Boa Vista: Whale Watching Trip with Motoryacht

If you’re heading to Boa Vista and want a glimpse of its intriguing marine life, a whale watching tour with a motoryacht is a standout choice. This half-day adventure offers a chance to see the majestic humpback whales in their natural habitat, guided by experts with years of experience. While, like all wildlife excursions, sightings aren’t guaranteed, the combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning ocean scenery, and the thrill of potentially witnessing these gentle giants up close makes it worth considering.

What’s particularly appealing is the small-group setting, which makes the experience more intimate and relaxed. Plus, the tour includes a marine biologist guide, so you’ll learn fascinating facts about humpback whales and their behaviors. The only real downside? Because it’s a naturalistic activity, there’s a chance you might not see whales on every trip, especially outside the prime season from March to May. Still, for anyone who loves marine wildlife, the journey is as important as the destination, and the chance of a sighting is high during whale migration season.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate nature, enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability. It’s particularly perfect if you’re looking for a meaningful, educational experience rather than just a boat ride. Families with children over 4, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a memorable adventure on the water will find this trip hits the right notes.

Key Points

• Seasonal Wildlife: The trip focuses on humpback whales, primarily between March and May, during their migration period.
• Expert Guidance: The tours are led by local marine biologists with over 12 years of whale watching experience.
• Small Group: Enjoy a more personalized experience, with fewer people on board for better wildlife viewing.
• Natural Encounters: Sightings depend on whale activity, which can vary; no guarantees in wildlife tourism.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup/drop-off, beverages included, and informative briefings enhance the experience.
• Value for Money: At around $94 per person, it offers a balanced mix of education, adventure, and potential wildlife encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Booking and Price

At $94 per person, this tour offers pretty good value, especially considering the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, plus drinks and expert guidance. The tour can easily slot into a half-day itinerary, leaving plenty of time to explore other parts of Boa Vista afterward. While some might wonder about food — which isn’t included — the overall cost seems reasonable for the chance to see whales with a biologist aboard.

Pickup and Logistics

The tour starts with a convenient pickup from your hotel. The meeting point is clearly designated at the port of Sal Rei, where the driver checks guest names on a list, ensuring a smooth start. Pickup times are scheduled for 8 am or 1 pm, so you can choose a slot that fits your plans. It’s important to note that if you’re staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, you should select the Touareg pickup option. For private accommodations, a separate pickup can be arranged, adding flexibility.

Transfer to the Yacht

Once collected, you’re transferred via dinghy to the yacht, a process that adds a bit of fun and adventure right from the start. The yacht itself is well-equipped, and the crew has over a decade of local experience. The briefing before departure is thorough, packed with interesting facts about humpback whales and their behaviors, setting the stage for what’s to come.

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The Boat and the Voyage

The boat is a motoryacht, offering stability and a good vantage point for wildlife spotting. Expect a trip of about three hours offshore, which gives enough time to cover different areas around Boa Vista. You’ll be encouraged to keep your eyes peeled for signs of whale activity — breaches, spouts, tail flukes, and playful breaches are all part of the awe-inspiring spectacle.

Wildlife Watching

This is where the tour truly shines. The humpback whales, adult size around 15 meters, migrate to Boa Vista from March to May to mate or give birth. The thrill of seeing these gentle giants in their element, sometimes breaching or rolling in the water, is unforgettable. Reviewers frequently mention how close they got to calves and mothers, a rare and touching sight. As one noted, “We were incredibly lucky to see a cow and her calf very close to the boat.”

A Guided Learning Experience

Led by marine biologists, the tour isn’t just about spotting whales—it’s about understanding them. The guides share fascinating insights about whale behaviors, migration patterns, and biology, making the experience educational as well as exciting. Several reviews praised guides like Josie and Sarah for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, which added a lot to the trip.

Weather & Sightings

Keep in mind, whale sightings depend heavily on weather conditions and whale activity. If sea conditions are rough or the whales are less active, sightings might be scarce. One guest even mentioned that their guide candidly told them they were out of season, which clearly highlights the importance of timing your trip well.

Return & Post-Tour

After about three hours on the water, the yacht returns to Sal Rei. From there, transportation back to your hotel is arranged, typically smooth and punctual. Many travelers say this seamless logistics process adds to the overall positive experience.

What Travelers Are Saying

Authentic reviews reflect the honesty of wildlife tours. While some, like Jamie, were disappointed by the lack of whales (noting that the trip was booked outside the prime season), others shared glowing accounts of close encounters and educational value. One traveler said, “Haben die Wale hautnah erlebt” (we experienced the whales up close), emphasizing how memorable the sightings can be.

Many reviewers appreciated the guides’ passion, with comments like, “Josie and Sarah did a great job explaining everything about the animals,” and appreciated the care taken to ensure everyone was comfortable, including seasickness tablets. Seasickness can be an issue in open water, so it’s good to be prepared.

Is It Worth It?

All in all, the consensus is that this tour provides a genuine, educational glimpse into the marine life of Boa Vista. Even if you don’t see whales every time, the chance of witnessing a natural spectacle in an unspoiled environment makes it worthwhile. The included beverages, expert guides, and the intimate group setting elevate the experience beyond a simple boat trip.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This whale watching trip is perfect for travelers who value authentic wildlife encounters and enjoy learning about marine life from experts. It’s especially suited for those visiting Boa Vista during the whale migration season (March to May). Families with children over four, wildlife lovers, and curious travelers will find it engaging and worth the investment.

While it’s not suitable for people with limited mobility or pregnant women, those who don’t mind a bit of unpredictability in wildlife sightings will appreciate the chance, even if the whales decide to take a break during your excursion. Remember, a natural environment means no guarantees — but the potential for a breathtaking sighting makes it a risk worth taking.

FAQ

When is the best time for whale watching on Boa Vista?
The prime season is from March to May, when humpback whales migrate to the area to mate and give birth.

What is included in the tour price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a marine biologist guide are included.

Is food provided on the tour?
No, food isn’t included, so it’s best to eat beforehand or bring snacks if you prefer.

How long does the tour last?
The boat trip itself is about three hours, leaving enough time for a relaxed experience.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket, hat, and rain gear just in case. Seasickness tablets are recommended.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather isn’t good?
The tour may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsuitable, offering either a refund or a new date.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under four, mainly due to the open water and age considerations.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted on this tour.

Will I see whales every time?
While chances are high during season, sightings aren’t guaranteed due to the nature of wildlife behavior.

Final Thoughts

This whale watching tour on Boa Vista offers an authentic, educational, and deeply engaging experience for those interested in marine life and natural encounters. Guided by expert biologists and set in a small-group environment, visitors get the chance to see humpback whales in their natural habitat, often from very close. While wildlife sightings depend on natural factors, the effort and expertise involved make this a compelling outing.

It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want more than just a boat ride — it’s about knowledge, connection to nature, and the thrill of possibly witnessing one of the ocean’s most graceful creatures. The included beverages, the professionalism of the crew, and the scenic route all contribute to a memorable day on the water.

If you’re visiting Boa Vista during whale season and crave an authentic wildlife experience, this tour is definitely worth considering. While it’s not a guaranteed sighting, the quality of guides and the natural beauty surrounding you make every moment worthwhile.

This trip stands out as a balanced mix of adventure, education, and gentle excitement, perfect for curious travelers eager to connect with the natural world of Cape Verde’s waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: