You’ll board in Palmeira’s colorful fishing village and sail along Sal Island’s coast with drinks in hand, live music playing softly, and plenty of space to stretch out on lounge beds or bean bags. Swim in an inflatable pool set up at Monte Leão and snack on fresh bites while soaking up sun and sea air—this adults-only catamaran trip is all about unwinding at your own pace.
We were already halfway through our first cocktail when the catamaran left Palmeira — that little Cape Verdean port where the houses are all painted in colors that look brighter against the sun. I’d never seen so many people genuinely relaxing at once; some folks just sprawled out on bean bags, others chatting quietly by the railings. Li (our guide, who seems to know everyone in Palmeira) pointed out the fishermen unloading their catch as we drifted past. The salt in the air mixed with something sweet from the bar — maybe passionfruit? I still can’t decide if it was the sea breeze or the sparkling wine making me feel so light.
As we sailed toward Murdeira bay, there was this hush that settled over everyone. You could hear just the water slapping against the hull and a few gulls overhead. Monte Leão came into view — it really does look like a lion sleeping, just as they say. Someone tried local fishing off the side (I didn’t catch anything but did get my hands a bit fishy), and there was gentle music playing somewhere behind us. At one point, they set up this inflatable pool right off the deck. It’s such a simple thing but honestly felt like being a kid again, bobbing around with your feet dangling in warm Atlantic water.
The snacks came out fresh — not just chips or whatever, but real things like grilled shrimp and these little savory pastries I still think about. And yeah, unlimited beer and wine means you’ll probably lose track of time (in a good way). There were USB ports for charging phones but most people just forgot about their screens after a while. I watched one couple slow dance near sunset; nobody bothered them. That’s how mellow it got.
I didn’t expect to laugh so much with strangers or feel so at home on a boat full of adults who mostly wanted quiet or maybe just music drifting over salt air. It’s not fancy-fancy — more like someone invited you onto their friend’s boat for an afternoon where nothing is rushed and you can just be yourself for a while.
The tour starts from Palmeira, a fishing village on Sal Island's northwest coast.
Yes, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and sparkling wine are included.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.
Yes, there is an inflatable floating pool set up during the trip for swimming if weather allows.
The cruise offers freshly made upgraded snacks—not just basic options—throughout the trip.
Yes, it's adults only but suitable for singles as well as couples or groups looking to relax.
The boat holds up to 90 but each tour is limited to 75 guests for comfort.
Yes, towels are provided onboard for swimming or lounging.
Yes, live entertainment is included during the cruise.
Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from anywhere on Sal Island, unlimited beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks throughout your time aboard, freshly made snacks served as you sail past Monte Leão toward Murdeira bay, use of snorkelling gear and fishing equipment if you want to try your luck (or just watch), towels for swimming or lounging in the floating pool if weather allows—and live entertainment drifting across the deck as you relax back toward Palmeira at sunset.
Do you need help planning your next activity?