Boa Vista: Snorkeling at Gatas Bay & North East Tour

Boa Vista’s north east has a nice rhythm to it, and this tour strings together clear-water snorkeling plus dramatic views and local food in a single day. You start near Praia das Gatas, then head north for scenery from the Morro Negro lighthouse, and finish at Shark Bay to look for lemon and nursing sharks.

I especially like the small-group feel. The max is 8 people, and they aim for 6, so you are not stuck in a crowd. I also like that the day includes a real Cape Verdean lunch stop in Fundo das Figueiras, with options like goat stew, lobster, tuna steak, and shrimp.

One important consideration: shark sightings are not guaranteed, and your schedule can shift because snorkeling at the bay depends on high tide. If the timing changes, you may not get as much time for shark searching as you planned.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Praia das Gatas snorkeling time with provided gear and plenty of time in the water (about 1 to 1.5 hours)
• Small groups (max 8, often closer to 6), which makes the experience feel more personal
• Cape Verdean lunch at Fundo das Figueiras with multiple hot main-course choices
• Morro Negro lighthouse hike for one of the best viewpoints on the island
• Shark Bay on the north side where guides look for lemon and nursing sharks in their natural habitat

Why this north east route makes sense for Boa Vista

This is a good choice if you want more than just one thing. One morning slot gets you into the Atlantic for coral and colorful fish at Praia das Gatas. Then the rest of the day keeps moving, with little towns, a lunch break that actually feels like part of the culture, and that classic viewpoint at Morro Negro.

You also get a steady flow of contrasts. Underwater it is all about water clarity and reef life. On land it is about lookout drama and how locals live beyond the resort strips. And at Shark Bay it becomes an exercise in patient wildlife watching, guided and paced rather than frantic.

One more thing I appreciate is that the tour is built around reality, not wishful thinking. Snorkeling only works at high tide, and your timing adjusts. That means you are planning your day around the island’s conditions, not fighting them.

Hotel pickup, the truck ride, and how timing really works

The day starts with pickup from your hotel in a pickup truck. You can sit inside or ride outside in the back, depending on what you feel like that morning. It is simple and direct, and it also helps you stay on schedule, since the boat and snorkeling window depends on tide.

Tours generally begin around 08:30, but it is not guaranteed to be the exact clock time. The operator contacts you on WhatsApp after booking to confirm your pickup time. That matters because the snorkeling at the bay can only happen at high tide, and the tour may start earlier or later to match it.

The group size stays small, and that helps in two ways. First, it keeps the pickup and stops from becoming a mini parade. Second, it gives the guide room to explain what you should do in the water and on the hike without rushing everyone.

Route 66 to Baias das Gatas: the drive is part of the day

You drive toward Baias das Gatas via Route 66. The drive time depends on where you are picked up, but it is generally around 45 minutes from most hotels. This is a nice breather after morning pickup, and it is also how you get out into the part of Boa Vista that you will not see just by walking from your accommodation.

Think of it as a warm-up. You arrive, you get kitted up, and you are already oriented to the island’s layout. That makes the snorkeling time feel smoother because you are not starting the day completely blind.

Snorkeling at Praia das Gatas: reefs, fish, and high-tide constraints

The core of the tour is snorkeling in the bay at Baias das Gatas, also called Praia das Gatas. You get about 1 to 1.5 hours in the water, and snorkeling equipment is provided.

What you can expect to see is the real point of the trip. You are looking for colorful fish and coral reefs in clear Atlantic water. This is not about speed or a long swim across open sea. It is about using the bay conditions so you can see reef life comfortably.

The high tide detail is not trivia. It is the main reason the morning start time can shift. If the water level is wrong, snorkeling is not worth it and sometimes it is not possible in the same way. So when you plan your day, keep a little flexibility in your head. If you are the type who hates schedule surprises, this is the one part you should mentally prepare for.

Safety style is also practical. The guides are friendly and focused on keeping you safe while making it fun. If you are new to snorkeling, it is especially helpful to stay close to the guide and follow their cues, since your comfort will matter more than your swimming strength.

Important note: this tour is not suitable for non-swimmers. You do not need to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need confidence in the water.

Fundo das Figueiras lunch: a real break, with real menu choices

After snorkeling, the tour heads to Fundo das Figueiras, a picturesque town on the north route. You get time to look around, including the chance to buy souvenirs.

Then comes lunch. This is a traditional Cape Verdean meal, and you can choose from multiple mains:

• BBQ chicken
• Lobster
• Goat stew
• Tuna steak
• Shrimps
• Buzio

The side dishes are also set up in a proper plate format: french fries, lentil stew, salad, steamed vegetables, and rice.

One subtle detail: food and beverages are listed as not included in the price. So while lunch is part of the day, plan for it as an extra cost at the restaurant stop. I think that is still good value because you are not just paying for food, you are paying for a whole day’s routing and guided stops, and you get a meal that matches the region instead of a generic tourist option.

If you want to make the most of this break, eat like you are going on a short hike later. Go steady, hydrate if you can, and save some energy. Your next stop includes a viewpoint hike, so you will feel it more if you go heavy on hot sauce or skip water.

Cabeça dos Tarafes and the Morro Negro lighthouse hike

The tour continues to Cabeça dos Tarafes, the last town in the north for this route. From there you take a 10 to 15 minute hike up to the lighthouse Morro Negro.

