Premium – Private Boat Tour Boa Vista

Boa Vista looks best from the water. This private charter gives you a small, flexible way to see the island’s southern coast, pause in quiet bays, snorkel, or simply sit in the sun without a crowd around you. I especially like the private group of up to five and the freedom to shape the outing around your own pace.

The Wellcraft 222 Fisherman Jenny offers comfortable seating, a toilet, water, snorkeling equipment, and a good sound system. I also like the included hotel transportation, though the tour details contain a few timing and activity contradictions that you should clear up before paying.

The biggest consideration is the schedule. The activity is described as lasting two to four hours, while one itinerary entry says seven hours. Swimming is encouraged in the description but appears under the list of prohibited activities. Those are not small details, so ask the operator to confirm exactly what your booking includes.

Key points before you book

• A genuinely private outing: You share the boat only with your own group, with space for up to five people.
• Your route is flexible: You can focus on cruising, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife watching, beach views, or sunbathing.
• The boat is a Wellcraft 222 Fisherman: The Jenny is presented as a modern, comfortable boat built for both leisure and sea activity.
• Hotel pickup is included: Round-trip transport is offered from several Boa Vista hotels and from Sal Rei, with a €30 supplement for pickup at Riu Touareg.
• The price works best for a full group: At $353 total, five people pay about $70.60 each before any currency conversion or optional costs.
• Confirm the exact plan: The published duration and swimming rules do not fully agree, so get a clear answer before departure.

Why a private boat makes sense on Boa Vista

Boa Vista is known for wide beaches and open coastal scenery, but a boat gives you a different view of the island. From the sea, the coast becomes your main subject. You can watch the shore change as you cruise, stop at a bay that suits your group, and avoid the fixed pace of a large excursion.

That freedom matters most if you do not all want the same thing. One person can sit in the sun while another uses the provided snorkeling gear. You can ask to cruise for a while, then slow down for swimming or sea watching. The point is not to rush through a list of stops. It is to make the sea time fit your group.

I would choose this format over a shared boat if you are traveling as a couple, a family with older children, or a small group of friends. You pay for the boat rather than for individual seats, so the cost becomes more sensible as you get closer to five people.

The private setup also helps if you prefer quiet. There is no need to make conversation with strangers or follow someone else’s idea of a perfect afternoon. You can use the boat’s sound system, relax on deck, and set the mood yourself, within the operator’s rules.

Meeting in Sal Rei and getting to the boat

The experience begins with pickup from a selection of hotels and accommodation areas. Listed pickup points include Occidental Boa Vista Beach, Hotel Riu Karamboa, Hotel Riu Touareg, Iberostar Club Boa Vista, Marine Club Beach Resort, Villas Praia Chaves Boavista, Hotel Riu Palace Boa Vista, Sal Rei, and Barcelo Marine Boa Vista Adults Only.

You need to send the name of your accommodation so the transport can be arranged. On the morning of the tour, be ready at the main entrance or lobby at least 10 minutes before pickup. That advice is worth taking seriously. Hotel properties can be large, and a private transfer cannot easily wait while you search for the meeting point.

Pickup and return transport are included, which adds real value. You do not need to arrange a taxi to Sal Rei or worry about finding the marina on your own. The exception is Riu Touareg, where an additional €30 transport charge applies.

The itinerary places the safety briefing in Sal Rei and allows about 10 minutes for it. This is the right place to get clear answers about the sea conditions, seating, personal belongings, snorkeling, and the planned route. I would also use this moment to ask about the conflicting swimming information and the length of the trip.

A closer look at the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman Jenny

The boat is a Wellcraft 222 Fisherman called Jenny. It is designed for up to five people, which keeps the outing small and personal. The supplied information describes it as a high-performance boat with comfortable seating and a quality sound system.

That combination suggests a boat suited to two different moods. You can use it as a base for coastal exploring, or you can treat it as a floating sun deck between stops. The comfortable seating matters because even a short trip can feel tiring if you are constantly bracing yourself or searching for a place to sit.

A toilet is available on board, and water is provided for every participant. Those are practical details that make a difference, especially when your transport, boat time, and hotel departure all form one morning or afternoon plan.

Bring clothing that can get dirty, along with warm clothing. Conditions at sea can feel cooler than they do at your hotel, particularly when the boat is moving. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also listed as useful items.

Pay attention to the footwear rule. You are asked to go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes with white soles. This protects the boat and helps keep the interior clean. Ordinary hard-soled shoes are not a good choice for this outing.

Cruising the southern coast of Boa Vista

The main cruise follows the southern coast of Boa Vista. The route is not presented as a fixed collection of named landmarks. Instead, the captain can shape the trip around what you want to do and the conditions on the day.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not book this expecting a tightly scripted sightseeing tour. If you want a long cruise, say so. If you care more about swimming or snorkeling, make that clear at the start. If you mainly want coastal views and time on deck, the captain needs to know that too.

The description highlights hidden beaches and secluded bays. From the boat, these coastal stops can give you a quieter setting than a major hotel beach, though the exact locations are not specified. The appeal is the chance to pause somewhere selected for your group rather than simply passing by from a distance.

Wildlife watching is another possible focus. The details do not promise a particular animal or guarantee sightings, so I would treat this as an option rather than a central reason to book. You can ask the crew what is realistic on your departure date.

The captain and crew provide safety guidance and local direction. Their role matters here because a flexible trip still needs a sensible route, clear instructions, and good judgment about conditions. The crew’s experience is part of what you are paying for, not just the use of the boat.

Snorkeling, swimming, and the important rule to clarify

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the description presents snorkeling as one of the main ways to use your time at sea. You can expect the crew to help shape the outing around marine viewing if that is your priority.

