Fishing, snorkeling, and BBQ in one smooth day. This motor yacht trip from Sal Rei mixes bottom fishing with a reef snorkel and a real beach meal afterward. I especially like the chance to catch your own fish and turn it into a BBQ on a small uninhabited island. One thing to think about: if you’re prone to seasickness, the open-water time may be an issue.

You also get a relaxed pacing that’s easy to enjoy. The sun-deck cruise inside the Bay of Chaves pairs well with the all-day drink setup, and many people like the practical onboard basics (including toilet facilities on the boat). If you want lots of action, it delivers; if you prefer to relax, you can keep it lower-key too—just plan around weather since the trip can shift or cancel in bad conditions.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Bottom fishing is optional, but the equipment and setup are taken care of for you
• Bay of Chaves cruise gives you time to chill on the sun deck with cold drinks
• Snorkeling gear is included, and you get a dedicated snorkel window around the reef
• A small uninhabited island stop includes a visit to an old renovated fort plus swimming time
• Beach BBQ with fresh ingredients including freshly caught fish, and a meat alternative if needed
• English and German guidance, with a team that focuses on smooth organization (Josie is named in one account)

Why this Boa Vista yacht day feels different from the usual boat tour

Most Boa Vista boat tours pick one big activity: either snorkeling or sailing or party-time on the water. This one builds a full day around hands-on experiences—fishing, then snorkeling, then BBQ—without turning it into a nonstop sprint. It’s a good format if you want variety without the stress of hopping between half a dozen locations yourself.

I also like that the tour doesn’t force you into fishing. You can stay on the deck, watch the process, and only jump in if you feel like it. That matters on a boat day, because your energy goes further when you control how active you are.

Finally, the island BBQ part is not just a snack. It’s a proper beach meal with sides—rice, salad, bread—and drinks with it. If food is a big part of why you travel, that’s a strong point.

Getting to Sal Rei: pickup timing and how boarding really works

Your day starts with a transfer from your accommodation to the port of Sal Rei. The van ride is short—about 20 minutes—and you’ll meet at the hotel area gate (where the security is located). If you picked an optional pickup at certain resorts, you’re told to wait at the gate; otherwise, you wait out in front.

There’s a practical detail I’d keep in mind: the drivers have a name list. That’s helpful when you’re in a resort area with multiple entrances, so you don’t lose time wandering around.

Once you’re at the port, you board the motor yacht by dinghy. That little switch—port to dinghy, dinghy to yacht—isn’t the hard part of the day, but it’s one of those moments where you’ll appreciate moving calmly and wearing footwear that can handle a wet deck.

The bottom fishing stop: your chance to try, plus a built-in timeout

After the initial cruise segment, the boat heads to a fishing spot for bottom fishing. You’ll get about 1 to 1.5 hours to fish, with the gear provided. This is the part that turns the trip into more than just sightseeing—you’re actively participating in the day’s food.

Here’s the key practical upside: fishing is not a must. If you’d rather snorkel or just enjoy the boat, you can sit on the sun deck and treat the fishing time like scenic downtime. People often underestimate how much they’ll enjoy simply watching the water change color and shape as the boat moves.

If you do fish, pay attention to timing and comfort. Your body needs stable footing, and you’ll want sunscreen on your shoulders and back. If you’re sensitive to motion, it’s smart to take motion sickness medication in advance, because the activity includes boat time and you’ll be on a moving surface.

Bay of Chaves cruising: the relaxed middle that makes the whole day work

After fishing, the tour shifts into a calmer groove with a cruise around the Bay of Chaves. This is where the pacing feels generous—you’re not stuck rushing between steps, and you can actually enjoy the ocean atmosphere.

Cold drinks are available all day, including Coca Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, and white and red wine. I like this setup because it removes one more logistical problem. You don’t need to keep searching for beverages or worry about cash while you’re trying to relax.

The sun deck is the natural place to hang out during this section. It’s also a good moment to keep an eye out for wildlife. In one account, someone mentioned two whale sightings during their sailing, which is a nice reminder that the water can surprise you.

Snorkeling around Sal Rei Islet: what to do with your 45 minutes

Next comes the snorkeling stop around the reef near Sal Rei Islet. You’ll have about 45 minutes, and snorkeling gear is included. This is long enough for a satisfying look, but short enough that you still feel fresh for the island time afterward.

Go in with realistic expectations. You’re not signing up for an all-day reef expedition, so the goal is quality time—find a comfortable breathing rhythm, take a slow look around, and don’t burn your energy chasing every shadow under the surface.

If you want to make your snorkel more comfortable, keep your sunscreen strategy simple: apply before you get in the water, and bring a small towel for drying your face and neck afterward. It’s also the kind of activity where a hat helps later, once you’re back in sun.

The island BBQ day: fort time, swimming, and turning fish into lunch

After snorkeling, the dinghy takes you to the small island where the BBQ happens. You get around two hours on the island, which gives you time to do three things without feeling rushed: explore, swim, and eat.

The island visit includes an old renovated fort. You can walk around and check it out, then step into the calm water for a swim. The water here is described as calm and clear, which is exactly what you want after time spent on a boat.

