Catamaran Sailing Tour or Whale Watching at Boa Vista

The best part of this Boa Vista outing is its small scale. CatVerde limits the boat to eight people, so you get room to sit, stretch out, and watch the water without feeling packed together. In summer, the trip mixes gentle sailing with Djeu Island, snorkeling, and time aboard. In winter, the focus shifts to humpback whales.

I like the quiet pace and the fact that the boat uses its sails when approaching whales. I also like the variety: you might see a shipwreck, turtles in the bay, and Djeu Island in summer, while winter brings the chance to see whales in the open sea. The main consideration is nature’s lack of a timetable. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, and even a successful trip may involve seeing whales from a distance.

Key points to know before booking

• Small boat, maximum eight people: You get noticeably more room than on a large group cruise.
• Two very different seasonal trips: Summer means sailing, Djeu Island, and snorkeling. Winter is for whale watching.
• A 13-meter catamaran: The boat offers space to sit comfortably while under sail.
• Whale watching is respectful: The crew tries to approach using sails rather than relying heavily on the motor.
• About 3 hours and 45 minutes: Allow time for the beach transfers at Praia do Estoril.
• Coffee, tea, a drink, and fruit are included: Bar drinks and a taxi from your hotel cost extra.

Starting at Praia do Estoril and boarding by dinghy

Your outing begins at Praia do Estoril, where a dinghy transfers you from the beach to the catamaran. This first step matters because the boat does not simply pull up to a conventional dock for an easy walk-on boarding. Plan for a short beach-to-boat transfer, and wear clothing that can handle a little spray.

The transfer is listed as taking about 15 minutes. That time forms part of the overall experience, not just a technical connection between shore and boat. You begin with the beach, move out across the water in the small tender, and then settle aboard the larger catamaran.

The meeting point is given as 53CP+W3F in Sal Rei, with the activity ending back there after the return transfer. A taxi from your hotel is not included, so you need to arrange that part yourself. The meeting point is near public transportation, which may help if you are staying in or around Sal Rei.

I would arrive ready for a relaxed half-day on the water rather than treating this as a tightly timed sightseeing transfer. The tour itself lasts about three hours, with roughly 15 minutes listed for each beach transfer, for an overall duration of approximately three hours and 45 minutes.

Summer sailing in Sal Rei Bay and a stop at Djeu Island

In summer, the catamaran sails through Boa Vista Bay near Sal Rei. The outing is not built around a long list of attractions. Instead, the pleasure comes from the movement of the boat, the open water, and the chance to spend time in a calm setting without rushing from one stop to the next.

The main stop is Djeu Island. Depending on conditions and the way the day develops, you can transfer onto the island, snorkel, or remain on the catamaran and relax. That choice is useful. You do not have to turn the excursion into an active beach day if you would rather sit in the shade, listen to music, and watch the bay.

The island visit gives the trip a little more shape than a simple sail out and back. You get time on land as well as time under sail, and the change of setting helps break up the three-hour stretch on the water. At the same time, you should not expect a long guided island tour based on the information available. Djeu Island is presented as a stop for exploring, snorkeling, or relaxing rather than a formal cultural visit.

Snorkeling access is included as an option, but the tour details do not promise particular marine life or describe the equipment. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, confirm the practical details with CatVerde before departure. If it is a bonus within a broader sailing day, the arrangement looks more flexible.

The bay can also provide extra sights. One account of the outing included a shipwreck, turtles swimming in the water, and a sunset. Those sightings are not guaranteed, and the sunset depends on the departure time and conditions, but they show why keeping your attention on the water pays off. Bring a camera if you want one, but leave room to enjoy the view without watching the whole trip through a screen.

Winter whale watching under sail

Winter changes the character of the experience. Instead of stopping at Djeu Island, the crew goes looking for whales from the catamaran. The focus is on humpback whales, and the boat uses its sails when trying to approach them in a way that gives the animals more respect.

That approach is important. Whale watching is not a performance with a guaranteed close pass. The crew can search, position the boat, and wait, but the whales decide what happens next. One outing produced distant sightings, while another included a mother and calf surfacing about 30 meters away. These different results are both normal for a wildlife trip.

You may see a whale breach, a back, or a blow before it disappears again. You might also spend a good part of the trip searching without a close encounter. That uncertainty is the price of seeing wild animals, and it is worth understanding before you book. If you need a guaranteed photo opportunity, this is not the right activity.

I like that the experience does not treat distance as failure. The crew’s stated aim is to approach by sail during winter, and the trip is built around watching rather than chasing. A close sighting can be unforgettable, but even a more distant view still gives you a chance to see humpback whales in the wild.

The review score is 4.3 from 14 ratings, with strong praise for the crew’s care and the comfort of the boat. Several comments describe the crew as attentive, friendly, and respectful toward the animals. Captain Marc is named in the comments, while another response refers to Mark. The safe takeaway is that Marc is the captain or principal crew member associated with the experience, but the exact crew lineup may vary.

Why the eight-person limit changes the day

The maximum of eight people is one of the clearest reasons to consider this trip. A small group means more open seating and less competition for the best view. It also helps the outing feel personal rather than like a standard boat transfer with a crowd.

