3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island

Sal Island’s catamaran cruise is less about a packed schedule than about letting the sea set the pace. You spend most of the three hours sailing along the coast, with drinks in hand, a breeze on your face, and a short stop for swimming or snorkeling. The mood is calm rather than rowdy, and the smaller boats feel far more personal than a large party vessel.

I especially like the small-group setting, which can mean around 15 people and sometimes fewer. I also like the attentive crew, with names such as Daisy, Wesley, Jair, Marcio, and Anna appearing often in the sailing teams. The main consideration is that wildlife sightings and snorkeling conditions are never guaranteed, and the water can feel rough if you are prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours on the water: Most of the experience is relaxed coastal sailing, not a packed series of activities.
• Small catamarans: The boats are designed for roughly 20 people, though some departures are much smaller.
• One short water stop: You may swim or snorkel, often near the underwater Jesus statue, but this is not a full snorkeling excursion.
• Drinks and snacks included: Expect soft drinks, some alcoholic drinks, light snacks, cake, pastries, or similar simple refreshments.
• Wildlife is a bonus: Dolphins, turtles, pilot whales, manta rays, and flying fish have been seen, but nature decides.
• Departure details can change: Because Santa Maria’s pier is damaged, you may leave from Santa Maria beach or Bikini Beach.

What this Sal Island sailing trip is really like

This is a simple, pleasant way to get out on the Atlantic without committing to a full-day boat trip. Cape Verde Sailing operates three catamarans, each aimed at smaller groups and a quieter feel. You are not signing up for loud music, foam, or a floating nightclub.

Instead, you get a half-day outing built around open water, conversation, snacks, and a little swimming. That makes it a good fit for couples, families, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a gentle break from resort time.

The crew does much of the work that makes a boat trip comfortable. Drinks are offered regularly, and staff members tend to check that people are doing well. Daisy is often praised for her friendly energy and care, while Wesley, Jair, Marcio, Anna, and other crew members have also been singled out for making people feel welcome.

The experience is not luxurious in a formal, polished-yacht sense. It is more relaxed and practical. You pay for time on a comfortable catamaran, a small group, basic refreshments, and a friendly crew. That is its appeal.

Getting from your hotel to Santa Maria beach

Pickup is available from a long list of hotels around Sal, including Meliá Dunas, Hotel Morabeza, Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort, Hotel Riu Funana, Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria, Oasis Salinas Sea, TUI BLUE Cabo Verde, and several others.

The transfer itself is listed as about 10 minutes by bus or coach. Some hotel pickups and drop-offs are included, especially if you are staying farther from the departure area. If you are close by, you may be asked to meet the group at the beach instead.

Allow a little flexibility around the exact meeting point. Santa Maria’s pier is damaged, so departures currently use either Santa Maria beach near the pier or Bikini Beach. The company confirms the location after booking, and you should contact them before the day so you know exactly where to go.

This is the one part of the trip that could use careful attention. The departure beach can vary with the day and sea conditions, and a few people have found boarding instructions less clear than expected. Read the meeting message closely, and do not assume the old pier is the final boarding point.

Boarding the catamaran by dinghy

Depending on the departure point and sea conditions, you may reach the catamaran by a small dinghy or speedboat rather than walking straight from the beach onto the main vessel. For some people, this is a fun little extra. For others, it is the part that causes the most nerves.

The crew helps people across, and this care matters. Staff have assisted older passengers and people who felt uneasy about getting onto the boat. Still, you should expect a transfer from shore to catamaran rather than a standard marina boarding.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if that is convenient, and keep your towel and sunscreen easy to reach. A hat is useful, though you should hold onto it carefully in the wind. Baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed.

Three hours of sailing along Sal’s coast

Once aboard, the main activity is sailing. The boat moves along the coast while you watch the shore, feel the wind, and settle into the rhythm of the sea.

This is where your expectations matter. If you want three hours of constant snorkeling, this is the wrong trip. Most of the time is spent cruising, and the water stop is short. If you like sitting back and watching the coast pass by, the pace works well.

The crew keeps the atmosphere easygoing. There may be music, but the stated focus is not a party cruise. You can chat, take photographs, watch the water, or simply stretch out and enjoy the space between the two hulls.

The catamaran format helps. Compared with a narrow boat, the wide deck gives you room to move around and find a comfortable place. A boat carrying around 15 people feels especially pleasant, while a fuller departure may approach its intended capacity of about 20.

The Atlantic is not always smooth. Some sailings have noticeable waves, and one passenger described the motion as enjoyable but warned that people who get seasick easily may struggle. If you are sensitive, sit where the crew suggests, look toward the horizon, and avoid treating the drinks service as a reason to overdo it.

Snacks, drinks, and the social side of the trip

Light refreshments are included in the price. You can expect soft drinks, water, and some alcoholic options, along with simple snacks. Past sailings have included peanuts, crisps, cake, sweet pastries, and other small bites.

This is not a full meal, so eat something before pickup if you tend to get hungry. The snacks are best understood as pleasant support for the boat ride, not lunch.

The regular drink service is one of the strongest practical features. Crew members do not simply put out a cooler and leave you to it. They often circulate, refill cups, and check that people are comfortable.

The mood can be social without becoming noisy. Birthday touches are sometimes arranged, including a bottle of sparkling wine, and the crew has helped make special occasions feel personal. That makes this a particularly good choice for a birthday afternoon, anniversary, or relaxed couple’s outing.

