Catamaran Sailing Tour or Whale Watching at Boa Vista

The best part of this Boa Vista outing is its small scale. CatVerde takes no more than eight people, giving you room to stretch out on a 13-meter catamaran rather than sit shoulder to shoulder. In summer, you sail across Sal Rei Bay and stop at Djeu Island. In winter, the plan changes to searching for humpback whales under sail.

I like the quiet pace and the chance to combine several simple pleasures: sailing, snorkeling, an island stop, and time on the water. I also like the thoughtful approach to whales, with the crew using sails where possible to limit disturbance. The main consideration is nature itself. Whales may stay far away, weather can cancel the trip, and the summer and winter programs are quite different.

Key points at a glance

• Eight-person maximum: You get generous space on the 13-meter catamaran and a calmer feel than on a large excursion boat.
• Two seasonal experiences: Summer brings Djeu Island and snorkeling; winter is dedicated to whale watching in Sal Rei Bay and beyond.
• Beach-to-boat transfer: You reach the catamaran from Praia do Estoril by dinghy, then return the same way.
• Marc and the CatVerde crew: The trip has a personal, sea-minded feel, with attention to comfort and respectful whale approaches.
• Simple refreshments included: Coffee, tea, another drink, and fruit are provided, while bar drinks cost extra.
• A real wildlife outing: Humpback sightings are possible in winter, but no close encounter can be promised.

A small catamaran makes a big difference

At $84.92 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a few hours in Boa Vista. The value comes from the limited group size and the amount of room that goes with it. With a maximum of eight people, you are paying for a more peaceful boat day, not simply transportation around the bay.

That matters on a catamaran. You can move around, find a comfortable place to sit, and enjoy the open water without a crowd pressing in. The boat is 13 meters long, large enough for a relaxed half-day outing but still personal enough for the captain and crew to keep an eye on everyone.

The tone is easygoing rather than rushed. The trip lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including the two short dinghy transfers between the beach and the catamaran. That leaves roughly three hours for sailing and the main activity, a useful length for a morning or afternoon without taking over your whole day.

Starting at Praia do Estoril

Your meeting point is given as 53CP+W3F, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, with the activity beginning at Praia do Estoril. From the beach, a dinghy carries you out to the catamaran. At the end, you make the same short transfer back to shore.

This is worth knowing before you arrive. You are not walking straight from a dock onto the boat. The beach transfer is part of the experience, so wear clothing and footwear that can handle getting onto a small boat. The supplied information does not specify hotel pickup, and a taxi from your hotel is not included.

The meeting area is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying around Sal Rei. Still, leave enough time to find the beach meeting point and arrive ready for the transfer. The operator confirms bookings within 48 hours, subject to availability, so do not assume a last-minute reservation is guaranteed.

Summer sailing around Sal Rei Bay

In summer, the outing focuses on sailing around Boa Vista Bay. This is the more varied version of the trip, with a stop at Djeu Island, time for snorkeling, and the option to stay aboard and relax.

The sailing itself is the main event, not just a way to get from one stop to another. You get to feel the boat move under sail and see Sal Rei from the water. That change of viewpoint is useful because the bay, beaches, and low islands take on a different character when you are offshore.

The crew stops at Djeu Island for a transfer onto the island. You can explore on land, or choose to remain on the catamaran for a quieter break. There is also access to snorkeling, although the available details do not promise particular fish, visibility, or equipment conditions. Treat snorkeling as an opportunity rather than the sole reason to book.

Reports from the outing include time around a shipwreck, turtles in the bay, and a beautiful sunset on some departures. These sightings are not guaranteed, but they show the range of things that may fill the afternoon when conditions cooperate. The appeal is the mix: you are not locked into one activity for three hours.

Djeu Island is also a good reason to choose this trip over a basic harbor cruise. You get a brief change of scene, a chance to step off the boat, and time to decide how active you want to be. If you would rather listen to music, eat fruit, and watch the bay, the boat remains your base.

Winter whale watching under sail

In winter, the program changes. Instead of visiting Djeu Island, the crew searches for whales. The boat uses sails when possible to approach with more respect for the animals, which is an important part of the experience rather than a minor detail.

Humpback whales have been seen on these trips, including a pair of whales, a distant breach, and a mother with a calf coming to the surface at roughly 30 meters. Those examples show what is possible, but they also show why you should keep expectations sensible. One outing may produce a memorable sighting, while another may only offer a distant view or no close encounter.

A whale-watching trip is controlled by the animals, not the schedule. You may spend time scanning the water and waiting. That can feel slow if you want constant action, but it is the honest nature of wildlife watching. The crew cannot promise a breach, a close pass, or a particular number of whales.

The small boat works well for this kind of outing because the group is limited and the crew can look after people more easily. You have room to watch from different positions, and the captain can keep the atmosphere calm. The supplied information does not state whether binoculars are provided, so bring your own if you have them.