One departure had only six people aboard. That gives you a useful sense of what the boat may feel like in practice, though the number can change. The 13-meter catamaran has enough room for a relaxed half-day, and the limited capacity supports the tour’s promise of extra comfort and space.

A small group can also make it easier to ask questions or speak with the crew. The atmosphere described in the available comments is informal, with music, fruit, and time to settle into the pace of the boat. This is a good fit if you want conversation and personal attention without booking a private charter.

There is one tradeoff. With a small operation, the experience may depend more on the day’s weather, sea conditions, and minimum booking numbers. The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

What is included, and what you still pay for

The price is $84.92 per person. For a trip of nearly four hours with a small group, a catamaran, crew, beach transfers, and either a sailing and island outing or a whale search, I consider that a reasonable mid-range price for Boa Vista.

Value depends on your season. In summer, you are paying for a combination of sailing, a Djeu Island stop, possible snorkeling, and time to relax. In winter, you are paying for a wildlife search in a comfortable small-group setting. The winter trip is harder to judge by the number of sightings because whales are wild and unpredictable.

Included refreshments are coffee, tea, a drink, and fruit. Drinks from the bar are extra, as is transport from your hotel. I would bring water unless you are certain the included drink will be enough, especially if you plan to spend time in the sun. The details do not specify a full meal, so do not book this expecting lunch.

The value is strongest for people who care about space and a peaceful atmosphere. If your main goal is the cheapest possible whale trip, a larger boat may cost less. If you want a comfortable boat with no more than eight people, this price is easier to justify.

The mood on board: music, fruit, and open water

This is not presented as a high-energy party cruise. The tone is relaxed, with music, fruit, and time to sit under sail. One particularly positive account described the combination as refreshing and easygoing, with music adding to the atmosphere rather than taking over the day.

That makes the trip suitable for couples, small groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a calm outing. Families may also find it workable because most people can take part, though the operator does not provide a detailed child policy in the information available.

The crew’s care is another strong point. Comments describe Marc and his colleague as attentive and focused on looking after people aboard. On a whale trip, that matters because you may spend time waiting and scanning the horizon. A crew that keeps people informed and comfortable can make a quiet period feel worthwhile.

You should still prepare for the basics of being at sea. The tour uses a dinghy for the shore transfer, and conditions can affect the experience. Wear practical clothing, protect yourself from the sun, and bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool in the wind. These are sensible precautions for any boat trip, even though the operator does not list a formal packing guide.

Who will enjoy this Boa Vista boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you value a slower pace and a small group more than a long list of scheduled stops. The outing gives you time to sit, watch, and enjoy the water. Summer offers the widest mix of activities, while winter gives you a focused chance to see humpback whales.

It is especially suitable for:

• You want a more personal boat trip with no more than eight people.
• You like the idea of sailing rather than spending the whole time under motor.
• You want a choice between snorkeling, exploring Djeu Island, and relaxing aboard in summer.
• You are willing to accept uncertain results on a whale-watching trip.
• You prefer a half-day outing rather than a full-day cruise.
• You appreciate a crew that tries to keep its distance and respect wildlife.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed close whale sightings, a full meal, hotel pickup, or a fully structured guided tour of Djeu Island. Those features are not promised here.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is usually booked about 19 days ahead, so reserving early is sensible if your dates are fixed, especially in winter whale season.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time in Boa Vista.

Bad weather can cancel the outing. In that case, CatVerde offers another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. This policy gives you useful protection, but keep some flexibility in your schedule if the boat trip is a priority.

Should you book the CatVerde catamaran trip?

I would book this if you want a small, comfortable sailing experience with a real chance of seeing more than one side of Boa Vista’s coast. Summer is the safer choice if you want variety: sailing, Djeu Island, possible snorkeling, and relaxed time aboard. Winter is the better choice if seeing humpback whales is your main aim, provided you accept that sightings may be distant or may not happen at all.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the eight-person limit, the 13-meter catamaran, the respectful whale approach, and the friendly service associated with Marc and his crew. The main limits are the lack of a guaranteed wildlife encounter, no hotel taxi, and no full meal included.

At $84.92, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. You are paying for space, a smaller group, refreshments, and a gentler pace. For me, that makes it a good choice for a relaxed half-day on the water, especially if you would rather sail with a few people than crowd onto a large excursion boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Praia do Estoril, with the listed meeting point at 53CP+W3F in Sal Rei, Cabo Verde.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy transfers you from Praia do Estoril to the catamaran. The transfer is listed as taking about 15 minutes.

How long does the experience last?

The total experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, including the beach transfers. The main time on the water is listed as about three hours.

What happens during the summer tour?

During summer, you sail in Boa Vista Bay near Sal Rei and stop at Djeu Island. You can transfer onto the island, access snorkeling, or relax aboard the catamaran.

What happens during the winter tour?

During winter, the trip focuses on whale watching. The crew tries to approach whales under sail to show more respect for the animals.

Are whale sightings guaranteed?

No. Whales are wild animals, so sightings can vary. The available information includes both distant sightings and a closer sighting of a mother and calf, but no encounter is guaranteed.

How many people can join the tour?

The activity has a maximum of eight participants. One departure had six people aboard.

What refreshments are included?

Coffee, tea, a drink, and fruit are included. Drinks from the bar are not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also lead to a different date or a full refund.