Boa Vista: Snorkeling at Gatas Bay & North East Tour

The most unusual part of this Boa Vista day tour comes near the end: you search for lemon and nursing sharks along the island’s north coast. Before that, you snorkel at Praia das Gatas, eat a Cape Verdean lunch, and ride across the island in a pickup truck, with the option to sit in the cabin or outside in the open back.

I like the small groups, limited to eight people and usually kept closer to six. I also like the mix of sea time and local life: the visit to Fundo das Figueiras gives the day more depth than a simple beach outing. The main catch is that sharks are not guaranteed, and the lunch and drinks are not included in the $100 price.

Key Points to Know

• Gatas Bay snorkeling: Spend about one to one and a half hours in clear Atlantic water with fish and coral.
• Shark search: Look for lemon and nursing sharks in their natural setting, with no promise that they will appear.
• Traditional lunch: Choose from chicken, lobster, goat stew, tuna, shrimp, or buzio, with several side dishes.
• Morro Negro view: Walk 10 to 15 minutes uphill from Cabeça dos Tarafes to a lighthouse and wide coastal view.
• Small open-air transport: Ride in a private pickup truck, either inside the cabin or in the back.
• Tide-based timing: The start time can change because snorkeling depends on high tide.

What You Are Really Buying for $100

At $100 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on Boa Vista. But the price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, a guide, snorkeling equipment, and several separate stops across the north and east of the island.

I see the value in the range of the day. You are not paying only for time in the water. You also get a taste of village life, a local meal, a short mountain walk, and a wildlife search. For someone staying at a resort and wanting to see more of Boa Vista, that combination can make the cost reasonable.

You should budget extra for lunch and drinks. The meal is part of the planned day, but food and beverages are listed as not included. Ask about the lunch price when you book so the final cost does not surprise you.

The small group also matters. A maximum of eight people, with a usual aim of six or fewer, allows the guide to give clearer instructions in the water and adjust the pace more easily. This is a more personal setup than a large coach tour.

An Early Pickup and a Ride Along Route 66

Pickup generally begins around 8:30 a.m., though you may be collected earlier or later. The reason is simple: the boat-free snorkeling stop depends on high tide at Gatas Bay. After you book, the team contacts you through WhatsApp with the exact pickup time.

Transport is by private pickup truck. You can sit in the front or inside the cabin, or ride outside in the back. The open-air option gives you a better feel for the road and the dry scenery, but it also means more exposure to sun and wind. Bring sunscreen and expect a proper road trip rather than a quick transfer.

The drive to Baia das Gatas, also called Praia das Gatas, usually takes about 45 minutes from the hotel area, though the exact time depends on where you are staying. The route passes along Route 66, adding a bit of character to the ride before the sea becomes the focus.

I would wear clothes that can handle dust and sun, and keep your towel and sunscreen easy to reach. If you prefer a sheltered seat, choose the cabin. If you enjoy open-air transport, the back of the pickup is part of the fun, provided the conditions suit you.

Snorkeling at Praia das Gatas

At Gatas Bay, you have around one to one and a half hours for snorkeling. The attraction is the clear Atlantic water, where you can look for colorful fish and coral near the bay.

This is the part of the tour that requires the most attention to the sea conditions. High tide controls access to the snorkeling conditions, which is why the pickup time can shift. A flexible morning is important. Do not plan a fixed appointment immediately after the tour.

The snorkeling is described as suitable for people who have snorkeled before as well as first-timers, but the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. That distinction matters. You do not need advanced snorkeling skills, but you should be comfortable in the water and able to follow the guide’s safety instructions.

Equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask or snorkel. You should bring beachwear and a towel. Sunscreen is essential, especially with time spent in open water and the back of a pickup truck.

The planned water time is generous enough to make this more than a quick look. Still, conditions at sea can affect visibility and comfort. The guide’s role is important here, and the strongest part of the experience appears to be the friendly, helpful approach of the local team. Veronique, one of the guides, is specifically noted for being enthusiastic and useful during the day.

Fundo das Figueiras and a Cape Verdean Lunch

After the bay, the pickup continues to Fundo das Figueiras, one of the prettiest small towns on this route. You have time to walk around and look for souvenirs before lunch.

This stop gives you a break from the water and a chance to see a different side of Boa Vista. The town visit is not a long guided history lesson. Instead, it is a relaxed pause where you can stroll, browse, and get a sense of local life.

The meal offers several choices:

• Barbecue chicken
• Lobster
• Goat stew
• Tuna steak
• Shrimp
• Buzio

The side dishes are French fries, lentil stew, salad, steamed vegetables, and rice. That is a substantial plate, not a small snack between stops. The menu also gives you a chance to try something beyond familiar resort food, especially the goat stew or buzio.

The exact cost of the meal is not given, and food and beverages are excluded from the tour price. This is the one part of the day where you need to carry extra money or confirm payment arrangements beforehand.

I like that lunch is built into a local town rather than served as a rushed roadside stop. It gives the schedule a human rhythm: water first, then food and a little wandering, followed by the northern drive. One drawback is that the tour’s food policy can feel unclear if you assume lunch is included because it appears in the itinerary. Confirm the details before departure.

Cabeça dos Tarafes and Morro Negro Lighthouse

The route continues to Cabeça dos Tarafes, the last town in the north. From there, you take a 10 to 15 minute walk uphill to Morro Negro lighthouse.

The walk is short, but it is still a climb. Wear footwear that works for uneven ground, rather than flip-flops that can slip or feel awkward uphill. The reward is one of Boa Vista’s best views, with the lighthouse adding a clear destination to the walk.

This stop is useful for anyone who wants more than beach scenery. From the high point, you can see the broad coastal setting and get a better sense of the island’s open scale. The stop is also a good chance to take photographs, though you should keep the camera away during the rougher parts of the walk.

The lighthouse visit is brief rather than a museum stop. You should not expect a long interior tour or a detailed historical presentation. The appeal is the walk, the viewpoint, and the feeling of reaching a remote northern edge of the island.

Searching for Sharks at the North Coast

The final stop is Shark Bay, where the team looks for lemon sharks and nursing sharks. These animals are seen in their natural habitat, which makes the encounter more exciting than viewing wildlife in a controlled setting.

There is no 100 percent guarantee of seeing sharks. You need to accept that before booking. Wildlife follows its own schedule, and the search may not produce the sight you hoped for.

That uncertainty is the tour’s biggest practical risk. One previous outing had its afternoon plan changed and did not reach the shark stop. The reason was not clear, which shows why you should ask the guide about the day’s plan if conditions or timing change.

It is also worth confirming the order of stops. The schedule can be affected by the tide in the morning and by the pace of the group later in the day. If sharks are your main reason for booking, tell the guide early and ask how the timing will work.

Even without a shark sighting, the day still includes snorkeling, lunch, villages, and Morro Negro. But if you would be disappointed by the tour without sharks, this may not be the right choice. The shark search is an appealing bonus, not a firm promise.

The Guides Make a Real Difference

The team provides guides in Dutch, English, Portuguese, and, according to the included tour information, German. The guide is responsible for the day’s practical flow, including pickup, water safety, town stops, and changes caused by the tide.

The most positive comments focus on the guides being flexible, cheerful, and fun. Veronique is singled out for her enthusiasm and helpful nature. That matters on a tour with several moving parts. A good guide can make a pickup truck ride feel easy, keep first-time snorkelers calm, and explain changes without turning them into a problem.

The group size helps here. With six people as the preferred size, you can ask questions and get help without competing with a crowd. The guide can also keep a closer eye on swimmers, though you still need to take responsibility for your own ability in the water.

I would choose this trip for its people as much as its route. The stops are appealing, but the day depends on good communication. Ask questions if the tide changes the start time or if the afternoon schedule shifts.

Who Will Enjoy This Boa Vista Tour?

This is a good match for you if you want an active day that combines several parts of the island. It suits confident swimmers, first-time snorkelers who are comfortable in the water, couples, small groups, and anyone who wants a break from a resort schedule.

You will likely enjoy it if you like:

• A small group rather than a large bus
• Open-air road transport
• Snorkeling with provided equipment
• Local food and village stops
• Short walks to scenic viewpoints
• Wildlife searches where sightings are not guaranteed

It is less suitable for non-swimmers, anyone who dislikes changing pickup times, or anyone who needs a guaranteed shark encounter. The 10 to 15 minute uphill walk may also be a consideration if you have difficulty walking on uneven ground.

The day has a friendly, informal character. It is not a polished luxury outing, and the pickup truck makes that clear. You trade some comfort for access, flexibility, and a closer connection to the island’s roads and smaller settlements.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Keep your personal items secure during the open-air ride, and carry extra money for lunch and drinks.

Wait for the WhatsApp message with your exact pickup time. The usual start is around 8:30 a.m., but high tide may require an earlier or later departure. This is not a good day to schedule another fixed activity close to the tour’s expected finish.

Tell the guide if you are new to snorkeling. The activity is open to first-timers, but you must be able to swim. Intoxication is not allowed, which is a sensible rule for a day involving open water and a mountain walk.

The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

Should You Book It?

I would book this tour if you want one full day that links snorkeling, villages, food, views, and wildlife. The small group, private pickup, and friendly guiding give it an advantage over a basic beach transfer. The strongest features are the long snorkeling session, the meal choices, and the Morro Negro viewpoint.

I would hesitate if sharks are your only goal. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the afternoon schedule can change. Also remember that the $100 price does not include food or drinks.

For a balanced Boa Vista outing with plenty of variety, this is a good choice for confident swimmers who can stay flexible. Go for the whole day, with sharks as a hoped-for extra rather than the main promise.

FAQ

How much does the Boa Vista snorkeling and north east tour cost?

The tour costs $100 per person.

What is included in the price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, private vehicle transport, a driver and tour guide, snorkeling equipment, and the option to sit inside the pickup cabin or outside in the back are included.

Is lunch included?

Food and beverages are listed as not included. Lunch is planned in Fundo das Figueiras, but you should confirm the meal cost before the tour.

What food can I choose for lunch?

You can choose barbecue chicken, lobster, goat stew, tuna steak, shrimp, or buzio. Side dishes include French fries, lentil stew, salad, steamed vegetables, and rice.

How long is the snorkeling session?

You will have about one to one and a half hours of snorkeling time at Praia das Gatas.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Can non-swimmers join the tour?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Will I definitely see sharks?

No. The tour searches for lemon and nursing sharks, but a shark sighting is not guaranteed.

How long is the walk to Morro Negro lighthouse?

The walk from Cabeça dos Tarafes to Morro Negro lighthouse takes about 10 to 15 minutes uphill.

What languages are available?

The tour information lists Dutch, English, and Portuguese. The included information also mentions German-speaking guide availability.

Can the pickup time change?

Yes. The usual start is around 8:30 a.m., but the time may be earlier or later because snorkeling at the bay depends on high tide.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.