Amazing Full Day Boat Rental – Sal Island, Cape Verde

Planning a day out on the water in Sal, Cape Verde, sounds like a dream—especially when it involves a private boat, drinks galore, and the chance to explore the stunning Santa Maria coast. This tour from ILHA DO SAL TOURS offers a full-day private boat experience that ticks all the boxes for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and exclusivity.

What we love about this experience? First, the customization aspect means you can tailor your trip to your preferences—whether that’s snorkeling, relaxing with drinks, or celebrating a special occasion. Second, the luxury extras like upgrades for sushi, lobster, or even a musician elevate the day into a memorable event. Third, the intimate group size—up to 10 people—ensures a personal touch and plenty of space to relax.

One possible consideration? The tour doesn’t include transportation to the meeting points, which means you’ll need to arrange taxis or other transfers. But if you’re already on Sal and like the idea of a dedicated, flexible day on the water, this is a small trade-off for the overall quality and exclusivity.

This experience is ideal for romantic getaways, birthdays, honeymoons, proposals, or even small group celebrations. If you’re craving a private, customizable day on the sea with luxury touches, this boat rental could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Private & customizable: Rent the boat exclusively for your group, with options to personalize your itinerary.
• All-inclusive: Enjoy an open bar with drinks and snacks, plus snorkeling gear on board.
• Luxury upgrades: Add extras like sushi, lobster, flowers, or even live music for a special occasion.
• Flexible meeting points: Departure from Bikini Beach pier or Palmeira, with clear instructions and no need for hotel pickups.
• Duration & group size: 6 to 6.5 hours, with a maximum of 10 guests for an intimate experience.
• Easy booking & cancellation: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the full-day boat rental in detail

The Essence of the Experience

What makes this boat tour stand out is its exclusivity. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers—your group has the vessel to yourselves, which means complete freedom to set your own pace. Whether you want a leisurely day lounging with drinks and snacks or an adventurous snorkeling trip, the schedule is yours to craft.

The meeting points are straightforward, either Bikini Beach pier or Palmeira, both easily accessible within Sal. No hotel pickups are included, but taxis are plentiful and affordable, making it simple to meet your guide on time. The tour lasts about 6 to 6.5 hours, giving ample time to explore, relax, and indulge.

The Itinerary and Highlights

While the tour is flexible, it generally offers the chance to sail around the crystal-clear Santa Maria sea, a highlight for many visitors. Expect stunning, panoramic views, with the chance to swim or snorkel in vibrant waters. The snorkeling gear provided on board means you can explore underwater life without hassle—an activity praised by past guests for its convenience and quality.

Guests have shared how the guide or crew’s knowledge enhances the experience. One reviewer mentioned that the captain, whose name is not specified, was very attentive, providing tips on the best snorkeling spots and offering interesting insights about the local marine life.

The Luxury Extras and Upgrades

What elevates this tour from a simple boat trip into a special occasion are the optional upgrades. For an extra charge, you can opt for sushi, lobster, or flowers, making it ideal for romantic moments or celebrations. A live musician can also be added, transforming the boat into a floating party or intimate concert.

Past travelers have noted that these options add a touch of luxury without overshadowing the core experience. The ability to customize means you can keep it simple or go all out for a truly memorable day.

More Great Tours Nearby

Food & Drinks on Board

The open bar is a significant highlight. Water, juice, coffee, tea, beer, wine—all are included, keeping guests refreshed during the trip. The snacks are equally appreciated, with many mentioning the quality of the drinks and the relaxed atmosphere they create.

Some reviewers appreciated how the crew kept everyone well-hydrated and entertained, especially in the warm Cape Verde sun. The availability of Prosecco in the bottle included in the package is a nice touch, perfect for raising a toast to the stunning scenery.

Snorkeling & Marine Life

Snorkeling is a favorite activity—guests often remark on the ease of access and quality of gear provided. One reviewer mentioned that they saw a variety of fish and marine life, describing the experience as “refreshing and fun.” Since snorkeling gear is included, there’s no need to bring your own, making it especially convenient.

The Cost & Value

The price of $1,173 for up to 10 people might seem high at first glance, but when broken down, it offers excellent value for a private, all-day experience with drinks, snacks, and snorkeling included. If you’re traveling with a group, this works out to roughly $117 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the exclusivity and luxury options available.

The ability to tailor the trip—adding sushi, flowers, or even a special gift—further enhances the value, turning a boat rental into a full-blown celebration.

The Experience from Past Guests

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the crew. One traveler shared, “The captain was knowledgeable and made us feel like VIPs,” while others appreciated the relaxed pace and beautiful scenery. A common theme was the stunning views and the peace of being on a private boat, far from crowded tours.

Some noted that weather conditions can influence the departure, but the team contacts guests 2 days prior to confirm or adjust plans, which helps set expectations.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This experience is perfect for couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, small groups of friends or family, or anyone wanting a luxurious, private day on the water. It’s ideal if you’re seeking flexibility, personalized service, and a chance to enjoy Cape Verde’s beautiful coastline away from the crowds.

If your idea of a perfect day involves relaxing with a drink in hand, exploring underwater worlds, and customizing your adventure, you’ll find this to be an excellent choice.

The Sum Up

This full-day private boat rental on Sal offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. It’s a flexible experience that can be tailored to suit your mood—whether that’s snorkeling, sipping wine, or celebrating a special event. The inclusion of drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear makes it a convenient, all-in-one package.

The personalized nature of the tour, combined with the opportunity to add luxury extras, makes it stand out in the Cape Verde activity lineup. It’s best suited for those wanting a private, bespoke day on the sea—perfect for a romantic celebration, a memorable family outing, or a small group getaway.

While it requires some planning to get to the departure point, the overall experience is likely to deliver a day filled with stunning views, good company, and lasting memories.

FAQs

Is transportation to the meeting points included?
No, transportation is not included. Guests need to arrange taxis or other means to reach Bikini Beach pier or Palmeira, but taxis are readily available.

How long is the tour?
The boat rental lasts about 6 to 6.5 hours, giving plenty of time to explore, snorkel, and relax.

Can I customize the experience?
Yes, you can personalize your trip, including options for luxury upgrades like sushi, lobster, flowers, and live music.

What is included in the package?
The basic package includes an open bar with drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, and the boat rental.

Are there any age or group size restrictions?
The tour is designed for groups up to 10 people, making it suitable for small parties. Specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, but the relaxed nature suggests it’s family-friendly.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserving now allows you to pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

In summary, this private boat tour on Sal offers a well-rounded, customizable experience perfect for those seeking a luxurious day at sea. With friendly guides, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of options to upgrade, it’s a fantastic way to make your Cape Verde trip truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here: