Fishing Snorkeling and Barbecue

Fish, beach, and lunch, all in five hours. This private Boa Vista boat trip combines sea fishing, a stop at Djeu, and a barbecue made from your catch. I like the quiet freedom of having the boat to yourself, and I like that the captain, a lifelong resident of Boa Vista, can share local knowledge of the coast and sea. The main catch is that rough water can cancel the snorkeling, and hotel transfers are not always included.

You leave from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei and travel along the Estoril coast before heading south. The boat carries fishing rods and safety equipment, while the crew handles the cooking. If you are staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, budget an extra €50 for the taxi to the pier.

Key points at a glance

• A truly private boat: Your group has the boat to itself, which works well for families, couples, and friends.
• Fresh fish for lunch: Fish caught during the trip is grilled on a barbecue at Djeu.
• Djeu adds a remote-island stop: You can go ashore, relax on the beach, or try the nearby reef.
• Fishing rods are provided: You do not need to bring your own equipment.
• Snorkeling depends on the sea: Rough conditions have made snorkeling unsafe on some departures.
• Allow for separate transport costs: Pickup is offered, but a €50 taxi fee applies from Hotel Riu Touareg.

What this Boa Vista boat trip is really like

This is a small, active half-day outing rather than a polished resort excursion. The appeal comes from the mix of simple pleasures: casting a line, riding along Boa Vista’s coast, eating fish grilled soon after it was caught, and stretching out on a quiet beach.

The boat leaves from Avenida dos Pescadores, at the fisherman’s pier in Te Manché, Sal Rei. The advertised duration is about five hours. Since the activity ends back at the same meeting point, you should plan your day around getting to and from the pier.

The private format matters. You are not sharing the boat with a large crowd, so your group can spend more time fishing, swimming, or resting according to the conditions. Families also get a more relaxed setting for children who may need a break from the action.

The experience has earned a 4.5 rating from 31 ratings, with 90 percent recommending it. That is a good sign, though the smaller number of ratings means you should still read the practical details carefully, especially the transfer charge and the effect of the weather.

Setting out from Te Manché and along the Estoril coast

The first part of the trip is the boat ride south from Sal Rei. You pass along the coast of Estoril, then continue toward the fishing area. The journey gives you time to settle in, take in the sea, and listen to the captain’s local perspective.

The captain has lived in Boa Vista all his life. That does not turn the trip into a formal guided tour, but it does give the outing a local connection that a standard boat ride may lack. You can expect practical knowledge about the island and the water rather than a long scripted talk.

The boat is supplied with the relevant safety equipment, and fishing rods are included. That makes the outing easy to join if you are new to fishing. One first-time fisher described catching several types of fish, which suggests the activity can work for beginners as well as people who already know their way around a rod.

Still, fishing is controlled by nature. A good catch is possible, but no boat trip can promise one. The trip is best chosen for the full experience, not only for the amount of fish you bring back to shore.

Fishing on open water

Fishing is the first main activity. Once the boat reaches its fishing area, the rods go out and you wait for the action. On a successful day, the pace can be lively. One account describes nonstop catches, while another first-time fisher was pleased by the variety of fish caught.

That kind of success makes the trip especially appealing for families. Children can take part in a real local activity rather than simply watching scenery pass by. Adults also get a clear reward for the time spent on the water: the fish becomes lunch later in the day.

The open sea can be rough, though. If you are prone to motion sickness, think carefully about the conditions and bring any usual personal remedy. The tour requires good weather, and the operator may cancel or offer another date if conditions are poor.

You should also keep expectations sensible. Fishing depends on the sea, the weather, and the location chosen by the captain. A quiet catch does not mean the trip has failed, since the boat ride, Djeu stop, beach time, and barbecue remain part of the plan.

Djeu, the island stop, and a beach with room to breathe

After fishing, the boat turns toward the small island of Djeu. The captain anchors, and you go ashore. This is the point where the trip changes from an active fishing outing to an easy beach break.

You can explore the island or relax by the water while lunch is prepared. The stop gives you space to dry off, stretch your legs, and enjoy a quieter side of Boa Vista. Several accounts describe a deserted or very peaceful beach, which is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour over a simple fishing trip.

Djeu is not presented as a place filled with attractions or facilities. That is part of its appeal, but it also means you should expect a natural stop rather than a developed beach club. Bring anything you need for comfort within the limits of what you can carry, since the supplied details do not indicate shops or services on the island.

The beach also provides a useful backup if snorkeling is not safe. When the sea has been rough, people have skipped the reef and still enjoyed swimming, resting, and the beach itself. That flexibility makes the itinerary more dependable than a tour built around snorkeling alone.

Snorkeling near the reef, with weather in mind

Snorkeling is planned near a reef by Djeu. In calm conditions, this gives you a chance to see the water from below after spending time fishing above it. The combination is appealing because the day does not depend on one type of activity.

But snorkeling is not guaranteed. Rough seas have led the crew to advise against it, and that is the right call. Safety matters more than checking every item on the schedule. If you are booking mainly for reef time, you should understand that the sea may change the plan.