This is the kind of stop that you will remember even if you are not a big lighthouse person. The reason is the view. From up top, you get a sense of the island’s scale and the shapes of the coastline. It is also a chance to dry off a bit and reset after time in salt water.

Wear basics that make a difference. Bring water, wear footwear you can trust on uneven paths, and keep sunscreen from turning into a slick disaster once you get moving. Even though the hike is short, you can still work up a sweat in the sun.

The bigger practical point is that this is not just “transport to a photo spot.” You get enough movement to actually feel the island, and it breaks the day into three distinct chapters: water, town and food, then viewpoint.

Shark Bay on the north: planning your expectations for lemon and nursing sharks

After lunch and the lighthouse views, the final segment takes you to Shark Bay on the north of the island. The most seen sharks here are lemon sharks and nursing sharks.

Here is where I want you to calibrate expectations. Shark sightings are not guaranteed. That is true even when you do everything right, because wildlife is wildlife. In one case, the afternoon program changed and the group could not see the sharks. It is a reminder that conditions and timing can affect what you get.

Still, why do this stop at all? Because even without a guarantee, you are being taken to the location where these sharks are known to appear, with guides who handle the process. The guides are friendly and keep the experience safe, and they are there to help you look properly rather than just hoping.

If you get anxious about wildlife, keep it simple:

• Stay calm and follow your guide’s instructions
• Keep your attention on what is happening around you
• Try not to crowd the water

This is one of those experiences where your best souvenir is the moment you realize you are watching real animals in their natural habitat.

Guide quality and the small-group advantage

The guide experience is a major part of why this tour gets strong feedback. The tone is relaxed, but the focus is safety. The operator also supports multiple languages, including English, Dutch, German, and Portuguese.

One named highlight from the guides: Veronique. Her vibe is described as fun, enthusiastic, and helpful, and that kind of energy matters on a day with multiple stops and timing changes. When you are waiting for high tide or walking up a viewpoint trail, a guide who can keep things upbeat helps the whole day feel smooth.

Small-group sizes matter too. Max 8 with an effort to keep it at 6 means you spend more time with the group you are actually sharing the day with. It also makes it easier to manage snorkel gear, check everyone is ready, and keep the pace comfortable.

And yes, the pickup truck rides can be part of the charm. You can sit inside if you want more shade and less dust, or ride outside in the back if you like seeing the island as you travel.

Price and value: what you get for about $100

At $100 per person, the value comes from bundling a lot of things that would otherwise be separate. You get:

• hotel pickup and drop-off
• private vehicle transfers
• snorkeling equipment provided
• an English, Dutch, German, or Portuguese speaking guide
• small-group guiding and local team support

The one thing you should budget separately is food and beverages, even though lunch is a traditional stop with multiple menu choices. You also should accept that shark sightings are not guaranteed, because that is part of wildlife experiences.

Is it worth it? For me, it is a solid value if you want a structured day that covers snorkeling, viewpoints, and a cultural meal without you needing to rent a car and figure out timing for high tide.

It is also the kind of tour where being flexible makes it better. If you can roll with a start time adjustment and accept that sharks might not show, you get a full north east day with a mix of ocean time and real island stops.

Who should book, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you:

• can swim comfortably and feel okay snorkeling
• want to see both reef life and north-side viewpoints
• like small groups and guided pacing
• enjoy simple culture stops, like the lunch town and souvenir time

It is not a great match if you:

• cannot swim
• want guaranteed shark sightings
• hate schedule changes caused by high tide needs

If you are booking as a couple or solo and you like meeting people without the chaos of big bus tours, the group size is a big plus. If you are traveling with kids, check your comfort level with the snorkeling requirement first, because non-swimmers are not suitable.

Should you book this Boa Vista snorkeling and north east tour?

If your top priorities are snorkeling at Praia das Gatas, a short hike to Morro Negro lighthouse, and a guided day that takes you into the north east of Boa Vista, then yes, this is a strong pick. The guide team quality is a real selling point, and small-group pacing makes it feel more human than rushed.

I would book it confidently if you can stay flexible with the start time and you are okay with the fact that sharks are not guaranteed. Treat Shark Bay as a bonus for your day, not the single goal, and you will enjoy the trip more.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you can swim well. I can help you think through how to plan your day around the high-tide timing and how to pack for both snorkeling and the lighthouse hike.

FAQ

Where does the snorkeling happen?

Snorkeling is at Baias das Gatas, also referred to as Praia das Gatas.

How long do we snorkel?

You get about 1 to 1.5 hours of snorkeling time at Baias das Gatas.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included and provided.

What time does the tour start?

It generally starts around 08:30, but the pickup time can change because snorkeling in the bay is only possible at high tide.

How do pickup and drop-off work?

Pickup and drop-off to your hotel are included, and you are picked up in a truck. You can sit inside or outside in the back.

Is lunch included in the price?

Food and beverages are listed as not included. Lunch is part of the day at Fundo das Figueiras, but you should plan to pay for it.

Are sharks guaranteed to be seen?

No. There is no 100% guarantee of seeing sharks.

Is the tour suitable if I cannot swim?

No. It is not suitable for non-swimmers.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

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