista. The most consistent theme is simple: it feels personal, relaxed, and built around the water, not around a checklist.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Catamaran Sailing Tour or Whale Watching?

The tour lasts about 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.).

Does this tour do different activities in summer and winter?

Yes. In summer, you sail in Boa Vista bay and visit Djeu Island with time for snorkeling or relaxing onboard. In winter, the itinerary focuses on whale watching.

How many people are on the catamaran?

The tour limits the group to a maximum of 8 travelers.

What is included in the price?

Included are dinghy transfers and coffee, tea, drinks, and fruit.

What is not included?

Drinks from the bar are not included, and taxi from your hotel is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 53CP+W3F, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What if the tour is canceled due to weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.