This is also why the tour works best for people who enjoy a flexible day. You might fish, snorkel, swim, and spend time on the beach, but the balance can shift with the weather. On one departure, the snorkeling was not possible, yet the beach and barbecue still made the day worthwhile.

The boat carries safety gear, and the captain makes the final decision about conditions. You should listen to that advice, even if the water looks inviting from shore.

The barbecue: fresh fish and a simple lunch

While you explore Djeu or spend time in the water, the captain grills the fish caught during the trip. This is the heart of the experience. The meal is not just a standard packed lunch, but a direct result of the morning’s fishing.

Freshness is the big advantage. The fish goes from the water to the grill, then to your plate soon afterward. Several people praised the taste and freshness, with one describing it as unlike any fish they had eaten before.

The meal also gives the trip a strong local feel. Fishing, cooking, and eating are joined into one activity, instead of being separate parts arranged for tourists. You see where the food comes from and enjoy it in the same coastal setting.

The information provided does not list a full menu, side dishes, or options for dietary needs. If someone in your group has food restrictions, ask the operator before booking. The advertised lunch centers on freshly caught barbecued fish, so it is wise not to assume a broad alternative menu.

Once lunch is finished, you have more time to relax on the beach before returning to the boat. That slower final stretch is welcome after the fishing and water activities.

Why the private format is worth the price

The price is $92.92 per person. I see the value most clearly when you are traveling as a small private group and plan to use the boat’s time fully. You are paying for a five-hour outing with a private boat, a captain, fishing equipment, a barbecue lunch, and stops at Djeu and the reef.

A shared boat might cost less in some destinations, but it would not offer the same control over the pace or the same family privacy. Here, your group can enjoy the day without adjusting every stop to strangers.

The value is also tied to the fresh lunch. A simple fish barbecue may not sound luxurious, but it is more memorable than a routine meal at a resort because you helped catch the main ingredient.

The price does not cover every possible expense. If you are staying at Hotel Riu Touareg, the taxi to the pier costs €50 and is paid on arrival. The transfer arrangement is the clearest source of frustration in the available feedback, since one person understood pickup to be included. Confirm your hotel transfer before the day of departure.

Pickup is offered, but the exact cost may depend on your accommodation. Ask for the total price, not only the per-person tour price, so there are no surprises.

Communication, crew, and the small details

Communication appears to be one of the better parts of the operation. Yara has contacted people before departure with information about what to expect and updates about the taxi arrival. That kind of message is useful for a water activity, where meeting points and transport can otherwise feel unclear.

The onboard crew has also received praise for being friendly and attentive. Tuck was named as part of one boat crew, along with another staff member. Names and crew assignments can change, but the useful point is that the service is personal rather than anonymous.

You meet at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché, on Avenida dos Pescadores in Sal Rei. The activity returns there after the beach stop. Plan to arrive with enough time to find the pier, particularly if you are making your own way there.

Confirmation is provided at booking. The tour accepts mobile tickets, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the sea conditions and boat setting mean you should consider your own comfort on open water.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for families who want one outing that keeps several age groups interested. Fishing gives children a task, the beach gives everyone downtime, and the private boat avoids the strain of a large group.

It also suits couples who want a quieter day on the water. You get a more personal setting than a standard shared cruise, with a meal that feels tied to the place.

First-time fishers should feel comfortable joining. Rods are supplied, and the crew can guide you through the basics. Experienced anglers may enjoy the catch, but the trip is not described as a specialist fishing charter with advanced equipment or a particular target species.

The tour is less suitable if your only priority is snorkeling. The reef stop depends on calm water, and the crew may cancel that part for safety. It is also not ideal if you need a guaranteed menu, a fixed schedule, or a fully included hotel transfer.

Cancellation and weather planning

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, the operator will offer another date or experience, or a full refund.

These rules make it sensible to book before the final day of your holiday, rather than leaving the outing until the last possible morning. The experience is often booked about 24 days ahead, so early planning may also help if your dates are fixed.

Should you book the Fishing, Snorkeling and Barbecue tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible day on the water with fishing, a quiet beach, and a fresh fish lunch. The strongest reasons are the small-group setting, the local captain, and the simple pleasure of eating what you helped catch.

Think twice if snorkeling is your main goal, if rough water is a serious concern, or if you need every transfer included in the advertised price. Confirm the pickup cost, especially from Hotel Riu Touareg, and accept that the sea may change the plan.

For most families, couples, and first-time fishers, this is a good-value way to see a less developed side of Boa Vista. It is not a luxury cruise. It is better understood as a friendly local fishing day with a barbecue and beach stop, which is exactly why it has such lasting appeal.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché, on Avenida dos Pescadores in Sal Rei, Boa Vista.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Sal Rei.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods are provided, and the boat has the relevant safety equipment.

Where does the barbecue take place?

The barbecue takes place after the boat reaches the small island of Djeu. The captain grills the fish caught during the trip.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling takes place near a reef when conditions allow, but rough seas may make it unsafe.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but the supplied details specify an additional €50 taxi fee from Hotel Riu Touareg. Confirm the cost for your hotel before departure.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.