Boa Vista: Motoryacht Trip with Fishing, Snorkel, Beach BBQ

The best part of this Boa Vista boat trip is the change of pace: you fish from the open sea, cruise across Chaves Bay, then land on a tiny uninhabited island for a beach BBQ. Snorkeling around the reef is the most appealing water stop, while the old restored fort gives the island visit a little character beyond sun and sand.

I like the way fishing is offered without making it compulsory, and I like the practical comfort of small groups, onboard toilets, and drinks served throughout the day. The BBQ setting is also hard to beat. The main caution is the sea itself: if you are prone to seasickness, this is not the easiest outing, even though medication is available on the boat.

Key points

• Catch lunch at sea: Bottom fishing lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, but you can sunbathe or watch if you prefer.
• Snorkel from the yacht: The reef by Sal Rei Islet is the main water stop, with equipment supplied.
• Eat on an uninhabited island: The crew prepares fish, chicken, rice, salad, and bread while you explore.
• See a restored fort: The small island offers more than a beach break, with calm water for swimming.
• Enjoy a full boat day: The 390-minute outing includes transfers, fishing gear, snorkeling gear, food, and drinks.
• Expect useful flexibility: English and German are spoken, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure.

A six-and-a-half-hour sea day from Sal Rei

This is a full outing, not a quick harbor cruise. The stated duration is 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours, including transfers, the boat trip, the island stop, and the return ride to your accommodation.

Your morning begins with a van pickup from your hotel or apartment. The road transfer to Sal Rei takes about 20 minutes. Pickup arrangements depend on your accommodation, so read the confirmation carefully. At Riu Karamboa, Riu Palace, VOI Hotel, Royal Horizon, and Villas de Chaves, you wait at the entrance gate. At other properties, you wait out front.

That detail matters on Boa Vista, where hotel grounds can be large and a driver cannot always come looking for you. The driver carries a name list, but you still need to be in the right place at the right time. If you are staying somewhere else, check the supplied pickup information and also look in your spam folder if the confirmation does not appear.

At Sal Rei, you board the motor yacht by dinghy rather than walking straight from a pier onto the main boat. Wear shoes and clothing you can manage easily during this short transfer. Once aboard, you have access to the sun deck, cold drinks, and the open-water views that form the heart of the day.

Bottom fishing with no pressure to participate

The first proper stop is for bottom fishing. You spend roughly one to one and a half hours trying to catch fish that can later become part of lunch.

This gives the day a pleasant local-food connection. You are not just looking at fish on a plate. You have the chance to help catch it, then eat it on the beach a few hours later. Fishing equipment is included, so you do not need to bring anything beyond comfortable clothing and sun protection.

Still, fishing is not compulsory. If you would rather not handle a line, use the time to sit on the sundeck, read, sunbathe, take photographs, or watch the action around you. That makes the stop work for mixed groups, where one person wants an activity and another wants a quiet morning at sea.

Do not expect a major fishing expedition. The point is participation and lunch, not a specialized angling trip. Catching fish is never guaranteed, and the crew also provides food for the BBQ. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, tell the operator in advance.

Cruising Chaves Bay on the upper deck

After fishing, the boat cruises around the Bay of Chaves. This is the slower middle section of the trip, giving you time to enjoy the coast without having to follow a program every minute.

I like this pause because it prevents the outing from feeling like a chain of hurried stops. You can hold a cold drink, sit on the sun deck, and watch the shoreline from the water. Drinks available during the day include Coca-Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, and red or white wine.

That selection is generous for a day boat trip, but remember that sun, wind, and alcohol can work together quickly. Drink water, use sunscreen, and take the jacket listed on the packing advice. Boa Vista can feel warm on the beach but cooler and breezier once the boat is moving.

The boat has toilet facilities, an advantage on a six-and-a-half-hour outing. You should still bring only what you need. A towel, swimsuit, hat, camera, sunscreen, jacket, and comfortable clothes are the useful basics.

