REVIEW · BOA VISTA
Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue
Book on Viator →Operated by Boat trips & Fishing Boa Vista · Bookable on Viator
A day on the water in Boa Vista beats a standard sightseeing loop. This private boat trip pairs sea fishing with time on Djeu, plus a barbecue lunch made with the fish you reel in. I like that you’re not herded around with strangers, and I also like the simple mix of hands-on fishing, optional snorkeling, and real downtime on the beach. One watch-out: if the sea is rough, snorkeling may not be ideal, though you can still enjoy the shore time and BBQ.
In This Review
- A captain-for-the-day, rods in hand
- Key points to know before you go
- The 5-hour plan: Te Manché, fishing spots, then Djeu beach time
- Private boat time: why having just your group is the real luxury
- Fishing off Boa Vista: rods included, and the captain does the heavy lifting
- Snorkeling around Djeu reef: how to plan for calmer versus rougher seas
- BBQ lunch from your catch: why this meal hits harder at sea
- Local guidance: what you get from a lifelong Boa Vista captain (and Yara’s texts)
- Price and value: $92.92 per person for a private half-day with lunch
- Pickup and getting to the pier: the €50 Riu Touareg taxi note
- Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
- Weather and sea conditions: the one factor that can change your day
- Should you book Fishing, Snorkeling and BBQ in Boa Vista?
- FAQ
- How long is the Fishing, Snorkeling and BBQ tour in Boa Vista?
- Is this tour private?
- What’s included in the tour price?
- Do they provide hotel pickup?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is snorkeling part of the plan?
- When do you eat the BBQ lunch?
- Is the taxi from Hotel Riu Touareg included?
- What happens if the weather is bad or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
A captain-for-the-day, rods in hand

The captain (a lifelong Boa Vista local) runs the day with a calm, practical rhythm, and you’ll have fishing rods provided along with relevant safety gear. I also appreciate the human touch: communication often comes by text in advance through Yara, so you know what to expect before you even reach the pier. If you’re staying at Riu Touareg, plan for the extra taxi cost, because that specific €50 ride fee from the hotel is not included in the tour price.
Key points to know before you go

- Private boat for your group: You get the boat to yourselves, not a shared schedule.
- Fishing rods and safety gear included: You don’t have to hunt around for equipment.
- Djeu stops for exploring or snorkeling: You can switch plans once you see conditions.
- BBQ lunch from your catch: The fish becomes lunch on the spot.
- Local captain insight: You’ll get honest, island-specific guidance from someone who’s lived here forever.
- Sea conditions can affect snorkeling: Rougher water can change how much time you spend in the water.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Boa Vista.
The 5-hour plan: Te Manché, fishing spots, then Djeu beach time

This trip runs about 5 hours, and it follows a straightforward flow that makes sense for a half-day day on the coast. You start at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei (Boa Vista), then head along the coast toward the south. The boat experience is the main event, so you’re not spending the day hopping between far-flung sites.
Once underway, you cast out the fishing lines. After the fishing, the captain turns the boat toward Djeu, a small island where the next phase of the day begins. That’s when the trip shifts from action to comfort: the anchor drops, and you go ashore for time to explore the island or snorkel at the nearby reef.
Then comes the best part of a fishing day: lunch. With your catch on board, the captain grills the fish on the BBQ. After you eat, you’ll still have time to relax on the beach before you return to the start point.
Why this flow works: it keeps energy high early (when you’re most excited to fish), then gives you real payoff time later—food, beach, and a chance to slow down.
Private boat time: why having just your group is the real luxury

This isn’t a big group tour. It’s a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. That changes the vibe in a big way on the water, where small annoyances can snowball in a crowded boat setting.
With your own boat, you can usually settle into a rhythm:
- fishing without constant “who’s next” chatter
- choosing when you want to go ashore
- taking your time with the beach after lunch
It also tends to make the day feel more personal. One of the most praised parts of the experience is the sense of relaxed, family-style time—especially when you’re traveling as a couple or a small group.
If you’re the type who doesn’t want a strict timeline, this private format is a major part of the value.
Fishing off Boa Vista: rods included, and the captain does the heavy lifting

Fishing is the core activity, and the operator sets you up for success by providing fishing rods and relevant safety gear. You’re not expected to be a pro. In fact, you just need the basics: listen, cast when it’s your turn, and follow the captain’s cues.
The route matters too. The trip sails along the coast of Estoril and heads south before casting out rods, then returns toward Djeu once there’s a catch on board. That pattern keeps the day connected—fishing happens first, then everything links back to the BBQ meal.
What to expect while fishing: it can be nonstop fun when conditions cooperate. You’ll have time to catch multiple types of fish, and the day is designed so you don’t feel like you’re waiting around for something to happen.
A consideration: the sea can be active. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring your comfort mindset (and consider your limits for snorkeling later). You still get a full outing even if you shorten the time in the water.
Snorkeling around Djeu reef: how to plan for calmer versus rougher seas

Snorkeling is part of the promise, but it’s smart to treat it as conditional. The itinerary includes time at Djeu where you can snorkel in the nearby reef area, but sea conditions can change quickly on coastal trips.
Here’s the practical reality: if the water is too rough, snorkeling might not be comfortable or safe. In that case, you’ll still have the island stop and beach time, which keeps the day from turning into a disappointment.
So your best approach is flexible planning:
- If the sea looks manageable, snorkel.
- If it’s choppy, switch to island exploring and shore lounging.
- Either way, lunch is still the centerpiece, and it happens after the fishing.
This flexibility is a quiet win of the tour design. You’re not forced into one single “do snorkeling or fail” scenario.
BBQ lunch from your catch: why this meal hits harder at sea