At the same time, the experience remains suitable for families and solo visitors. You do not need to be part of a group to enjoy it. The crew works hard to include people in conversation without forcing anyone into party games or loud entertainment.

The short swimming and snorkeling stop

The water stop is the active part of the trip. Depending on the sea and the day’s conditions, you can swim or use the provided snorkeling equipment. Some sailings stop near an underwater Jesus statue, described as a smaller version of the famous statue in Rio.

The stop can be rewarding. People have seen a range of fish, and some have enjoyed jumping from the catamaran into the water. You may also stay aboard if swimming is not for you.

Keep the scale in mind. This is one short stop, not several snorkeling sites. One person felt the snorkeling could have been better, while others found plenty of fish and enjoyed the statue. Visibility, current, sea conditions, and luck all shape the result.

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. Even if you plan only to watch, the boat ride itself can involve waves and movement, so this is not the best pick for someone who is very uncomfortable around open water.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Sunscreen is essential, and a hat helps during the sailing sections. If you wear glasses, secure them before moving around the deck or boarding the dinghy.

Wildlife sightings are a lucky extra

One of the most exciting possibilities is spotting marine life from the boat. Sightings have included dolphins, sea turtles, pilot whales, manta rays, and flying fish.

Some sailings have had pods of dolphins moving beside the catamaran. Others have seen turtles near the shore or pilot whales in open water. A few people have also reported manta rays and flying fish.

But no wildlife is promised. One sailing may produce several memorable sightings, while another sees nothing beyond the sea and coast. The crew keeps watch and may make an effort to point out animals, but they cannot control nature.

This is a good reason to bring a camera, but not a good reason to book the trip by itself. You should enjoy the cruise even if the wildlife stays out of sight. The sailing, swimming stop, and crew service need to be enough for you.

How good is the $69 value?

At $69 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the included services. You get three hours on the water, a small-group catamaran, drinks, light snacks, a swimming or snorkeling stop, and pickup options from many hotels.

The value is strongest when you compare it with a larger boat outing. You are paying partly for space and a calmer atmosphere. A crowded, low-cost party boat may offer more noise and perhaps more scheduled entertainment, but this trip gives you a more personal setting.

The transfer also adds value. Pickup and drop-off can save you the trouble of arranging transport to the beach, especially if you are staying outside central Santa Maria. The overall day may take longer than the advertised three hours once transfers and boarding are included. One outing lasted about four and a half hours from hotel pickup to return, which is useful when planning your day.

The snacks are modest, so do not judge the price as if it includes a restaurant meal. Think of them as part of a comfortable coastal outing. For couples and anyone who values a smaller group, $69 is a fair rate.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this trip if you want a quiet ocean outing with enough activity to keep it interesting. It works especially well for:

• Couples seeking a relaxed afternoon together
• Families with older children who can manage the boat and water stop
• Solo visitors who want an easy social activity
• First-time sailors who want a gentle introduction
• Anyone who prefers small groups to large party boats
• People who enjoy wildlife watching but do not require guaranteed sightings

I would think twice if you are a non-swimmer, highly prone to seasickness, or looking for serious snorkeling. The trip has a short water stop, not a full marine excursion. The sea can move, and the main event is sailing.

Older visitors may still enjoy it, since crew members have helped people board and checked on passengers who were uncomfortable. But the beach-to-boat transfer means you should be honest about your balance and confidence around moving boats.

What to bring and how to plan the day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Keep valuables protected from spray, and bring a phone or camera only if you can secure it safely.

Eat a light meal before pickup. The onboard snacks are welcome, but they are not designed to replace lunch. If you plan to drink alcohol, be especially careful if the water is rough.

Confirm the departure point after booking. Santa Maria beach and Bikini Beach are both used, and the exact location can depend on sea conditions. Pickup is included in many cases, but nearby hotels may receive instructions to meet at the beach.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book Cape Verde Sailing?

Book this catamaran trip if your ideal Sal excursion means small groups, steady drink service, friendly crew, and a peaceful ride along the coast. The strongest part is the human touch. Crew members such as Daisy, Wesley, Jair, and Marcio have made a real effort to help nervous swimmers, celebrate birthdays, and keep everyone comfortable.

Do not book it expecting a full snorkeling tour or guaranteed dolphins. The water stop is brief, the snacks are simple, and the Atlantic can be bumpy. But at $69, the combination of three hours sailing, refreshments, hotel transfer options, and a personal atmosphere makes this a solid choice for an easy half-day on Sal.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The boat cruise lasts three hours. Hotel transfers and boarding can make the total outing longer.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

What is included on the boat?

Light snacks, refreshing drinks, and one short stop for swimming or snorkeling are included.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. The trip includes a short optional snorkeling stop, depending on sea conditions. It does not include multiple snorkeling stops.

Can I see dolphins or turtles?

You might see dolphins, turtles, pilot whales, manta rays, or flying fish, but wildlife sightings depend on nature and luck and are not guaranteed.

Where does the catamaran leave from?

Because Santa Maria’s pier is damaged, departures use either Santa Maria beach near the pier or Bikini Beach. The exact meeting point is confirmed after booking.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup and drop-off are available from many hotels. If you are staying farther away, hotel transport is included. Nearby visitors may meet the boat directly at the departure point.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Baby strollers and baby carriages are not allowed.