Sal Island: Catamaran cruises on Sal Island

Sal’s dry coast looks different from the water. On this catamaran trip, you leave Palmeira behind, watch Monte Leão come into view, and stop in Murdeira Bay for a swim in the open sea. The best moments are simple: sun on your face, clear water below the boat, and the island sliding past at an easy pace.

I like the coastline views and the chance to swim from a catamaran rather than from a crowded beach. I also like that snacks, drinks, music, dancing, and hotel transfer are included. The main caution is the mixed snorkeling experience. On one outing, diesel fumes in the cabin caused several people to feel sick, and snorkeling could not go ahead.

Key points to know before booking

• Monte Leão is the main swimming stop: The catamaran anchors near this distinctive coastal landmark for swimming and snorkeling.
• The journey begins at Palmeira port: It takes about an hour to reach the Murdeira Bay area, so much of the experience is spent enjoying the coast from the boat.
• The front nets offer a different view: You can lie above the water, dry in the sun, and watch the sea pass beneath you.
• Whale watching is seasonal: Keep your eyes open on the return trip, with the best chance from February through May.
• Food and drinks are included: Snacks and drinks are served onboard, along with music and dancing.
• The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users: Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Leaving Palmeira and finding your place on Bazov

Your day starts with hotel pickup, followed by boarding the catamaran Bazov at Palmeira port. The boat then heads along Sal’s west coast, giving you time to settle in before the swimming stop.

This first part is not rushed. Pick a place to sit, find a patch of sun or shade as available, and watch the coast recede. From the water, Sal’s shore takes on a different character. You are not simply looking at a beach or a road. You are watching the island’s edge unfold from a moving boat.

The trip is designed as a relaxed outing rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You will not be jumping from one stop to another. Instead, the boat ride itself is a large part of the experience, with drinks, snacks, music, and the chance to use the front nets.

I would think of this as a social boat day. Music and dancing make it more lively than a quiet sailing trip, while the open water and sun give it a holiday feel. If you prefer a small, silent boat with a guide explaining every headland, this may not be your ideal outing.

The hour-long cruise along Sal’s west coast

It takes about an hour to reach Murdeira Bay. That timing matters when you plan your day. You are buying more than a short swim stop, but you should also be comfortable spending a good stretch of time on the boat.

The views are the main reward during this crossing. Sal is known for its dry, open scenery, and the sea gives you a broad view of the coast. The boat lets you watch the shore slip away without the usual distractions of roads, buildings, or traffic.

You may want to apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding or early in the journey. The sun can feel strong on an open deck, and the trip includes a swim in the sea. A towel and swimwear are essential, while biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested because the bay is an important marine area.

There is no stated group size, so you should not assume an intimate private cruise. The experience is offered by Cabo Verde Time LDA and includes staff who speak Italian, English, Portuguese, and French. That language range is useful for an international group, though the information provided does not name an individual captain or guide.

Swimming near Monte Leão

The catamaran anchors near Monte Leão, a characteristic point along the coast. This is the heart of the outing. You can step into the open sea for a swim, and snorkeling is planned here as well.

The water near the boat is described as clear, making this a pleasant place to cool off and see what lies below the surface. Still, keep your expectations sensible. This is not presented as a dedicated snorkeling expedition with a long list of underwater sites. The focus is a refreshing swim, a little snorkeling, and time spent enjoying the boat.

The area is part of a marine nature reserve because of important populations of sea turtles and seabirds. That gives the stop added value. You are not only swimming in a scenic bay, you are spending time in a protected marine setting. It also means you should treat the water and wildlife with care, use biodegradable sunscreen, and avoid disturbing animals if you see them.

The swimming stop has an appealing lack of fuss. You can get in the water, return to the boat, or stretch out on the nets. If you do not want to swim, you can remain onboard and enjoy the view.

Stretching out on the catamaran nets

The nets at the front of the catamaran are one of the more distinctive features of the trip. They let you float above the sparkling water while the boat is stopped, or simply relax and dry off after swimming.

This is a good option for people who want the feel of the sea without spending all their time in it. You can lie back, watch the water through the netting, and let the boat become your sunbed. It also gives you a low, open view that you will not get from a regular seat.

Bring a towel for practical reasons, not just comfort. After swimming, the nets are a natural place to dry, but you will want something to sit on or wrap around yourself. If you burn easily, balance time in the sun with shade and cover. The information does not promise shaded seating, so do not count on the boat providing a cool retreat for everyone.

Snacks, drinks, music, and dancing onboard

The cruise includes snacks and drinks, which improves the value of the $70 price. You do not have to arrange a separate boat meal or worry about buying every drink during the trip. Hotel transfer is also included, adding convenience for anyone staying away from Palmeira.

