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

This is an easy way to spend a full half day on the water in Boa Vista, with a plan that mixes real fishing, time snorkeling, and a beach BBQ on a small uninhabited islet. I like that the day is built around two experiences that are hard to fake elsewhere: catching your own fish and getting time at a reef with snorkeling gear included.

I also like the relaxed pacing, you can watch others fish or join in, then switch gears to sun deck cruising and calm-water swimming near the fort. One real consideration: the trip is not suitable if you get sick on boats, even though motion sickness medication is recommended and also available.

Key takeaways before you go

• Optional bottom fishing for 1 to 1.5 hours, so you are not locked into hauling gear
• Reef snorkeling near a small islet for about 45 minutes, with snorkeling gear provided
• A dinghy landing on the islet, plus time to swim and visit an old renovated fort
• Beach BBQ with your catch plus an alternate meat option if you do not want fish
• Drinks all day on board, including beer and wine along with soda and water
• Weather dependent timing, so bring a backup mindset for reschedules or cancellations

A motor yacht day that actually has a rhythm in Boa Vista

If you picture Boa Vista as long beach stretches and hot sun, this tour adds a second side of the island, the sea. You start from Sal Rei and spend the day moving through different water moods: fishing grounds, a calmer bay cruise, snorkeling over reef, then a sheltered swim and a sand-and-sun BBQ.

The smart part is that the schedule does not feel like a checklist. You get one main fishing block, then you move on. After that, you spend time in the water twice, first snorkeling around the reef, then swimming around the small islet stop. The day closes with the kind of meal that makes sense right after you are in salt water.

One more thing I like for practical travelers: the tour includes transfers, gear, drinks, and a guide in English and German, so you are not piecing together a day from multiple vendors.

Getting from your hotel to Sal Rei, then onto the boat

In the morning, a transfer van meets you outside your accommodation. If you are staying at places like Riu Karamboa, Riu Palace, VOI Hotel, Royal Horizon, or Villas de Chaves, you wait at the gate. For other accommodations, you wait in front.

From there, the van ride to the port of Sal Rei is short, then you board the motor yacht via a dinghy. That dinghy step sounds small, but it sets expectations: this is a coastal operation where the yacht is offshore and you transfer to and from it quickly.

Once onboard, the day feels organized. One review also praised the comfort factor, including having toilet facilities on board, which is a big deal on a day that lasts about 390 minutes (a little over 6 hours).

Bottom fishing on your own schedule: 1 to 1.5 hours of work or watching

The first sea stop is for bottom fishing, and you typically get 1 to 1.5 hours. The tour provides the fishing equipment, so you just show up ready to participate or hang back.

Here is what matters for your decision making: fishing is not mandatory. If you do not want to fish, you can use the time for what the boat does best, views, sunbathing on the sundeck, reading, and watching others haul in lines.

If you do fish, the reward is obvious, you are catching fish that later becomes part of the BBQ. Even if you do not land something, you still get time that feels more like an activity than a staged photo stop.

Quick reality check about fishing

Bottom fishing is not the same as a dockside “everyone catches something” setup. The tour gives you the time and equipment, but the sea is the sea. Go in expecting a fun attempt, not a guarantee.

The Bay of Chaves cruise: when you want the easy part of sea time

After fishing, you cruise around the Bay of Chaves. This is your decompression moment. You head into a slower rhythm, and the tour gives you the space to relax with a cold drink.

This leg is especially valuable if you have zero interest in fishing and just want the “boat day” atmosphere. It is also a good time to take photos without feeling like you are rushing from one stop to the next.

Because the boat is moving and then slowing down again, this is also when you will notice whether you are comfortable at sea. If you know you are prone to seasickness, this is not the tour to tough out. The tour specifically notes it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, though motion sickness medication is recommended in advance and is also available on board.

Snorkeling near the islet reef: 45 minutes, gear included

Next up is snorkeling near the small islet. The snorkeling window is about 45 minutes, and the tour includes snorkeling gear. That matters because renting gear can add cost and hassle, especially when you also need to manage sunscreen, towels, and swimwear.

The reef snorkeling is the second “in the water” segment and it is where the day often feels most alive. The water gives you an easy way to cool off after sun deck time, and snorkeling tends to be more accessible than deeper dives since you can float and adjust your effort.

What to do before you splash in

Plan to put on sunscreen before you start, then re-check it after a long swim-like break. Bring a towel, and keep your camera protected from spray when you are not actively using it.

Also, wear swimwear you can move in comfortably. Dinghy transfers and beach time happen right after, so you do not want to spend the day tugging at cover-ups.

Landing at the small islet: calm water, a renovated fort, and a beach break

After snorkeling, you transfer by dinghy to the small islet. This is one of those moments where the day stops being “on a boat” and turns into “on a little patch of land in the sea.”

On the island, you get time to:

• visit an old renovated fort
• swim in calm blue water
• relax on the beach

The fort stop is a nice change of pace. You are not just collecting sand and shells, you have a structure to explore. It also gives you shade options if the sun is intense.

Timing that works

You are on the island for about 2 hours, which is long enough to do the fort, take a swim, and still sit down and enjoy the beach. If you only want one of those, you can focus, but you should not feel rushed.

