Big game fishing trips Boa Vista

This is interesting because it is a proper ocean day in Boa Vista, not a short harbor photo stop. You head out from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché (Sal Rei) on a 7m, about 22-foot boat with modern fish finding, then you fish for big targets like blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. I especially like the setup, GPS plus marine radio plus fishing radar, and I like that you get hands-on help with technique, not just a ride. One consideration: you are on the water for about 5 hours, so if you get seasick easily or have mobility limits, plan carefully.

One more thing I like is how the captain steers the day around the fishing, using radar and local know-how to find working spots. The other side of the coin is that big game depends on good weather, and if conditions are poor the trip can be changed or refunded. If you are flexible and want a real fishing outing, this fits well.

Key things that matter on this Boa Vista big game trip

• Te Manché departure in Sal Rei: you start from a working pier, then transition to open water.
• Modern electronics on board: GPS, marine radio, and fishing radar help you find the bite.
• Private group vibe: only your group goes, so the day feels more focused.
• Captain-led technique: you get advice on strategies like trolling and fishing methods used locally.
• Catch handling is practical: fish are either released back or sold at the fish market.
• Crew focus shows in results: one style of fishing reported catching around 9 amberjack during speed jigging.

Trolling for blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo from Te Manché Pier

If your idea of a great day in Cape Verde is chasing serious fish, this is the kind of outing that matches the goal. You leave from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei and move from the bay into open ocean, then the fishing starts. The whole rhythm is built around searching, spotting, and then staying with the right conditions long enough for a strike.

The targets listed are blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna. That matters because it changes how you should think about the day. This is not about “maybe something bites.” It is about gear, positioning, and fishing tactics meant for big, fast fish, the kind that test your timing and your nerves.

You also get to feel the difference between the inshore world and the open-water world. The ride out is part of the experience, but the real shift happens when the captain begins the fishing pattern, slow and deliberate, and the crew starts working the water with the electronics and their local sense of where fish usually show up.

What “big game fishing” really means here

The description is clear that the boat typically trolls through the water at low speed. That low-speed approach is common for species like marlin and tuna because it keeps your offering in the strike zone without yanking it around too much. It is steady work, and it tends to make the day feel like a process, not a random hunt.

The 7m (about 22-foot) boat setup: GPS, marine radio, and fishing radar

A lot of fishing trips promise high-tech. This one spells out the tech you actually need: GPS, marine radio, and a fishing radar. Put simply, those three tools help the captain make better decisions about where to fish and when to move.

• GPS helps with navigation and repeatable runs, especially when you are looking for the same kind of water again later in the day.
• Marine radio keeps coordination smooth, especially if the crew is operating as a team and monitoring conditions.
• Fishing radar is the big one for search and scouting from a larger water area. Even when visibility isn’t great, radar and careful scanning can help you avoid guessing.

You also get a front sun deck, which is more than comfort. When you are trolling and tracking strikes, you want a spot where you can see the water clearly and also stay protected from spray. That front deck layout gives you a practical balance of view and space.

Crew teamwork you can feel from the start

The trip is private, and the crew runs the operation as a unit. In one of the experiences described, pickup and transition to the boat were said to go smoothly, and the captain and first mate were praised for how well they guided the day. That kind of coordination is exactly what you want when you are trying to land a big fish and keep everyone safe and focused.

The 8:00 am morning run: what the day feels like hour by hour

This outing starts at 8:00 am, and it is scheduled for about 5 hours total. That timing is a sweet spot for many fishing days because the water can be active early, and you avoid being out in harsher conditions for too long.

Here is the basic flow you can expect:

1. Meet at Avenida dos Pescadores (Sal Rei)

You start at Av. dos Pescadores, Sal Rel, Cabo Verde, which is also where the activity ends back after the charter.

1. Get to Te Manché pier and board

The boat leaves from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché. In practice, you’ll want to plan a little buffer time so you are relaxed when it is time to step onboard.

1. Sail through the bay, then out to open water

You’ll move along the harbor first, then head into the open ocean. This transition is when the pace changes, because once you’re offshore the captain can begin the serious fishing pattern.

1. Begin low-speed trolling

Fishing starts with trolling at low speed. The crew will keep working the water and watching the signals from the onboard equipment.

1. Technique guidance while you fish

The captain doesn’t just point things out. You should expect advice about fishing techniques and strategies during the outing.

1. Finish and head back to the meeting point

The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not stuck figuring out transport at the end of a long, tiring day.

A note on pace and physical effort

The trip asks for a moderate physical fitness level. That likely means you’ll be active on a boat deck, repositioning, and handling gear as needed. It is not described as extreme, but you should not assume it is totally hands-off.

If you have mobility issues or balance problems, think about whether you can comfortably move around on a small boat deck in open water conditions.

Onboard fishing style: low-speed trolling plus speed jigging possibilities

The core method described is low-speed trolling. That is the steady, methodical fishing approach, and it typically involves keeping your line in a consistent part of the water column long enough for big fish to notice and commit.

At the same time, your day may include different tactics depending on conditions. One of the reported experiences called out speed jigging and mentioned catching around 9 amberjack. That gives you a real clue that the crew can adapt to what the water is offering, not just stick to one “always do this” routine.

How to think about technique when you’re new

You’ll be helped with advice about fishing techniques and strategies. That matters because the difference between a frustrating day and a good one is often the small stuff: timing, how you manage line tension, and how you react when something hits.