The onboard mood is meant to be fun and easygoing. Music and dancing are part of the day, so this is not a formal sailing experience. You can swim, lounge, listen to music, and join in when the mood takes you.

The value depends on how you like to spend time at sea. If you want a full day with transport, a coastal cruise, a swimming stop, refreshments, and entertainment, $70 is a fair package. If you are mainly interested in snorkeling and expect a specialist underwater trip, the price may feel less convincing.

One practical concern deserves attention. A person on one outing reported a strong diesel smell in the cabin that caused several people to vomit, and the planned snorkeling did not happen. That does not prove you will have the same problem, but it is worth keeping in mind if you are sensitive to fuel smells or motion. If you feel unwell, staying in the open air may be more comfortable than remaining inside.

Watching for whales and dolphins on the return

The return journey offers a chance to look for whales and dolphins. The strongest period for whale sightings is February through May, so timing can make a real difference.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the trip should not be booked as a sure thing. Still, the open route gives you a chance to scan the sea as the boat heads back toward Palmeira. Keep your eyes moving across the water rather than staring at one fixed point.

A whale sighting can change the character of the day. One outing produced two whales, while another produced one. That is a memorable bonus, especially after a swim and a relaxed boat ride. Dolphins are also possible, but no particular species or sighting is promised.

If wildlife matters most to you, ask about current conditions and seasonal sightings before booking. If you would be happy with a good cruise even without animals, the trip is easier to recommend.

What the marine reserve adds to the experience

Murdeira Bay is more than a convenient place to anchor. The bay area is a marine nature reserve, noted for sea turtles and seabirds. That makes the stop feel connected to Sal’s natural environment rather than being only a swimming break.

You may not see a turtle or seabird during your visit, and no guided wildlife talk is specified. Even so, the protected status is useful context. It explains why care with sunscreen and behavior in the water matters.

For you, the main benefit is a swim in a place with genuine ecological importance. Keep the experience low-impact: use the requested biodegradable sunscreen, do not touch wildlife, and take nothing from the sea.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This boat trip suits you if you want a relaxed day on the water with several activities in one package. You can enjoy coastal views, swim, try snorkeling, lie on the nets, have refreshments, listen to music, and watch for marine life.

It is a good match for couples, friends, and families who enjoy a social atmosphere. The included transfer also helps if you do not want to organize your own route to Palmeira.

You should think twice if you need guaranteed snorkeling, dislike music and dancing, or feel unwell around boat fuel. The experience also is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should check carefully before booking.

Because no exact total duration is given, I would also avoid scheduling a tight activity immediately afterward. The crossing to Murdeira Bay takes about an hour, and the return includes the wildlife search. Give yourself room to enjoy the pace.

Practical preparation for a smoother day

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. You will want both for the Monte Leão stop and for time on the nets.

Use biodegradable sunscreen, as requested for the marine reserve. Reapply it during the day, especially after swimming. A dry layer for the ride back can also be useful, though only swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are specifically listed.

The boat provides snacks and drinks, but the exact choices are not stated. If you have strict dietary needs, confirm what is available before you go rather than assuming the snacks will suit you.

The languages offered are Italian, English, Portuguese, and French. That makes basic communication easier for many people, though the supplied details do not specify how much commentary you will receive during the cruise.

The cancellation policy is reasonably flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Sal plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Sal catamaran cruise?

I would book this trip if your priority is a pleasant day at sea rather than a highly technical snorkeling tour. The combination of the west coast cruise, Monte Leão swim, catamaran nets, refreshments, music, and possible whale sightings gives you plenty to enjoy for $70.

I would be more cautious if snorkeling is the main reason you are going. It is included in the plan, but one outing lost that part of the experience because of diesel fumes and seasickness. The strongest praise goes to the staff and the wildlife sightings, especially the two whales seen on one trip.

Book it for the boat ride, the swim, and the chance of seeing marine life. Bring your towel, protect yourself from the sun, and keep your expectations flexible. Sal’s sea is the star here, but the conditions can shape how much of the planned day you actually enjoy.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The catamaran departs from Palmeira port on Sal Island.

How long does it take to reach the swimming area?

It takes about one hour to travel from Palmeira port to the Murdeira Bay area near Monte Leão.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The captain anchors near Monte Leão, where you can swim in the open sea.

Is snorkeling included?

Snorkeling is part of the planned stop near Monte Leão. However, it may not always be possible, as conditions during one outing prevented the activity.

Can I use the catamaran nets?

Yes. The front nets are available for relaxing above the water and drying in the sun after swimming.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks and drinks are included in the cruise price.

When is the best time to look for whales?

Whales are especially likely to be seen from February through May, although sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.