The beach BBQ: fresh fish, clear options, and a real meal rhythm

Then comes the main event on the shore, the beach BBQ. The crew prepares it while you are enjoying the island.

What you can expect includes:

• freshly caught fish (if you fished, that is the connection)
• chicken
• rice
• salad
• bread

And there is an important detail for picky eaters or fish haters: the tour notes that for those who do not like fish, they will bring meat. They ask for your preference with the detailed confirmation.

I like this setup because it solves the most common beach BBQ problem, everyone is stuck with the same limited plate. Here, you have choices built in, and it still feels tied to the day.

Drinks and comfort, the stuff you feel all day

One reason this tour is popular for a half-day sea break is the included drinks. Cold drinks are available throughout the day, including Coca Cola, Sprite Zero, Fanta, water, beer, white and red wine.

That means you do not have to calculate soda runs, and you can pace yourself between sunbathing, fishing, snorkeling, and beach time.

What to bring so the day stays easy

The tour’s own packing list is practical:

• hat
• swimwear
• towel
• camera
• sunscreen
• jacket
• comfortable clothes

The jacket detail is smart. Even on a warm island, sea breezes and shade time can cool you down, especially in the morning or on the return cruise.

If you are sensitive to motion, consider taking motion sickness medication in advance. The tour says medication is recommended if you get seasick, and it is also available on the boat.

Price and value: why $111 can be a good deal on Boa Vista

At $111 per person, this is not a bargain-bin boat ride. But when you look at what you get, the value adds up:

You are paying for:

• transfer from your accommodation to the port and back
• fishing equipment
• snorkeling gear
• the beach BBQ meal
• drinks all day
• a guide in English and German
• time built around multiple water activities, including a snorkeling stop and an islet landing

If you tried to buy these pieces separately, you would likely spend more and waste time coordinating. Here, the whole day is packaged so your time on Boa Vista is spent doing the fun parts instead of organizing the logistics.

The one tradeoff

This is still a shared group activity, and you should expect some waiting time between segments. If you want a private, go-your-own-speed charter, this tour may feel a bit structured. For most people, the structure is the point.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• want a balanced sea day with both fishing and snorkeling
• like the idea of a beach meal without planning, cooking, or buying supplies
• enjoy short explorations, like the islet fort, not long museum-style visits
• want transfers handled, including name list pickup at the gate for many hotels

It is also a good fit for couples and small groups who want a social day but not a crowded vibe. One experience note I found helpful is that the boat can feel like a smaller-group operation, with enough room to relax and decent toilet facilities.

Who should skip it

If you are prone to seasickness, skip it. The tour explicitly says it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If you get motion sick easily, the sea time will not be fun.

Weather and sea sightings, what you can realistically expect

The tour is subject to weather conditions, and it may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions are bad. That is normal for a boat day, but it is worth planning around, especially if you have tight hotel check-in and check-out dates.

As for wildlife, I cannot promise anything because sightings depend on timing and sea conditions. Still, I did see a comment about a couple of whale sightings after some searching. That kind of thing can happen, but it should not be your main reason for booking.

Should you book the Boa Vista motor yacht fishing, snorkeling, beach BBQ tour?

I think it is a strong choice if you want a do-it-all water day from Sal Rei. The combination is practical: you get fishing time (optional if you want it), snorkeling gear included, a calm-water islet swim, and a beach BBQ with real food plus drinks.

I would book it if your goal is an enjoyable half-day with minimal planning and good value for what is included. I would also recommend it for people who like hands-on experiences, whether that means fishing or just watching from the sundeck while the day unfolds.

I would not book it if you know you get seasick. On this itinerary, you are out long enough for it to matter.

If you have flexibility in your schedule, you are also in a better position to handle weather changes without stress. This tour looks like one of the easiest ways to turn a morning on Boa Vista into a full water experience.

FAQ

How long is the motor yacht trip?

The total duration is 390 minutes, which is a little over 6 hours. Check availability for the exact starting times.

Where do I get picked up?

Pickup depends on your accommodation. There is a meeting point at the gate on the entrance to the hotel area (where security is located) for several hotels, and for other accommodations you wait in front. Drivers have a name list.

Is bottom fishing required?

No. Fishing is for bottom fishing, but the tour says it is not a MUST DO. If you do not want to fish, you can relax on the sundeck during that time.

How long do I go snorkeling?

Snorkeling around the reef near the islet is about 45 minutes.

What happens after snorkeling on the small island?

After snorkeling, you take a dinghy to the small island. You can visit the old renovated fort, swim in calm blue waters, and relax on the beach.

What is included in the beach BBQ?

The BBQ includes fresh fish, chicken, rice, salad, and bread. If you do not like fish, meat is offered, and they ask for your preference in the detailed confirmation.

What drinks are available during the tour?

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

What snorkeling or fishing gear should I bring?

You do not need to bring snorkeling gear or fishing equipment, because both are included. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.

Is the tour suitable if I get seasick?

No, it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. The tour recommends motion sickness medication in advance if you are prone to it, and it is also available on the boat.

What if the weather is bad?

The activity is subject to weather conditions. In case of bad weather, it may be rescheduled or canceled.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.