While you’re on the island, the crew prepares the BBQ. The meal is freshly caught fish plus rice, salad, and bread. If you don’t like fish, they’ll bring meat—your preference is collected in the confirmation message after booking, so make sure you check your email (including spam folders) and note your dietary choice.

This is where the trip earns real value. Eating where you snorkel—on a beach with the sea all around you—is hard to recreate on your own. It turns the day into a story, not just a list of activities.

Drinks, timing, and the small details that affect your comfort

The tour includes drinks throughout the day, not just at the BBQ. That makes a difference on a hot, sun-heavy island itinerary because you can hydrate before you feel tired or cranky.

Timing is also designed with balance in mind. After the BBQ island time, you return to the boat and cruise back to the harbour. Then your transfer brings you back to your hotel or apartment (with about 20 drop-off locations across the Boa Vista resort areas).

What to pack matters for a day like this. You’re advised to bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, camera, sunscreen, a jacket, and comfortable clothes. The jacket is a practical move, since boat breezes can feel cooler later even when the sun is strong.

Price and value: what $111 per person is really buying

At $111 per person for about 390 minutes (roughly 6.5 hours), this doesn’t look like a bargain on paper—until you match it with what’s included. You’re getting:

• Round-trip transfers (van to the port and back)
• Fishing equipment
• Snorkeling gear
• A beach BBQ with sides
• Drinks all day, including wine and beer
• A guide team in English and German

Most importantly, you’re not paying separately for the big experiences. If you planned this yourself, you’d usually spend money on at least transport, boat access, and water activity gear. Here, those pieces are bundled.

If you love the idea of catching your own fish and eating it on a beach you reach by dinghy, you’re paying for that “whole-day package” feeling. If you don’t care about fishing and you already have snorkeling access, the value shifts slightly—but the BBQ and the fort swim time still give the itinerary its structure.

The guide team experience: Josie, organization, and one caution to keep in mind

The tour runs with a German and English speaking guide, and organization seems to be a strong point. One account specifically names Josie and her team, praising how quickly they handle issues and how they aim to make the day fun without a pushy tip vibe.

That said, I’ll be fair: at least one booking account raised a concern about guide attitude and language preference. You can’t always control personality, but you can control how you approach the day. If you want the best experience, be clear about dietary needs, confirm your pickup details, and set your expectations for a shared group day where people may be speaking different languages.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great match if you want a balanced day that includes fishing, snorkeling, and time on a small island beach. It also works well if you’re somewhere between “active” and “relaxed.” You can fish if you feel like it, then switch modes and enjoy the cruise.

It’s less ideal for anyone who gets seasick easily. The activity isn’t suitable for people prone to motion sickness. If you’re unsure, take the guidance seriously: medication is recommended in advance, and it’s also available on the boat, but prevention is still the smarter move.

Practical tips that help the day go smoothly

A few small choices can make a big difference on a boat-and-island itinerary:

• Choose sunscreen early and cover arms/neck well. Reapply if you’re in strong sun during the cruise.
• Wear swimwear you can move in, since you’ll likely change states quickly between boat, water, and beach.
• Pack a jacket even if it looks warm. Boat wind can cool you off later.
• Plan for motion if you’re sensitive. Medication is recommended, and it’s available onboard.
• Double-check your dietary message after booking so the BBQ meat option matches what you need.

Also, keep an eye on weather. This is an ocean activity, so conditions can cause rescheduling or cancellation.

Should you book the Boa Vista Motoryacht Trip with Fishing, Snorkel, Beach BBQ?

If you’re aiming for a classic Cape Verde day that mixes sea time with a real meal, I’d say this is worth booking. The trip stands out for how it turns fishing into a BBQ, gives you a reef snorkel window, and includes an island visit with an old renovated fort plus swimming time.

Book it especially if you’re traveling with a mixed group—one person excited to fish and another who’d rather relax. The schedule has room for both moods.

Skip it if you know you get seasick, or if you’d rather do a totally separate snorkeling trip with more time in the water. This itinerary is balanced, not stretched. It’s built for a full day with clear activity beats, not for long, slow exploration.

FAQ

Where does pickup happen for this trip?

Pickup is arranged from your accommodation to the port area. Meeting point is at the gate at the entrance to the hotel area (where security is located). If pickup is optional at certain resorts, you wait at the gate; for other accommodations, you wait in front.

What’s the total duration of the experience?

The duration is listed as 390 minutes, and starting times vary based on availability.

Is bottom fishing required?

No. Bottom fishing is part of the schedule, but it is not described as a must-do. You can spend the fishing time on the boat enjoying views and the sun deck instead.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included, and the snorkel stop is scheduled near the reef around Sal Rei Islet.

What food is included during the beach BBQ?

The BBQ includes freshly caught fish, rice, salad, and bread. If you do not like fish, meat is provided instead, based on your preference shared after booking.

What drinks are available during the day?

Cold drinks are available throughout the day, including Coca Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, and white and red wine.

Is the tour affected by weather?

Yes. The activity is subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are bad.