Blue-water fishing starts early in Boa Vista. I love the 7m boat setup with GPS and radar, and I love how the captain focuses on real technique, not just stories. One thing to plan for: this runs only when the weather is good, and your hotel taxi may add cost (example: €50 from Riu Touareg).

You’ll go out from the Te Manché pier in Sal Rei at 8:00am on a private outing for up to three people. If your idea of a great day is low-speed trolling, smart searching, and a real shot at big game fish, this is a strong fit.

Key highlights I think you’ll care about

• Fishing radar + GPS on board means the crew can spot and work promising areas faster
• Local captain-led search for blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna instead of a one-size-fits-all route
• Technique talk included so you’re not just holding a rod and hoping
• Trolling at low speed to keep lines in play while the captain hunts
• Real onboard results from at least one day that produced about nine amberjack with speed-jigging and drifts

Why Big Game Fishing from Boa Vista Feels So Purposeful

Big game fishing is exciting in theory. The difference here is that you’re not doing it in a vague, tour-bus way. You’re on a compact 7m boat with serious fish-finding gear, and you’re working with a local captain who’s focused on getting you to productive spots.

I like that the experience is built around a clear goal: chase big game species like blue marlin, tuna, and wahoo. That goal shapes everything—how the boat moves, how the crew searches, and how they coach you during the action.

The other big plus is the human factor. A captain who can explain tactics helps you fish smarter right away. And you get that sense that the crew expects to do the work—finding fish first, then helping you put your line where it counts.

The only “watch out” is simple: big fish aren’t guaranteed. Your day depends on conditions, and the operator has a weather requirement. Still, when the sea cooperates, this style of fishing is exactly the kind of hands-on, no-nonsense activity that makes a vacation feel active.

From Avenida dos Pescadores to Te Manché Pier: How the Morning Flows

The trip meets at Avenida dos Pescadores (Sal Rei, Cabo Verde), and it’s scheduled to start at 8:00am. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out transport at the end of the day.

From there, you head to the fisherman’s pier area at Te Manché in Sal Rei, where you board. The early start matters for one main reason: you’re fishing in open water, and your day has a tight window—about 5 hours total.

Pickup is offered, which can make mornings much easier, especially if you’re staying at a resort and don’t want to manage taxi timing. But don’t assume every hotel is covered in the base price. If you’re at Riu Touareg, there’s a taxi fee mentioned as €50, payable upon arrival at the pier. (If you’re staying elsewhere, still ask what your pickup covers so you’re not surprised.)

On the ground, I’d keep the plan simple: arrive a few minutes early, be ready to walk onto the boat area, and treat it like a working morning rather than a laid-back sightseeing bus ride. That mindset helps you get your bearings fast.

Inside the 7m Boat: GPS, Marine Radio, and Fishing Radar That Matter

This isn’t a huge charter yacht. It’s a 7m (about 22-foot) boat, which is great for game fishing because it’s built to move efficiently and keep you connected to the work.

The tech list is what really stands out:

• GPS
• Marine radio
• Fishing radar

That combination matters because big game fishing is mostly about finding the right place at the right time. A good captain isn’t just guessing; they’re using tools to narrow the search and stay aware while they navigate open water.

I also like that the boat has a front sun deck, which gives you a little breathing room when you’re not actively on the rod. In a 5-hour fishing window, those small comfort details add up.

One more practical point: the private setup means your group shares the same experience and instructions rather than getting split attention. That can help if you’ve never fished for marlin, tuna, or wahoo before.

There’s no getting around it: this is a “do the activity” outing. You’ll need moderate physical fitness since you’re on a small boat and moving around as the crew works lines and changes positions. Wear comfortable footwear and keep your daypack minimal.

Captain-Led Searching for Blue Marlin, Tuna, and Wahoo

Once you clear the bay and head into open sea, the trip becomes very captain-driven. The captain’s job is to locate fishing spots where game fish are likely to react.

What I like is that the day isn’t described as a generic “fishing loop.” Instead, you’re told you’ll go out and begin fishing once you reach the right area. Then the captain provides guidance on techniques and strategy—so you’re not just pulling and reeling while hoping the ocean sends you a prize.

The crew also explains tactics as needed. In practical terms, that means if you’re adjusting your approach—line handling, timing, or response to what the fish is doing—you’ll have someone there to help you correct fast.

Also worth noting: the fishing method during the hunt includes trolling at low speed. That’s important because it keeps lines in the water in a controlled way while the boat moves. Low-speed trolling is often how you cover water efficiently without chaos.

And you’re not fishing alone in a fantasy. The boat leaves from the Te Manché pier, sails through the bay along the harbor, then pushes out into open sea. That shift—from protected water to open conditions—is part of why experienced local guidance matters.

How the Fishing Works: Low-Speed Trolling and Speed-Jigging Drifts

On the day, expect the boat to work like a fishing platform, not a sightseeing boat. The plan includes trolling through the water at low speed, and the captain and crew help you fish the way that fits the situation.