The BBQ isn’t just included—it’s tied directly to the fishing. After the catch is on board and you reach Djeu, the captain grills the fish for you. That means lunch feels earned and fresh, not like a pre-packed meal you eat while pretending you’re enjoying the boat.
Expect a hot, simple onboard BBQ with fish you caught that day. People consistently mention how different fresh-caught fish tastes compared to what you’re used to back home. And because you eat it right after fishing, the timing feels perfect: you’re still in the day’s story arc.
After lunch, the tour doesn’t end right away. You still get time to enjoy the beach and relax before heading back.
Why this matters for value: many tours give you snacks and call it a day. This one gives you a real meal as part of the activity.
Local guidance: what you get from a lifelong Boa Vista captain (and Yara’s texts)

A major advantage here is the captain’s local perspective. The captain has lived in Boa Vista his entire life, so you’re not just getting instructions—you’re getting insight about the ocean and the islands in a way that sounds natural, not rehearsed.
There’s also a practical communication layer. In past experiences with this operator, people noted clear texting beforehand from Yara, with details about expectations and timing. That reduces the usual travel stress of wondering if the pickup is real, late, or misunderstood.
And on the day itself, it’s not just the captain. The onboard team helps keep the experience smooth, which matters if you’re fishing for the first time or if snorkeling conditions shift.
If you like tours where someone explains what you’re doing and why, this one fits.
Price and value: $92.92 per person for a private half-day with lunch

At $92.92 per person, this is not a “cheap and cheerful” throwaway activity. But you are paying for several things that add value:
- a private boat for your group
- fishing rods and safety gear
- the opportunity to snorkel and explore Djeu
- and a BBQ lunch built from the fish you catch
A standard group tour can spread those costs thin across many passengers. Here, the structure keeps the experience tight and personal, which is exactly what you want when you’re paying for time on the water.
One more angle: pickup is offered, and group discounts are available. If you’re traveling with a family or friends, you’re likely to feel the cost per person becomes more reasonable as the group grows.
The best way to judge value: ask yourself whether you want a private, half-day “do-it-yourself adventure” vibe, with food that actually feels connected to the day. If yes, the price starts to look fair fast.
Pickup and getting to the pier: the €50 Riu Touareg taxi note
The tour can include pickup, but there’s an important detail if you’re staying at Hotel Riu Touareg. The €50 taxi fee from that hotel to the pier is not included in the tour price and is paid upon arrival at the pier.
Your meeting point is at Avenida dos Pescadores, Av. dos Pescadores, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.
Practical takeaway: if you’re not sure how to get to Te Manché, plan on confirming your pickup instructions early. Even with offered pickup, it’s worth budgeting for that specific hotel taxi note if it applies to you.
Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
This trip is a great match if you want:
- a family-friendly day on the water
- hands-on fishing without needing experience
- a relaxed island stop at Djeu
- a meal that’s more than a token lunch
It also works well for couples, especially those who want a shared activity and a calm pace afterward.
Think twice if:
- you get very seasick and you’re hoping snorkeling will be a major part of the day
- you expect a long, shore-only beach day (this is still a boat-centered fishing trip)
The good news is the trip offers choices once you reach Djeu, so you can shift to exploring and beach time if snorkeling isn’t comfortable.
Weather and sea conditions: the one factor that can change your day
This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t suitable, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. It also depends on a minimum number of travelers, so dates can change if the booking threshold isn’t met.
From a real-life planning standpoint, this is why snorkeling should stay flexible in your mind. The day is designed to still feel complete even if you do less snorkeling. Fish, BBQ, and beach time are built into the core schedule.
Should you book Fishing, Snorkeling and BBQ in Boa Vista?
I’d book this tour if you want a private boat day with real activity: catch fish, eat fresh fish, and spend time at Djeu. The strongest reason to go is the combo of fishing plus BBQ plus beach time, all kept simple and local.
Skip it only if snorkeling is your main goal and you can’t handle rougher seas. Even then, you still have island and beach time, but comfort matters.
If you’re traveling with another person or a small group, the value improves fast because you’re paying for privacy and a complete meal, not just a short sightseeing ride.
FAQ
How long is the Fishing, Snorkeling and BBQ tour in Boa Vista?
It’s about 5 hours.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the tour price?
You get the boat experience, fishing rods, safety gear, time around Djeu for snorkeling or exploring, and a BBQ lunch of grilled fish.
Do they provide hotel pickup?
Pickup is offered, but the details can depend on where you’re staying.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at Avenida dos Pescadores, Av. dos Pescadores, Sal Rei, Cabo Verde, and it ends back at the meeting point.
Is snorkeling part of the plan?
Snorkeling is included as an option once you reach Djeu and the nearby reef area, depending on conditions.
When do you eat the BBQ lunch?
You’ll eat the grilled fish after fishing, once you reach Djeu and the captain grills the catch for you.
Is the taxi from Hotel Riu Touareg included?
No. The €50 taxi fee from Hotel Riu Touareg to the pier is not included and is paid upon arrival at the pier.
What happens if the weather is bad or the minimum number of travelers isn’t met?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. If it’s canceled because the minimum number of travelers isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.






