REVIEW · SNORKELING
Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue
Fresh fish on a private boat sounds simple, then it turns into a great day out. This tour combines fishing, a stop on Djeu, and a cooked-on-board BBQ lunch, with the captain sharing real-life stories from growing up in Boa Vista. The one thing to plan around is that rough seas can make snorkelling a no-go, so you may just switch to beach time.
I also like how it stays relaxed because you have the boat mostly to yourselves, with fishing rods and safety gear handled for you. Another plus is the fresh-food payoff, your lunch comes from the catch on the water. Expect a half-day on the move, then a chance to slow down and enjoy the coast.
In This Review
- Key Highlights to Know Before You Go
- Fishing Snorkeling and BBQ on a Boat You Actually Have to Yourself
- From Te Manché to Estoril, Then South for Fishing
- The Djeu Stop: Explore Ashore or Snorkel the Nearby Reef
- Why the BBQ Lunch Really Feels Like Part of the Trip
- Safety Gear and Fishing Rods, Plus How the Crew Runs the Day
- Price, Value, and the Taxi Detail You Should Watch
- Who This Private Tour Suits Best on Boa Vista
- What to Bring for a Smooth 5 Hours
- Should You Book This Fishing Snorkeling and BBQ Tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue tour?
- Is this tour private?
- Where does the tour start and where does it end?
- Is pickup included?
- Do you provide fishing rods and safety gear?
- Do you get time to snorkel?
- What is included in the barbecue lunch?
- How much does it cost?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key Highlights to Know Before You Go
- Your own private boat: only your group, not a mixed crowd
- Captain with local ocean know-how: he has lived in Boa Vista his whole life
- Fishing rods and safety gear provided: you are not hunting around for equipment
- Djeu island + nearby reef: you get time to explore ashore or snorkel
- Fresh fish BBQ lunch: grilled after fishing, so it is not a mystery meal
- Real-world guidance for sea conditions: snorkel plans can change if the water is rough
Fishing Snorkeling and BBQ on a Boat You Actually Have to Yourself

This is the kind of outing that starts to feel “vacation easy” once you see what private means. You board at the fishermen’s pier in Te Manché in Sal Rei, and after that it is your group living the day on the water. No waiting around for everyone else, no sharing space with a dozen strangers.
The core experience is classic: cast out the rods, catch what you catch, then head to Djeu. The twist is the BBQ lunch. Instead of eating something that could have come from anywhere, you eat fish that was caught on the trip. If you love food that tastes like it was made for you, that matters.
I also like that the captain is not reading from a script. He has lived in Boa Vista his whole life, so when he talks about the ocean and what to look for, it feels grounded in local knowledge. One recent booking specifically named the captain as Tuck and described the crew as attentive and on it, which matches the overall vibe here.
The reality check: snorkelling is part of the plan, but the ocean has opinions. If the sea is rough, you may have better results staying out of the water and focusing on the beach and the BBQ. That is not a deal-breaker, it is just the way boat days work.
From Te Manché to Estoril, Then South for Fishing

Your day has a simple rhythm, boat time first, then the island portion. The boat leaves from Te Manché, then cruises along the coast of Estoril and heads toward the south. That early sailing time matters because it builds the “we are actually out there” feeling. You are not just shuttled to a single spot.
When you reach the fishing area, it becomes hands-on. Fishing rods are provided, so you do not need to bring gear or figure out how to rig anything. The tour is structured for beginners as well, and at least one couple said it was their first time fishing and they still had a strong day with lots of different fish.
If you are sensitive to motion, this is where you plan for it. A 5-hour outing means more time on water than you might expect from “just a snorkel trip.” I recommend bringing whatever you use for seasickness if you are prone to it, even if the day ends up calm.
Also, pay attention to how you dress before you go. You will be on a boat, then on an anchor-and-landing stop, then back on the boat. Comfortable footwear that can handle wet conditions helps more than you would think.
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The Djeu Stop: Explore Ashore or Snorkel the Nearby Reef

Djeu is where the day shifts from fishing mode to island mode. Once the boat catches its fish and turns around, the anchor is thrown out, and you go ashore. You get time to explore the island, or you can snorkel at the nearby reef.
This is one of the best parts to be flexible about. Snorkelling sounds like it should be automatic, but the ocean is the boss. One featured experience described rough seas making snorkelling inadvisable, and the guests made the wise call to skip it. They still had a great day because they landed on a quiet, deserted-feeling beach and focused on relaxing.
So here is the practical way to think about Djeu:
- If conditions are good, you get a chance to snorkel and see what the water looks like from the surface.
- If conditions are rough, you still have shore time and a beach break.
Either way, this stop adds variety. Fishing days can turn repetitive, but Djeu gives you land time and a different pace.
One more thing I appreciate: the captain handles the schedule. You are not trying to negotiate timing with a crew or worry about whether your BBQ will happen. The plan is built around catching, anchoring, and then grilling the fish.
Why the BBQ Lunch Really Feels Like Part of the Trip