Depending on conditions, you might see more active methods too. One trip outcome included about nine amberjack, and the trip title referenced speed jigging. That lines up with how game-fishing days often work: when the crew finds fish, you switch from wandering to engaging—jigging, reacting to drifts, and working the moment.

So here’s what you should take from that, even if you’re not a fishing expert:

• Stay ready during the search, because the “real action” starts once the crew calls a spot
• Pay attention when the captain gives technique advice; it’s meant to improve your odds right then
• Expect the day to feel like short bursts of action tied to position and fish activity

Because this is private (only your group), you also get more direct coaching. That’s a big deal if you’re bringing kids, teens, or first-timers. One family-style highlight from a past trip praised how smoothly the transition onto the boat went and how good the captain and first mate were at running things.

Big game fishing rewards patience and quick learning. If you’re the type who likes hands-on instructions and doesn’t mind being outside on a working boat, you’ll enjoy this.

What Happens to the Catch: Released or Sold at the Fish Market

The day includes a clear note about what happens when you catch something. The caught fish are either released back into the sea or sold at the fish market.

That matters for two reasons:

1. It sets expectations for what you might take home. This is not described as a guaranteed “you eat your catch” outing.
2. It shows that the operation treats the catch in a structured way, depending on the situation.

If you care about sustainability, this is at least a sign that release is part of the process, not an afterthought. Still, because the details of which fish are released vs. sold aren’t spelled out here, don’t plan your meal around it.

For most people, the real “take home” is the experience: being out where game fish live, working lines, and getting coached through tactics. If you do bring home anything, it’s usually the memories and photos—not a cooler of tuna.

Price and Value: Is $571.34 per Group Worth It?

The price is $571.34 per group, up to three people. Duration is about 5 hours, and it’s a private activity. That pricing model is important: you’re not paying per person on a crowd boat. You’re paying for your own time with the boat, captain, and gear.

So is it good value? It depends on your group.

• If you’re a couple or small family, splitting the cost can make this feel like a reasonable charter-style outing.
• If you’re traveling solo, it’s still likely worth it if you really want the private coaching and tech-heavy hunt rather than a shared group.

The 5-hour format is also a value factor. You’re not spending a full day at sea on a long, slow agenda. You get a focused morning run, and the day stays concentrated.

Don’t forget the possible taxi add-on for certain hotels (the example given is €50 from Riu Touareg). That doesn’t ruin the deal, but it can change the real total cost. I’d price-check your pickup before you book so you can compare apples-to-apples with other Cape Verde activities.

Also consider the weather requirement. This trip needs good weather; cancellations due to poor weather should be planned around. If your trip days are flexible, you’ll get the most value from booking.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This big game fishing trip is a good fit if you want active, sport-focused time at sea. You’re chasing blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna, and you’ll get technique coaching and strategy guidance from the captain.

It also fits well for small groups because it’s private. A family highlight emphasized smooth pickup and a clean transition onto the boat, including a group with teenage kids. That suggests the crew can handle mixed ages, as long as everyone can manage being on a small boat for about 5 hours.

You’ll want moderate physical fitness, mostly because you’re on a compact vessel and out in open water. If someone in your group has trouble moving around or can’t handle the idea of being active on the boat, look for a different style of tour.

Finally, if your vacation style leans toward authentic local experience—working with a local captain who knows where to fish—this is exactly that. It’s not a show. It’s a working fishing day with a real goal.

Should You Book Big Game Fishing Trips in Boa Vista?

I’d book it if:

• you’re traveling as a couple or small group (up to three)
• you want coached fishing for big species like marlin, tuna, and wahoo
• you care about the crew using modern tools like GPS and fishing radar to find fish
• your schedule can handle a weather-dependent morning

I’d think twice if you’re seeking a guaranteed catch or a long, laid-back cruise. This is a hunt at sea. The payoff is the experience and the coaching, and the fish are always the variable.

If you’re excited by the idea of trolling, learning technique fast, and spending a focused 5 hours in prime Cape Verde waters, this trip is a very solid choice.

FAQ

What time does the big game fishing trip start in Boa Vista?

It starts at 8:00am.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 5 hours.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from the fisherman’s pier at Te Manché in Sal Rei.

What fish are you targeting?

You’re set up for big game fishing, with chances at blue marlin, wahoo, and tuna.

Is the tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people are in a group?

The price is for a group of up to three people.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but a taxi fee may apply for some hotels (for example, €50 from Riu Touareg is not included and can be paid upon arrival at the pier).

What happens to the fish you catch?

Caught fish are released back into the sea or sold at the fish market.

FAQ

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, there’s free cancellation. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need special equipment?

The provided information doesn’t list equipment. Since you’ll be fishing from a small boat, plan to wear comfortable clothing for being on the water and be ready to follow crew instructions.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Do I need high fitness to go?

You should have moderate physical fitness.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the meeting point.