Premium – Private Boat Tour Boa Vista

Boa Vista looks best from the water. This private cruise lets you shape the outing around your group, with time to cruise the southern coast, swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out on deck. I especially like the small capacity of up to five people and the included hotel pickup, water, snorkeling gear, fuel, and onboard toilet.

The experienced captain and crew add useful local guidance without turning the trip into a crowded group outing. My main caution is the timing: the experience is advertised as two to four hours, while the schedule also mentions a seven-hour boat cruise. Confirm the exact duration before paying, especially if you are arranging other plans that day.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to five people: You get the boat to yourselves, making it a good fit for couples, families with older children, or a small group of friends.
• A flexible southern-coast route: You can focus on cruising, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife watching, or sunbathing rather than following a fixed sightseeing script.
• Boat named Jenny: The Wellcraft 222 Fisherman is designed for both fishing-style outings and comfortable time at sea, with seating and a quality sound system.
• Pickup from major hotels: Return transportation is included from listed resorts and from Sal Rei, with an extra €30 charge for pickup at Riu Touareg.
• Simple onboard comforts: Snorkeling equipment, drinking water, fuel, taxes, and a toilet are included.
• Strong early rating: Onbarco has a 5 out of 5 rating based on two ratings, including a French guest who described the experience as perfect.

Why a private boat makes sense on Boa Vista

Boa Vista is known for open spaces, broad sandy beaches, and a coastline that is easier to appreciate from offshore. From a boat, you are not limited to the beach nearest your resort. You can move along the southern coast, stop at a quiet bay, and spend more time in the places that suit your group.

That flexibility is the heart of this experience. If you want a calm morning with music and sunshine, you can make that the plan. If the sea conditions are suitable and your captain agrees, you can request time for snorkeling, swimming, or wildlife watching. You are not tied to a large party’s pace.

I also like the group limit. Five people is small enough for easy conversation and quick decisions. It is still worth remembering that this is a compact boat, not a large day cruiser with several cabins and lots of separate lounging areas. The setting is personal, but space will be limited when all five passengers are aboard with bags and equipment.

Meeting in Sal Rei after hotel pickup

The outing begins with round-trip transport from your accommodation. Pickup is available from major Boa Vista resorts, including 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, Barcelo Marine Boa Vista Adults Only, and Sal Rei.

Send the accommodation name in advance so the crew can organize the transfer. You should be at the main entrance or lobby at least 10 minutes before pickup. The departure is planned for early morning, so this is not the kind of activity where you should expect a leisurely resort breakfast followed by a last-minute stroll to the van.

Riu Touareg is the exception to the included transport. Pickup there costs an additional €30. That charge matters when you compare the total cost with other excursions, so add it before deciding.

Once you reach Sal Rei, the crew gives a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. This is the useful point to ask about the day’s route, sea conditions, planned stops, swimming rules, and the exact return time. The published schedule has conflicting duration information, so I would make that question a priority.

A closer look at Jenny, the Wellcraft 222 Fisherman

The boat is a Wellcraft 222 Fisherman named Jenny. It is described as a modern, high-performance boat built for adventure and relaxation, with comfortable seating and a good sound system.

That combination should appeal to people who want more than a basic transfer boat. You can sit comfortably during the cruise, listen to music, and enjoy the sea without sharing the outing with strangers. The captain and crew handle navigation and safety, leaving you free to watch the coast.

Still, high performance does not mean a completely smooth ride. Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. Boat movement can be more noticeable than it is on land, especially for a passenger who is not used to open water. The tour is also not suitable for non-swimmers, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or children under 12.

The soft-footwear rule is practical. You should go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes with white soles. Hard or dark soles can mark or damage the boat, and the crew asks you to help keep the interior clean. Bring clothes that can get dirty or wet, even if you plan to spend most of the time sitting in the sun.

Cruising Boa Vista’s southern coast

The main cruise follows the southern coast of Boa Vista. The point is not a long list of formal stops. It is the freedom to move along the shore and choose a pace that fits your group.

From the water, you can see beaches from a different angle and reach bays that are less convenient to visit by road. A slow cruise may suit you if you want photographs and quiet time. A more active outing can include a swim, snorkeling, or wildlife watching when conditions allow.

The coastline is the star here, but expectations should remain sensible. The supplied information does not name particular beaches, reefs, or wildlife species, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed sighting or a specific famous cove. Ask the captain what is realistic on the day.

The crew’s local experience is valuable for that reason. Sea conditions, water clarity, and the best place to stop can change. A captain who knows the coast can help turn a general request such as find us a calm bay into a workable plan.

Swimming and snorkeling stops

Snorkeling gear is provided, which saves you from packing fins and a mask or renting equipment separately. The tour describes clear water and marine areas with plenty of life, making snorkeling one of the more active ways to use your private time.

You should bring your own swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a change of clothes. Water is supplied for every participant, but food and snacks are not. Since the outing can last several hours, bring something to eat if your booking arrangement allows it, and confirm any rules with the provider before boarding.