The BBQ is not an afterthought here. The fish is caught while you are out on the water, and then the captain grills it. That means your lunch feels connected to the day, not something dropped in to fill time.
Taste is obviously subjective, but there is a repeated theme in the feedback: people talk about how fresh the fish is and how it hits different compared with fish they usually eat. That tracks with the logic of it. Eating right after cooking makes the meal more flavorful, and it also adds a fun “we earned this” element.
In practical terms, do not plan to treat lunch like a snack. It is a proper meal cooked on board. If you tend to eat lighter on mornings, adjust so you are ready to enjoy a real BBQ lunch mid-day.
If you are picky about fish, this tour may still work if you are open to what the day brings. You do not choose the catch, you eat what the ocean gives you that day.
One small tip: bring a bit of sunscreen and plan for sun exposure during the sailing and beach portions. A meal that tastes great is even better when you are not distracted by a sunburn.
Safety Gear and Fishing Rods, Plus How the Crew Runs the Day

The tour includes safety gear on the boat, and fishing rods are provided. That removes two common stress points: you do not have to source equipment, and you do not have to guess whether safety is taken seriously.
The crew also seems to run a tight ship. Communication shows up in the feedback, with mention of a contact person texting before the tour to explain timing and what to expect, plus updates about taxi arrival. That kind of coordination matters because it reduces the “where are we supposed to be” moment.
In one described experience, the pickup and drop-off were handled via hotel transport, and a small group had the small boat setup. Even when the trip is small and private, it still needs a clear plan for getting you to the pier, and that is where good communication makes the difference.
If you like active days but hate chaos, this is a good match.
Price, Value, and the Taxi Detail You Should Watch

At $92.92 per person for about 5 hours, this is not a budget snack tour. Still, value is strong if you want three things in one package: fishing, time on Djeu, and a fresh BBQ lunch.
The biggest value lever is the privacy. You are not paying for a meal and a few minutes on the water and then sharing the experience with a large group. You get your own boat day feel, which tends to improve the whole vibe, especially if you are traveling as a couple, family, or small group.
There is one logistics note you should plan for: taxi fees may not be included depending on where you start. The specific example given is a €50 taxi fee from hotel Riu Touareg, not included in the tour price and payable upon arrival at the pier. Even if you are not staying at that hotel, it is smart to confirm how pickup works for your exact location.
Also, the tour shows pickup offered and group discounts. If you can travel with the right people, you may improve the overall value.
And a quick planning detail: this tour is often booked about 24 days in advance. That usually means it is not the kind of activity you want to leave until the last second if your dates are fixed.
Who This Private Tour Suits Best on Boa Vista

This fits best if you want an active, outdoorsy half-day that still ends with a proper meal.
I think it is a great choice for:
- Couples who want romance without the “dress up and pretend” energy
- Families who want a supervised activity with equipment provided
- First-timers who want fishing guidance without hunting gear or studying charts
- Food lovers who care that lunch is part of the fishing payoff
It might be less ideal if:
- You are strongly dependent on snorkelling and hate plan changes. Rough seas can affect whether snorkelling is advisable.
- You want a super long, slow beach day only. This includes sailing and fishing time, then a beach stop.
The upside is that even when snorkelling is skipped, you still get shore time and the BBQ. So it is not “all or nothing.”
What to Bring for a Smooth 5 Hours

The tour data does not list a full packing list, so I am going to stick to practical advice based on what the day includes: boat time, fishing, possible snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
Bring:
- Sunscreen and a hat for the sailing and Djeu time
- A light layer or cover-up if you get sun-sensitive
- Reef-safe swim gear if you plan to snorkel, or at least a plan B for beach-only time
- Water shoes or footwear that can get wet, especially for shore landings
- Your swimwear if you might snorkel or get in the water
If you get motion sickness, consider taking your usual prevention before you go. You will be on the water more than you might expect.
Should You Book This Fishing Snorkeling and BBQ Tour?
If you want a genuinely local-feeling day on Boa Vista with fishing, a Djeu stop, and a meal that is tied to the catch, I would book it. The private boat setup is a major part of the appeal, and the BBQ lunch is the kind of payoff that turns a half-day into a memory.
I would especially book if:
- Fresh fish BBQ is your idea of a perfect lunch
- You like hands-on activities more than passive sightseeing
- You enjoy the idea of a captain who knows the island and ocean personally
Skip or rethink if snorkelling is your top priority and you are sailing with zero tolerance for sea conditions changing. In rough water, the smarter move is usually to stay ashore and enjoy the beach instead.
Final thought: this is the sort of trip where the best version is fishing first, island time second, BBQ always. The sea decides the snorkel part, and the rest of the day still works.
FAQ
How long is the Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue tour?
It lasts about 5 hours.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
Where does the tour start and where does it end?
It starts at Avenida dos Pescadores, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde. The activity ends back at the meeting point.
Is pickup included?
Pickup is offered, but note that taxi fees can be separate depending on where you are staying. For example, a €50 taxi fee from hotel Riu Touareg is not included and can be paid upon arrival at the pier.
Do you provide fishing rods and safety gear?
Yes. Fishing rods are provided, and the boat is equipped with relevant safety gear.
Do you get time to snorkel?
You will have time to snorkel at the nearby reef while the captain grills the fish. If sea conditions are rough, snorkelling may not be advisable.
What is included in the barbecue lunch?
The captain grills the fish caught during the outing for your BBQ lunch.
How much does it cost?
The price is $92.92 per person.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather you will be offered another date or a full refund.
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