Private full day – Sailing Yacht

The Atlantic is the real attraction. This private sailing trip takes you southwest from Santa Maria toward Ponta Sino, where dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and perhaps whales may appear beyond the rail. I especially like the small private setting, with space for up to eight people, and the easygoing mix of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, snacks, drinks, and open bar service.

I also like that the crew, including Captain Lucas and sailor Daniel, puts safety and personal attention first. The main thing to check before booking is the timing: the experience is described as a full-day trip, but the stated duration is approximately three hours, so confirm the actual schedule before paying.

Key Things to Know Before You Sail

• Wildlife watching from the water: The route around Ponta Sino gives you a chance to spot dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and whales, though no sighting is guaranteed.
• Private group of up to eight: You will not share the yacht with a large crowd, and the crew can focus on your group.
• Snorkeling stop included: Equipment is supplied, with time to swim among fish and possibly see the sunken Madonna statue mentioned in the trip accounts.
• Food and drinks are covered: Bottled water, soda, snacks, alcoholic drinks, and an open bar are included.
• Santa Maria departure: Meet at the pier at 10:00 am, then return to the same point.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

Setting Out From Santa Maria at 10:00 am

Your trip begins at the pier of Santa Maria, on Sal’s south coast. The meeting point is listed at H3WR+MXW, Santa Maria, Cabo Verde, and the boat returns there at the end. The port is near public transportation, but you should still allow time to find the exact boarding spot.

The departure time is 10:00 am. That is a sensible hour for a day on the Atlantic: early enough to make good use of the sun, but not so early that you need to begin before breakfast. Since the trip includes snacks, you do not need to expect a formal meal from the information provided. I would eat something beforehand and treat the onboard snacks as a useful extra rather than a substitute for lunch.

The boat is called Lucy. It is described as spacious and comfortable, and the small group limit should make a real difference. A yacht carrying eight people can feel social without becoming cramped. You can sit with your own party, move around more freely, and ask the crew about what you are seeing without competing with a busload of other passengers.

One point needs clearing up before you book. The title and description call this a private full-day sailing trip, while the published duration says approximately three hours. Those are very different experiences. A three-hour outing is a pleasant coastal sail with a swim stop. A true full-day cruise gives you much more time for wildlife watching and unhurried time at anchor. Ask Cape Verde Sailing to confirm the exact duration and departure plan.

Sailing Southwest Toward Ponta Sino

Once Lucy leaves Santa Maria, the focus shifts from the resort shore to Sal’s open Atlantic side. The southwest route toward Ponta Sino is the heart of the outing. You will feel the movement of the sea, watch the coastline from a different angle, and spend much of your time scanning the water.

This is where the trip earns its appeal. Sal is famous for sun, sand, and dry terrain, but from a yacht you experience the island through the ocean. The deep blue water becomes the view, the sound of the sails and waves replaces road traffic, and small details become worth watching: a flash of movement near the surface, birds overhead, or a turtle rising for air.

The crew gives you the best chance of enjoying this part of the trip by keeping the mood relaxed and attentive. Captain Lucas and Daniel receive particularly strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and involved throughout the day. That matters on a private boat. A good crew can explain what is happening, help you feel safe, and keep the outing comfortable without turning it into a formal lecture.

Wildlife sightings are possible, not promised. Dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and whales are all named as potential sightings. Nature does not follow a timetable, so you should book this for the pleasure of being on the sea, with wildlife as a welcome bonus. If you need a guaranteed animal encounter, this is not the right type of activity.

Dolphins have been seen swimming alongside Lucy, and that can be a thrilling moment because you are watching from water level rather than from a distant shore. Flying fish can also appear suddenly and vanish just as quickly. Whales are a possibility, but sightings depend on season, location, weather, and luck.

You may want to bring patience. The most rewarding part of wildlife watching is often the quiet time between sightings. Keep your eyes moving across the water, listen to the crew, and avoid treating the journey as a race from one attraction to the next.

Time at Anchor for Snorkeling and Swimming

Later, the boat drops anchor so you can swim or snorkel. This gives the outing a useful change of pace. The sailing section is about open water, wind, and wildlife. The stop is more hands-on, with a chance to get into the sea and look below the surface.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. You can explore underwater life among colorful fish, although the exact visibility and marine life will depend on the day. Water conditions, sunlight, and the anchoring location all affect how much you see.

One account of the trip mentions seeing the sunken Madonna statue during the snorkeling stop. That is a distinctive detail, but you should not treat it as a guaranteed part of every departure. The boat may use a different anchoring place, or visibility may make the statue difficult to see.

You should be comfortable in the water before choosing this experience. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not promise flotation support, lifeguard service, or a shallow swimming area. If someone in your party is not a confident swimmer, ask the operator what assistance and safety equipment are available.

The swim stop also gives you a break from the steady motion of the boat. Some people love sailing but find a few hours of rolling water tiring. Getting into the sea can help, though it is wise to bring sun protection and follow the crew’s instructions about entering and leaving the water.

Snacks, WiFi, and an Open Bar

The inclusions make this easier than a bare-bones charter. You receive bottled water, soda, snacks, and alcoholic beverages, with an open bar listed as part of the service. That means you can settle in without keeping track of every small drink purchase.