If you are new to big game fishing, I’d focus on being present and following the captain’s instructions quickly. Big fish play games. Your job is to stay calm, keep your attention on the water and the rig, and respond fast when the crew calls for action.

What happens to your catch: release or fish market

One of the most practical points: caught fish are released back into the sea or sold at the fish market. That means you should not assume you are guaranteed a meal you take home in a cooler.

From a planning standpoint, this is actually good to know. It keeps expectations realistic. If you want a seafood souvenir, you may need to look at options after your fishing day. If you primarily want the experience of the fight and the chance at big game, then knowing some fish may be released fits that goal.

Why this policy makes sense

Handling big ocean species responsibly can mean different things depending on local rules and the fish situation that day. If fish are being released, that’s usually about conservation or best practices for the type of fishing being done. If fish are sold, it can help keep the operation running while still making use of what’s caught.

Either way, you should expect a day focused on fishing action, not on guaranteed take-home fillets.

Pickup, meeting point, and the taxi detail that can surprise you

You can get pickup offered, and the start is Avenida dos Pescadores in Sal Rei. The meeting point is also where the trip ends, so the logistics are relatively straightforward.

One important detail: the taxi fee of €50 from hotel Riu Touareg is not included. You may have to pay that upon arrival at the pier. If you are staying at Riu Touareg, I’d plan ahead so you’re not scrambling on the morning of your trip.

Value note on private pricing

Price is $571.34 per group (up to 3). At first glance, it looks pricey compared to per-person day tours. But private charters change the math fast. You’re not paying for 3 strangers to join you and crowd the deck, you’re paying for a dedicated boat and crew for your group.

If you can go as a group of two or three, the cost per person becomes much more reasonable. And if you’re a family or small group, that private format can be the difference between a chaotic outing and a calm, well-guided fishing day.

Mobile ticket

You’ll have a mobile ticket, which is a small convenience, but it helps reduce the friction of morning check-in. Just make sure your phone has battery and data if needed.

How cancellations and weather really affect your plans

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s a big deal for anyone planning around a tight vacation schedule.

The trip is set for the morning, starting at 8:00 am. If there’s a forecast risk, it can be worth keeping your schedule flexible and not stacking another big commitment right after.

Free cancellation, with a cutoff

There is free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel inside that window, your payment is not refunded. Plan your booking once you know your weather tolerance and how stable the rest of your itinerary is.

Who should book this big game fishing trip, and who should think twice

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want a serious try at marlin, wahoo, and tuna from Boa Vista
• Prefer a private day with a captain focused on your group
• Like hands-on guidance and want technique advice, not just sightseeing
• Have at least moderate comfort on a boat deck

It may be less ideal if you:

• Know you get seasick quickly
• Have trouble with moderate physical movement on a small boat
• Expect guaranteed take-home fish meals every time

The sweet spot: small groups and “we’re here for experiences”

Because the trip is priced per group (up to 3) and is private, it suits small groups, couples, and families with older kids who can handle boat time and follow safety directions.

If you’re traveling solo, you might pay more for the same boat capacity, unless the operator allows solo booking under the group cap.

Price and value: what $571.34 per group is buying

Let’s talk real value. You’re paying for:

• A dedicated 7m, about 22-foot fishing boat
• Crew operation for about 5 hours
• Equipment that supports serious fishing: GPS, marine radio, fishing radar
• Captain-led fishing strategy and technique advice
• A private, focused experience that uses the captain’s local knowledge

The value goes up if you can share the charter cost. It also goes up if your group includes people who actively fish, since the captain and crew can tailor the fishing style based on what you’re trying to land.

Also, this trip is not pretending to be something it’s not. It’s an ocean fishing charter. You’re not paying for a polished stage show or a long list of stops. You’re paying to spend time where the fish are, and for the know-how to put you in the best position.

If you want maximum comfort and minimum effort, you may prefer a different kind of sea activity. If you want a genuine shot at big game, this price structure often makes sense.

Should you book Big Game Fishing Trips in Boa Vista?

I’d book it if you want a straightforward, fishing-first morning out of Sal Rei, and you’re serious enough to follow the crew’s advice. The strongest reasons to choose it are the modern fish-finding equipment, the captain and first mate guidance, and the way the boat operation is designed for real fishing with low-speed trolling. The private setup also tends to keep the day calm and focused.

I would hold off if your plans are rigid, because weather can change everything. And I’d be cautious if you know you struggle with moderate physical activity on boats, since this is still an open-water, hands-on fishing day.

If you’re coming to Boa Vista for authentic experiences, this one is hard to beat: get early, bring the right attitude, listen closely when the captain gives technique tips, and treat the sea like the star of the show.

FAQ

Where does the big game fishing trip start in Boa Vista?

It starts at Avenida dos Pescadores, Sal Rel, Cabo Verde, with the boat leaving from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei.

What time does the trip begin?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the fishing experience?

The duration is about 5 hours.

What fish are you targeting?

The trip is described as a chance to catch big game fish such as blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna.

What boat equipment is provided?

The boat is described as having GPS, marine radio, and a fishing radar, plus a front sun deck.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but a taxi fee of €50 from hotel Riu Touareg is not included and can be paid upon arrival at the pier.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate (up to 3 in the group price).

What happens if the weather is bad or you cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.