Catamaran Half Day Sal: Sail & Snorkel Southwest Coast

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.76 (378 reviews) 85% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/51

Duration3h

GroupUp to 25

LanguagesEN · NO +4

PickupAt your hotel

You board from the beach by dinghy, not a pier, which is the only way onto the water right now.

A half-day catamaran cruise along the southwest coast of Sal Island in Cape Verde, with sailing, a swimming and snorkeling stop, drinks and light snacks aboard. Small group sizes keep the atmosphere calm and personal. Boarding takes place from the beach via dinghy due to pier damage, and a live guide speaks English, Portuguese, German, Norwegian and other languages. Snorkeling equipment is provided; wildlife sightings are possible but not guaranteed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Half-day catamaran cruise on Sal coast

Board catamaran from beach via dinghy
Sail along Sal's southwest coast
Enjoy light snacks and drinks onboard
Relax and take in ocean views
Stop for swimming or snorkeling

The Experience

What's the easiest way to get out on the Atlantic without spending the whole day at sea? This half-day catamaran leaves from the beach at Santa Maria and sails the southwest coast of Sal Island for three hours. You'll spend the time on deck — sunbathing, watching the water, or just sitting with a drink while the crew handles the boat. The catamaran is spacious enough that small group sizes mean you're not packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the pace is deliberately slow. This is not a party cruise; it's built around the idea of slowing down.

Halfway through, the boat stops for swimming or snorkeling, depending on conditions that day. Snorkeling equipment is on board, so you don't bring your own. Light snacks and drinks — sodas, water, alcohol — come with the ticket, though this is not a full meal. A local crew runs the boat and speaks English, Portuguese, German, Norwegian and a couple of other languages. Wildlife sightings (dolphins, sea turtles, rays) are possible but not guaranteed; the focus is on the sailing and the company.

One practical detail: the pier in Santa Maria is damaged, so boarding happens from the beach via dinghy. Your feet will get wet on the way out and back in. If that's not a problem for you, it's the only way onto the water right now. Infants can come along as long as they sit on an adult's lap, and the boat suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

Snorkeling equipment.
drinks including sodas, water and alcoholic beverages.
light snacks.
a live guide in multiple languages.
a spacious catamaran with small group sizes for a comfortable experience.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cape Verde Sailing

Is this one for you?Three hours leaves your afternoon free, so you can pair this with a beach day or explore Santa Maria without committing to a full-day excursion. The small group size and calm pace suit anyone who wants to be on the water without the noise and rush of a larger tour boat.