The drinks are a nice fit for a relaxed private sail, but use good judgment around the water. If you plan to snorkel, save alcoholic drinks for after your swim. Staying hydrated is also important under Cape Verde’s strong sun, so make the bottled water your main drink.

WiFi is included as well. That may sound minor, but it can be useful for sharing a photo, checking arrangements, or staying reachable. Still, I would not make internet access the reason to book. A boat trip is at its best when you spend less time looking at a screen and more time watching the horizon.

Snacks are included, but no full meal is specified. If your party needs a substantial lunch, ask what food is supplied before departure. This is one of the practical questions that can prevent disappointment, especially if you are booking the trip for children or anyone with dietary needs.

What the Private Format Really Adds

The price is $1,051.75 per group of up to eight people. That is a serious amount for a short sailing outing, but the calculation changes if you fill the boat. At eight people, the cost works out to about $131.47 per person. At four people, it is about $262.94 each, and a couple would pay the full group price unless the operator offers another arrangement.

The private format is most valuable for families and close friends who want control over the day. You are not joining a large mixed group, and the crew can give your party direct attention. That can make the price worthwhile for a special occasion, a family gathering, or a group that values privacy more than the lowest possible fare.

The value is harder to justify if you are booking for only one or two people. In that case, compare the private cost with shared sailing options in Santa Maria. A shared boat may offer a lower rate, though it will not provide the same control over the atmosphere or group size.

The included equipment and refreshments also add value. You do not need to arrange a separate snorkeling rental, and drinks and snacks are already part of the package. Even so, the duration must be settled first. Paying more for a private full-day trip is one thing. Paying the same amount for only three hours is a different decision.

Crew Service and Safety on Lucy

The crew’s strongest quality is attentive service. Captain Lucas and Daniel are named as key members of the sailing team, and the most positive accounts describe them as friendly hosts who looked after the group throughout the outing. The praise is not only about scenery. It focuses on the calm, enjoyable atmosphere they create.

That personal care is especially useful for first-time sailors. You can ask where to sit, how to move around the boat, when to enter the water, and what to watch for on the horizon. A crew focused on safety lets you enjoy the scenery without constantly worrying about the boat.

The experience is designed for most participants, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. Still, the details supplied do not explain step-free access, toilet facilities, or specific support for people with limited mobility. Contact the operator directly if anyone in your group has accessibility needs.

The yacht is described as spacious and comfortable, but comfort at sea is personal. Wind, waves, and motion can affect people differently. If you are prone to seasickness, consider asking about the usual route and sea conditions before you commit. The weather policy protects you if conditions are poor, but it cannot guarantee a perfectly calm sea on a day when the trip goes ahead.

Best For Families, Friends, and Wildlife Fans

I would recommend this experience most strongly to a group that can share the cost. Eight friends or a family group can turn the private rate into a reasonable per-person expense, especially with snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and a private crew included.

It also suits people who want an easy day rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You are not rushing between inland stops. The pleasure comes from sailing, watching the ocean, swimming, and spending time together.

Wildlife fans should enjoy the chance to look for dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and whales, but you need the right expectations. These are possible sightings, not scheduled performances. The boat, crew, and route improve your chances, but nature makes the final call.

This may be less suitable if you want a guaranteed whale encounter, a long list of shore visits, or a detailed cultural tour of Sal. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a full restaurant-style meal unless that is confirmed in advance.

The trip can work well for couples too, but the private group price is difficult to justify for only two people. For a honeymoon or special celebration, privacy may be exactly what you want. For a simple afternoon on the water, a shared cruise could offer better value.

Booking Timing and Cancellation Rules

This sailing trip is often reserved well ahead, with an average booking lead time of 108 days. That suggests you should plan early if your dates are fixed, particularly if you need a private boat for a larger party.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor weather or an unmet minimum forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. Keep the local time in mind if you are arranging this from another country.

Should You Book This Private Sailing Trip?

Book it if you want a private Atlantic outing with a small group, a friendly crew, snorkeling, included drinks, and a real chance of seeing marine life around Sal. The combination of dolphins, open water, an anchor stop, and personal service gives the trip more character than a simple boat ride.

I would be especially keen to book it for six to eight people. That is where the price makes the most sense. Before confirming, ask one direct question: is the actual experience three hours or a full day? Once that detail is clear, you can judge the cost fairly.

If the answer matches your expectations, Lucy offers a relaxed and personal way to see Sal from the sea. Just bring patience for wildlife, respect the ocean, and remember that the best moments may be the ones no schedule can promise.

FAQ

Where does the sailing trip begin and end?

It begins at the pier of Santa Maria, at H3WR+MXW, Santa Maria, Cabo Verde. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the trip start?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

How many people can join the private sailing trip?

The private activity is for your group only, with up to eight people included in the group price.

How long does the sailing experience last?

The stated duration is approximately three hours. The description also calls it a full-day trip, so you should confirm the exact timing with Cape Verde Sailing before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the trip includes an opportunity to swim and snorkel among fish.

What food and drinks are included?

Bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soda or pop, and snacks are included. An open bar and WiFi are also listed as part of the experience.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.