However, the published information also says that swimming is not allowed. That conflicts with the description, which specifically invites you to swim in secluded bays, and with the reference to snorkeling. The separate restrictions also prohibit diving.

I would not assume that you can enter the water simply because snorkeling gear is supplied. Ask the operator a direct question before departure: Is swimming and surface snorkeling permitted on this booking, and under what conditions? The answer may depend on the sea, the route, or a wording error, but the information provided does not settle it.

Non-swimmers are listed as unsuitable for the activity, and people prone to seasickness are also advised against booking. Children under 12 are not accepted. These limits make sense for a small boat outing, but they also narrow the audience.

If you are comfortable in the water and receive a clear answer about the rules, the snorkeling option adds variety to the trip. If you mainly want a boat ride and do not plan to enter the sea, confirm that the operator is happy with that choice.

What is included, and what you still need to bring

The package includes a professional captain and skipper, fuel, taxes, snorkeling gear, water, an onboard toilet, and round-trip transport from your accommodation. This is a strong list for a private charter because fuel can otherwise become an unpleasant extra charge.

Meals and snacks are not included. You should plan to eat before pickup or after returning to your hotel. The supplied information does not say that food can be brought on board, so ask if you need a snack during the trip.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle. Smoking is also not allowed. Pets, nudity, and diving are prohibited.

You should bring identification, since a passport or ID card is listed among the required items. Add sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, warm clothing, and insect repellent. Choose clothes that can get dirty and footwear that follows the white-sole or barefoot rule.

Because there is no promised meal service, I would keep your packing simple. Water is supplied, so your main job is to protect yourself from the sun and bring clothing that works for wind and spray.

How much value do you get for $353?

The listed price is $353 per group of up to five people. At full capacity, that comes to about $70.60 per person. For a couple, the same price works out to $176.50 each, so the value changes sharply with group size.

For five people, the package compares well with a private experience that includes a captain, fuel, taxes, equipment, water, and hotel transfers. You are not paying a low entry price and then adding fuel or transport later. Those included costs make the total easier to understand.

For two people, the charter becomes a special occasion purchase rather than a budget activity. That can still be worthwhile if privacy and control matter more to you than the lowest possible price. If you simply want a short boat ride, a shared excursion may cost less, but no shared alternative is described here.

The €30 Riu Touareg transport supplement is modest compared with the total charter price, but it should still be included in your calculation. Also confirm the currency and final payment terms when you reserve, since the quoted price is shown in dollars while the transport supplement is stated in euros.

The largest value question is duration. A two-hour trip and a four-hour trip offer very different value at the same group price. One itinerary line even states seven hours, which does not match the advertised two to four hours. Get the expected start and finish time in writing before you commit.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it most strongly to a small group that wants control. Five friends can split the cost and create a relaxed coastal outing without coordinating with a larger boat. Couples may also like it if they see the charter as a private treat.

It suits confident swimmers only if the operator confirms that water activities are permitted. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, children under 12, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.

This is also a good choice for people who dislike fixed sightseeing schedules. You can ask for more cruising, more time at a bay, or a slower period on deck. The captain and crew provide guidance, but your group gets to express the main preference.

I would be more cautious if you need step-free access, have a serious fear of open water, or want a guaranteed wildlife sighting. The supplied details do not promise a specific animal, a particular beach, or a fully accessible boarding arrangement.

What the five-star feedback tells you

The only supplied booking feedback is a verified five-star rating from Francois of France, dated August 7, 2025. The comment says that everything was perfect, which supports the basic promise of a smooth and satisfying experience.

That is encouraging, but it is a very small sample. I would give the positive score proper weight without treating it as proof that every departure will be identical. The strongest praise points to the overall experience rather than to a named captain, a specific bay, or a particular wildlife encounter.

No captain’s personal name is provided. The company connected with the tour is Onbarco, and the crew are described by their professional role rather than by name. If meeting a particular guide matters to you, ask who will captain your boat.

Booking advice before you commit

When you contact Onbarco, send your accommodation name and ask for the exact pickup time. Be at the main entrance or lobby 10 minutes early, especially if you are staying at a large resort.

Then confirm four points:

• Is your trip two, four, or seven hours?
• Is swimming or surface snorkeling allowed?
• What route and water stops are likely on your date?
• Is the €30 charge the only extra cost for Riu Touareg pickup?

These questions are not nitpicking. The answers affect the price, the value, and what you pack. The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which gives you some flexibility while you settle the details.

Should you book the Premium Private Boat Tour Boa Vista?

Book it if you have three to five people, want a private boat, and like the idea of choosing your own rhythm along Boa Vista’s southern coast. The included fuel, captain, snorkeling equipment, water, toilet, and hotel transport make the $353 group price reasonable when shared among five.

I would wait before booking if you need a firm seven-hour schedule, guaranteed swimming, a meal, or accessible facilities. The short duration description, the seven-hour itinerary entry, and the swimming restriction need clarification.

My practical verdict is positive but conditional: this looks like a well-priced private sea outing for the right group, and the perfect verified score is a good sign. Confirm the duration and water rules first, then book with confidence if the answers match what you want.

FAQ

How long does the private boat tour last?

The activity information gives a duration of two to four hours. One itinerary entry says seven hours, so you should confirm the exact length with Onbarco before booking.

How many people can join the private boat?

The boat accommodates up to five people. The booking price is for the group rather than for each individual participant.

What is the price of the tour?

The listed price is $353 per group of up to five people. Pickup from Riu Touareg has an additional €30 transport charge.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transportation is provided from the listed accommodation options and from Sal Rei. You must send the name of your accommodation so the pickup can be arranged.

What equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear and water for every participant are provided. The boat also has a toilet.

Are food and drinks included?

Water is included, but snacks and meals are not provided. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited during the activity.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Portuguese.

Who cannot take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or people prone to seasickness.