There is an important point to clarify. The description encourages swimming and snorkeling, but the restrictions also list swimming and diving as not allowed. That may relate to certain conditions, unsafe behavior, or a vehicle restriction, but the supplied details do not explain it. Ask Onbarco directly before booking if entering the water is a central reason for your trip.

The tour is not designed for non-swimmers. Even with crew support, this is a sea outing rather than a supervised swimming lesson. If one person in your group is uncomfortable in open water, a cruise focused on sightseeing and sitting aboard may be more suitable, but the formal suitability information still excludes non-swimmers.

Relaxing on deck with your own group

You do not need to fill every minute with activity. One of the best reasons to choose a private boat is the ability to slow down. Sit in the sun, listen to music, look back at Boa Vista’s coast, and enjoy a cold non-alcoholic drink if you bring one and the crew permits it.

The sound system helps create a relaxed mood, while the seating makes the boat more comfortable than a simple fishing skiff. The onboard toilet is another small but useful feature, especially for a family or group spending several hours away from shore.

There are firm limits. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and smoking is prohibited. Alcoholic drinks are also not allowed in the vehicle used for transport. Pets are not permitted, and nudity is prohibited. These rules are easy to follow, but they matter if your idea of a private charter includes bringing a cooler of beer or treating the boat like a floating party.

What the $353 group price really buys

The price is $353 per private group of up to five people. At full capacity, that works out to about $70.60 per person. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but you are paying for privacy rather than a seat on a shared excursion.

The value improves if you fill all five places. You also avoid paying separately for fuel, taxes, snorkeling equipment, water, the captain, the skipper, and transport from most listed accommodations. The toilet and private route add practical value, particularly for a small group that wants a more personal day at sea.

The price is less attractive if you want only a short ride or if you are traveling alone. It also does not include snacks or meals, and Riu Touareg guests pay an extra €30 for transportation. Make a simple comparison with your group size, meal plans, and preferred duration before booking.

The duration needs special attention. The headline information says two to four hours, and the main description calls it a four-hour private charter. The schedule also lists a seven-hour boat cruise. Those figures are not the same, and the difference is too large to ignore. Check the available starting time and ask for the actual time on the boat, plus total pickup and return time.

Who will enjoy this private charter most

I would recommend this outing most strongly to a small group that values control. Couples can enjoy a quiet private cruise, while friends can split the cost and choose a more active route. Families can benefit from the private setting, but children must be at least 12 years old.

It is also a good choice if you have already spent time on Boa Vista’s beaches and want to see the island from another angle. The cruise adds variety without requiring a full-day land excursion.

This is not the right match for everyone. Skip it if you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, are a non-swimmer, or regularly feel sick on boats. You should also reconsider if you need a full meal included, want a large stable vessel, or prefer a tightly scheduled sightseeing program with named stops.

English and Portuguese are available for the tour. If you need another language, the supplied information does not confirm it. Ask before you reserve.

What to pack for the boat

Keep your packing simple and protect yourself from the sun. Bring:

• Passport or ID card
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Warm clothing
• Swimwear and spare clothes
• Soft-soled white shoes, or plan to go barefoot
• Water-resistant protection for valuables

The request for warm clothing is worth taking seriously. Even a warm island morning can feel cooler once the boat is moving. Clothes that can get dirty are also sensible, especially if you are snorkeling or handling wet equipment.

Do not expect meals or snacks to appear onboard. Water is provided, but food is not. Ask the provider about bringing your own supplies, and remember that alcohol is prohibited.

Booking flexibility and the final practical checks

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your money in your pocket until closer to the outing. Those terms are helpful when your holiday schedule is still shifting.

Before you commit, confirm four things: the exact boat time, the actual route, whether swimming and snorkeling are permitted on the day, and the pickup cost from your accommodation. These questions are especially important because the published timing is inconsistent and the activity description gives mixed information about swimming.

The early pickup also affects your day. Have your bags and sun protection ready, wait at the main entrance or lobby, and do not assume the vehicle will wait if you are late.

Should you book the Premium Private Boat Tour Boa Vista?

Book it if you want a private sea outing for up to five people, value a flexible route, and are happy to provide your own food. The included equipment, water, fuel, taxes, captain, toilet, and hotel transport make the $353 group price reasonable when shared by a full party.

I would hold off until you confirm the duration and swimming rules. Those are the two details most likely to affect your satisfaction. If Onbarco confirms a four-hour private cruise with time for the activities you want, this offers a relaxed and personal way to see Boa Vista from the sea. The perfect rating so far is encouraging, but the small number of ratings means you should still make your decision based on the practical fit for your group.

FAQ

How many people can join the private boat tour?

The boat accommodates up to five people in one private group.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $353 per group of up to five people.

How long does the experience last?

The activity information gives a duration of two to four hours, while the schedule also mentions a seven-hour boat cruise. Confirm the exact duration with Onbarco before booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transport is included from the listed accommodations and from Sal Rei. Pickup from Hotel Riu Touareg costs an additional €30.

Are snorkeling equipment and water provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and water for every participant are included. Meals and snacks are not included.

What languages are available, and who cannot join?

The tour is offered in English and Portuguese. It is not suitable for children under 12, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, or people prone to seasickness.