Catamaran Half Day Sal: Sail & Snorkel Southwest Coast

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.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish, German, Portuguese, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 18 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets 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.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German, Portuguese, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How do I get on the catamaran if the pier is damaged?

Boarding takes place from the beach via dinghy, so you'll wade into the water to get on and off the boat. Your feet will get wet, but it's the only access point while the Santa Maria pier is under repair.

What's included in the half-day catamaran cruise?

The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, light snacks, and drinks (sodas, water, and alcoholic beverages). It does not include a full meal, but the snacks and drinks keep you comfortable during the three-hour sail.

Will we definitely see dolphins or sea turtles?

Wildlife sightings like dolphins, sea turtles and rays are possible, but they are not guaranteed. The tour focuses on sailing and the small-group experience rather than wildlife spotting.

Can I bring an infant on the catamaran?

Yes, infants are welcome as long as they sit on an adult's lap during the cruise. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels.