Sal Island Catamaran Cruise: Lounge Decks, Swimming & Drinks
Catamaran day trip from Palmeira with swimming stops, drinks and snacks
You’ll sail from Palmeira on Sal Island aboard a spacious catamaran with open lounge decks and plenty of room to relax. Enjoy unlimited drinks, fresh snacks, swimming stops—including a floating pool—and maybe even spot turtles or whales depending on the season. It’s an easygoing day where comfort comes first and time slows down just enough for you to notice.
Step-by-step itinerary
Catamaran tour from Palmeira to Murdeira Bay
- Depart from Palmeira fishing village
- Admire Serra Negra mountain and lunar landscape
- Stop at Murdeira Bay near Monte Leao mountain
- Enjoy unlimited drinks and freshly prepared snack
- Relax on open sitting areas and lounge beds
- Use private inflatable pool when boat stops
The Experience
“You’re not going to want to get up,” Li grinned at me as I sank into the bean bag netting, the sea just inches below my toes. I’d never been on a catamaran this roomy—plenty of space to flop down, stretch out, or wander over to the bar (which, by the way, never seemed to run out of cold beer). We left Palmeira’s painted houses behind in a blur of music and chatter, the crew already joking with us about our sunscreen technique (“not enough!” they laughed). The breeze smelled faintly salty but warm—hard to describe unless you’ve felt it yourself.
The main keyword here is “catamaran cruise Sal Island” but honestly, what stuck with me wasn’t just the boat. It was when we drifted near Murdeira bay—the guide pointed out Monte Leão, looking exactly like a sleeping lion if you squint (I tried and sort of saw it). Someone spotted turtles bobbing up near the surface; apparently summer’s their big moment here. I missed snapping a photo because I was too slow—classic—but it didn’t really matter. The water was so clear you could see right down to the bottom when we stopped and they set up this inflatable pool thing off the back. Kids squealed; adults kind of did too.
On the way back toward Palmeira again, I caught sight of Serra Negra off in the distance—the “Black Mountain.” The guide said it’s part of a natural reserve and sometimes you can spot whales in February or March if you’re lucky (we weren’t, but that’s nature for you). The snack came out just as everyone started getting hungry—a simple thing but fresh, and for some reason food always tastes better at sea. There were towels for everyone who swam and USB ports for charging phones (not that anyone wanted to look at theirs much). I still think about that lazy feeling after swimming, sun-warmed and happy—like you could stay out there forever.
What’s included
Your outing includes hotel pickup and drop-off from your accommodation on Sal Island, all-day access to a spacious catamaran with lounge beds and open seating areas, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks throughout the cruise, freshly prepared snacks served onboard, use of snorkeling equipment if you want to explore in the water, towels for drying off after swimming stops (including time in the inflatable floating pool if weather allows), plus live entertainment from the friendly crew before heading back in comfort.
Operated by No Limits Adventure
Traveler reviews
Compare the 12 similar options
Sal Island Catamaran Cruise: Lounge Decks, Swimming & Drinks★ 4.79 (341)4hEN · PT +5US$ 73
Santa Maria Full-Day Tour with Native Certified GuideVisit Santa Maria's fishing pier and nine island stops including Kite Beach, Murdeira Bay, Buracona's Blue Eye★ 4.87 (1,378)7hEN · PT +2US$ 41View ›
Sal Island Half-Day Tour: Blue Eye, Salt Lake & SharksFloat in mineral-rich volcanic crater waters and see juvenile lemon sharks in their natural habitat★ 4.80 (496)4hEN · PT +2US$ 53View ›
Sal Island: Adults-Only Catamaran Lounge & Floating PoolStart from Palmeira’s fishing village, relax on a spacious adults-only catamaran, enjoy cocktails, snacks, and a floating pool. Includes hotel pickup & live music.★ 4.86 (264)4hEN · PT +5US$ 82View ›
Sal Island: Night Sea Turtle Watching with Biologists & PickupFeel the hush of Sal Island’s beaches on a night sea turtle experience led by local biologists. Includes hotel pickup, small group, and eco-friendly guidance.★ 4.61 (155)2hEN · PT +2US$ 45View ›
Sal Island Full-Day Tour: Blue Eye, Sharks & Salt LakesEight stops across Sal from Murdeira Bay to Santa Maria, with lunch, entry fees, and hotel pickup included. Small groups, air-conditioned vehicle, one drink.★ 4.68 (230)7hEN · PT +3US$ 89View ›
Horseback Riding in Sal Island: Beach & Salt Mines TrailRide along white sand beaches and through salt flats on Sal Island with a small group and professional guide—hotel pickup included, all skill levels welcome.★ 4.87 (546)1h–2hEN · PT +3US$ 61View ›
Sal Island: Full Day Tour with Local Guide & CultureDiscover Sal Island’s fishing villages, salt lakes, and local life on a full day tour from Santa Maria. Includes certified guide, lunch stop, and island highlights.★ 4.71 (62)4h–5hEN · PT +3US$ 32View ›
Sal Island: Jet Ski Adventure with Pickup & Local GuideFeel the Atlantic spray on a jet ski tour from Santa Maria, Sal Island. Includes transfer, bottled water, and a friendly local guide for a smooth experience.★ 4.31 (102)1hEN · PT +4US$ 70per groupView ›
Sal Island: Shark Encounter, Salt Lake Swim & Local LunchFeel the salt on your skin in Pedra de Lume’s crater lake, walk out to meet lemon sharks near Parda Bay, and taste Cape Verdean lunch—hotel pickup included.★ 4.56 (89)7hEN · PT +3US$ 51View ›
Sal Island Day Trip: Salt Crater, Sharks & SnorkelingFull-day Sal Island tour from Santa Maria with Pedra de Lume salt crater, Shark Bay, Murdeira snorkeling and Espargos viewpoint. Group or private options.★ 4.59 (107)6h–7hEN · PT +3US$ 46View ›
Santa Maria: Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Night Walk & TransferWatch loggerhead sea turtles lay eggs on Cape Verde's Costa Fragata beach. Small groups (max 10), expert guides, hotel pickup included. 15 minutes from Santa Maria.★ 4.83 (150)3hEN · PT +1US$ 46View › Top questions
Does this Sal Island catamaran cruise include hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.
Are drinks included on the catamaran day trip?
Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included during the cruise.
Can I swim during the catamaran tour from Palmeira?
Yes, there are swimming stops with access to a floating pool if weather allows.
Is snorkeling equipment provided on board?
Snorkeling gear is available for guests to use during swim stops.
Are there chances to see turtles or whales?
Turtles may be seen June–October; whales February–March. Sightings aren’t guaranteed.
Is this cruise suitable for families with children?
The tour welcomes all ages; infants can ride in strollers or sit on laps. Specialized seats are available.
How many people are allowed on board?
The catamaran holds up to 75 guests per tour for comfort.
Are towels provided during the trip?
Towels are provided for all guests who wish to swim or relax on deck.
Sal Island Catamaran Cruise: Lounge Decks, Swimming & Drinks
4h · EN · PT +5 · at your hotel
from US$ 73 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.79341 reviews




































