Catamaran Makaira Half Day Tour Sal: Snorkel and swim

Three hours sailing Sal's west coast, one snorkel stop, dolphins if you're lucky

A half-day catamaran tour from Porto de Palmeira on Sal Island with hotel transfers included. You board the Makaira at the fishing village harbor, sail toward Monte Leão spotting sea turtles and dolphins, pause for an hour of snorkeling in clear water, and return to port with drinks and snacks throughout. Children welcome from age 4.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran Makaira half-day tour

• Hotel pick-up and transfer to Palmeira
• Meet team at Port of Palmeira
• Check-in and transfer to catamaran by dinghy
• Safety briefing onboard
• Sail along west coast towards Monte Leão
• Spot sea turtles and dolphins
• Stop for snorkeling and swimming
• Enjoy music, snacks, and drinks onboard
• Return to Port of Palmeira

The experience

The day starts with a hotel pickup by bus that takes you to Porto de Palmeira, a working fishing village on Sal's northwest coast where you'll watch fishermen sort their catch before boarding. A dinghy ferries you out to the Catamaran Makaira, where you get a safety briefing and settle into your spot on deck. The boat heads west along the coast toward Monte Leão, and this is when the wildlife watching begins: sea turtles move through these waters year-round, and dolphins often swim close enough to the catamaran that you can photograph them.

At Monte Leão you stop for a full hour of snorkeling in water clear enough to see the reef and the fish moving through it. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew stays nearby. Back on deck between the snorkel and the return journey, you'll have drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks and juice) plus snacks to eat while the music plays. The whole tour runs about three hours from start to finish, ending back at Porto de Palmeira where the dinghy returns you to the dock.

What’s included

• Hotel transfers by bus to Porto de Palmeira.
• dinghy transport to and from the catamaran.
• safety briefing.
• one hour snorkeling stop at Monte Leão with equipment provided.
• soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, cocktails and snacks throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Catamaran Makaira

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying in a hotel on Sal without a rental car: hotel pickup gets you to Porto de Palmeira, and the three-hour duration fits a morning or afternoon slot.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

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.

Can I get to Porto de Palmeira without renting a car?

Hotel pickup by bus is included in the tour, so you don't need your own transport to reach the departure point.

What happens if we don't see dolphins?

Sea turtles are visible year-round in these waters, so you're likely to spot them. Dolphins swim near the catamaran often, but sightings depend on the day. The crew will point them out when they appear.

Is the snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, so you don't need to pack it.

What's included to eat and drink?

Soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, cocktails and snacks are served throughout the three hours on board.