Reef snorkeling beside Sal Rei Islet

The next stop is off Sal Rei Islet, a small island near Sal Rei. The yacht stops by the reef, and you can use the supplied snorkeling equipment for about 45 minutes.

This is likely to be the strongest part of the water program. One detailed account described the snorkeling near the island as fabulous, and that matches the structure of the day: you are placed beside a reef rather than simply being asked to swim around the boat.

Conditions at sea can change, so the quality of the snorkeling will depend on wind, visibility, and water movement on the day. The activity can be changed, postponed, or canceled if weather conditions are poor. That is a reasonable safety rule, not a flaw, but it means you should keep some flexibility in your holiday plans.

You do not need to bring your own mask or fins. Snorkeling gear is included. Bring your towel and swimsuit, and apply sunscreen before getting in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew what areas are suitable before entering. The supplied information does not promise a guided marine-life talk, so think of this as a free snorkeling stop rather than a formal wildlife lesson.

Landing on the small island and visiting the fort

After snorkeling, a dinghy takes you from the yacht to the island. The landing adds a small sense of adventure, but it also means you should keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying anything you do not need onto shore.

You get about two hours on the island. That is enough time to visit the old renovated fort, swim in the calm blue water, relax on the beach, and eat lunch without rushing.

The fort gives the stop a useful point of interest. This is not only a swim and BBQ beach. You can walk around the restored structure, look out over the water, and get a feel for the island’s past. The information provided does not give a detailed history of the fort, so do not book this expecting a long historical tour. It is a short cultural addition to a relaxed beach stop.

The swimming conditions are described as calm and blue, which should appeal to anyone who wants time in the water without the movement of the open sea. Still, conditions can vary, and the same weather rule applies here. Take care when moving between the dinghy and the shore, especially if you are carrying a camera.

A beach BBQ with the fish you helped catch

While you explore and swim, the crew prepares lunch. The standard BBQ includes freshly caught fish, chicken, rice, salad, and bread. Drinks are included on the island as well as on the boat.

The meal is the emotional center of the outing. Eating fish on the beach, after spending the morning on the water, feels more connected to the setting than a meal served back at a hotel. The catch may vary, so the menu should not be treated as a promise of a particular species.

If you do not eat fish, meat is available. The operator asks for your preference during confirmation, so respond clearly before the trip. The same applies to allergies and dietary restrictions. Do not wait until the BBQ is being served to mention a serious food concern.

One practical point: this is a beach meal, not a restaurant lunch. Sand, sun, and a casual setup are part of the deal. That is exactly what many people want, but anyone looking for table service or a broad menu should choose a different excursion.

What the ratings suggest about the experience

The current score is 4.2 out of 5 from 15 ratings, which points to a good but not flawless experience. The strongest praise focuses on organization, the lunch setting, the snorkeling, and the relaxed space on the boat.

Communication appears to be one of the better features. Josie and her team are associated with clear arrangements and quick responses to problems. That matters here because hotel pickup points can be confusing, and the day involves several transfers between van, yacht, dinghy, and island.

The small-group setup is another real advantage. You have more room on the boat, and the onboard toilet is a useful comfort rather than a minor extra. The crew is also described as avoiding pressure for tips, which helps keep the mood relaxed.

The weak point is guide style. One account described the guide as arrogant and said German-speaking visitors received better treatment. That is a serious criticism, even though it does not appear to define every experience. English and German are offered, and the tour should suit both language groups, but if warm, consistently polished guiding is your top priority, keep this concern in mind.

There was also a separate account of two whale sightings during a boat outing. Whale watching is not listed as a promised feature, so treat that as a lucky possibility, not something to book this trip for.

Is $111 a fair price?

At $111 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on Boa Vista. The value depends on how many included elements you would otherwise pay for separately.

The price covers the return transfer, motor yacht cruise, fishing equipment, snorkeling equipment, the island visit, the fort, BBQ lunch, and drinks all day. You also get about two hours on the island and a full 390-minute schedule. For someone who wants a complete boat day without arranging several separate services, that package is reasonably strong.

The value is lower if you do not enjoy boats, fishing, snorkeling, or beach time. You are paying for the complete combination, not one single attraction. The fishing stop can be skipped, but you still spend much of the day at sea.

I would compare this with the cost of arranging your own transport, boat hire, food, drinks, and water equipment. The included transfers and catering are especially useful if you are staying outside Sal Rei. For couples or families who want an easy, all-in-one day, the price makes more sense than it may first appear.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a sociable sea day with several gentle activities rather than a hard-charging adventure. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to fish and others would rather sit in the sun.

It is also a good fit if you like your lunch tied to the place. The beach BBQ, especially the chance to eat fish caught earlier, gives the day more personality than a standard sightseeing cruise.

You should think twice if you suffer from seasickness. The operator specifically warns that the activity is not suitable for people prone to it, and the trip includes long periods on open water. Take motion sickness medication in advance if you normally need it. Medication is also available on the boat, but planning ahead is wiser.

The excursion is less suitable for anyone wanting a detailed fort tour, guaranteed wildlife sightings, or a serious fishing session. Its appeal is variety, comfort, and the island lunch.

Practical details before you go

The tour runs in the morning, but the exact start time depends on availability. Pickup is optional for some booking choices, and the listed accommodation areas include major resorts such as Iberostar Club Boa Vista, Marine Club Beach Resort, Occidental Boa Vista Beach, Hotel Riu Karamboa, Hotel Riu Palace Boavista, and Hotel Riu Touareg.

The guide service is available in English and German. The booking terms allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your holiday plans are still shifting.

Bring:

• A hat and high-factor sunscreen
• Swimsuit and towel
• Camera in a protected bag
• Comfortable clothes
• A light jacket
• Any personal seasickness medication

Wear clothing that can handle spray and sun. Keep your camera protected during the dinghy rides, and do not forget that the boat can feel cooler than the beach.

Bad weather may lead to a rescheduled or canceled trip. That is particularly important for a sea outing with fishing, snorkeling, and small-boat landings. If this is your only free day in Boa Vista, leave some room in your schedule if possible.

Should you book it?

Book this Boa Vista motor yacht trip if you want a well-filled day that combines fishing, reef snorkeling, a restored fort, and a beach BBQ without arranging the pieces yourself. The included food, drinks, equipment, hotel transfer, and onboard toilet give the $111 price solid practical value.

Skip it if open water makes you uneasy, if you want a quiet beach day with no schedule, or if you expect a polished historical tour. The guide-style complaint is worth noting, but the overall experience still offers an appealing mix of sea time and island relaxation. For most active holidaymakers who can handle the boat, it is a sensible way to see Boa Vista from the water.

FAQ

How long does the Boa Vista motor yacht trip last?

The activity lasts 390 minutes, or about six and a half hours, including the boat outing and planned stops.

Where does the trip start?

A van collects you from your hotel or apartment and takes you to the port of Sal Rei. You board the motor yacht by dinghy.

Is hotel pickup included?

Return transfers from accommodation to the port and back are included. Pickup instructions vary by accommodation, so check your confirmation carefully.

Do I have to go fishing?

No. Fishing is optional. You can relax on the sundeck, read, sunbathe, enjoy the views, or watch other people fish.

How long is the fishing stop?

The bottom-fishing stop lasts about one to one and a half hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and the snorkeling stop near Sal Rei Islet lasts about 45 minutes.

What food is served at the beach BBQ?

The BBQ includes freshly caught fish, chicken, rice, salad, and bread. Meat is available for people who do not eat fish.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Drinks are available on the boat all day and with the beach BBQ. Options include water, beer, white wine, red wine, Coca-Cola, Sprite Zero, and Fanta.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The activity depends on sea and weather conditions and may be rescheduled or canceled in bad weather.