Marc’s personal style and the onboard atmosphere

Marc is identified as the captain, and the experience has a personal character rather than a large commercial-boat feel. The crew takes care of the practical details while keeping the mood relaxed. That includes serving coffee, tea, another included drink, and fruit during the trip.

Music is part of the atmosphere on some outings. One account describes refreshing fruit, good music, and a relaxed feel, while another points to a peaceful afternoon with plenty of space. If you want a silent nature excursion, music may be worth considering. If you enjoy an informal boat day with a bit of rhythm, it should fit well.

The strongest feature is comfort. One departure had only six people aboard, even though the stated maximum is eight. That leaves plenty of room to sit, look out over the water, and avoid the cramped feeling that can spoil a boat trip.

The crew’s approach also seems suited to people who prefer a gentle outing over a packed activity schedule. You may snorkel, visit Djeu, look for whales, or simply sit under sail. The activity is flexible within the limits of the day and the season.

What the $84.92 price includes

The $84.92 price covers the catamaran trip, dinghy transfers from Praia do Estoril, and coffee, tea, another drink, and fruit. It does not cover drinks from the bar or transportation from your hotel.

I think the price makes the most sense if you value space and a small group. A larger boat may offer a lower price, but it may also mean more people competing for the best view and less contact with the crew. Here, the cost supports a slower, more comfortable format.

For a summer booking, you are paying for several linked experiences: sailing, a Djeu Island stop, possible snorkeling, and time to relax aboard. For a winter booking, the value depends more heavily on your interest in whales and your willingness to accept an uncertain result.

If your only goal is to guarantee a close whale sighting, no responsible operator can offer that. If you want a well-paced morning or afternoon on the sea, with the possibility of a memorable wildlife encounter, the price is easier to justify.

What to bring and how to prepare

Keep your plans simple. You will need to transfer between the beach and the catamaran by dinghy, so avoid bringing bulky luggage. Wear clothes suitable for a boat and bring anything you normally need for time in the sun, although the supplied information does not specify what sun protection or other equipment is provided.

For summer, consider bringing a swimsuit and a towel if you plan to snorkel or spend time near the water. The operator confirms access to snorkeling, but the details do not say whether equipment is included, so ask before booking if that matters to you.

For winter, bring patience. Whale watching involves waiting and scanning rather than constant movement. A light layer may also be useful, but no specific clothing guidance is provided. If you are sensitive to motion, ask the operator about current conditions before departure.

The included fruit and drinks are welcome, but they are not described as a full meal. Plan accordingly if you need more substantial food during the day. Bar drinks are available at an additional cost.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would choose this trip for someone who wants a half-day on the water without a crowd. It suits couples, friends, and families who can manage a boat transfer and want a mix of activity and downtime.

Summer is the better match if you want variety. You can sail, explore Djeu Island, try snorkeling, and return to the boat whenever you prefer. It also suits anyone who would rather enjoy the bay than spend the day waiting for wildlife.

Winter is best for people who are genuinely interested in whales. You need to accept that sightings may be distant or absent. The reward, when it comes, can be extraordinary: a breach in the distance or a mother and calf surfacing close enough to watch clearly.

This may not suit you if you need a fixed, tightly timed schedule or guaranteed attractions. Weather affects the outing, and the whale program depends on animal behavior. It is also less suitable if you dislike transfers from a beach to a boat or want hotel pickup included.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied details, and the meeting area is near public transportation. However, no specific accessibility information is given, so contact CatVerde if you have mobility needs or concerns about the dinghy transfer.

Timing, weather, and cancellation

The total experience takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The main time on the water is listed as three hours, with approximately 15 minutes for the transfer out and 15 minutes for the return.

Good weather is required. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time in Boa Vista.

Should you book the CatVerde catamaran?

Book it if you want a personal, comfortable outing with a small group and you like the idea of letting the sea set the pace. Summer offers the fuller mix of sailing, Djeu Island, snorkeling, and relaxation. Winter offers a more focused chance to see humpback whales while the crew uses sails to limit disturbance.

I would be especially inclined to book for the generous space, the flexible rhythm, and the chance to see details such as turtles or a wreck along the way. I would not book it expecting a guaranteed close whale encounter or a fully catered day.

Before paying, check which seasonal program is operating and confirm any snorkeling equipment details that matter to you. If those points fit your plans, $84.92 is a fair price for a quiet small-group boat experience around Boa Vista.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The meeting point is at 53CP+W3F, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, with the beach departure at Praia do Estoril.

How do I get from the beach to the catamaran?

A dinghy transfers you from Praia do Estoril to the catamaran. The return transfer to the beach is also included.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. This includes two transfers of about 15 minutes each and roughly three hours for the main outing.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum is eight participants. Some departures may have fewer people.

What happens during the summer program?

The summer program includes sailing around Boa Vista Bay, a stop at Djeu Island, and access to snorkeling or time to relax aboard the catamaran.

What happens during the winter program?

The winter program focuses on whale watching. The crew tries to approach whales under sail for a more respectful encounter with the animals.

Are drinks and food included?

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

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. A taxi from your hotel is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.