Lounge Catamaran SODADE Half-Day (Adults Only)

The best part of the SODADE catamaran is that it turns a half-day at sea into an easygoing party without packing your own lunch, arranging transport, or deciding where to stop. You sail from Palmeira toward Murdeira Bay, then have time for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, drinks, and dancing on the way back.

I like the 60-person limit on a boat built for 90, since it leaves more room for beanbags and movement. I also like the floating pool, a smart touch for anyone who wants seawater fun without jumping straight into open water. The main caution is wind: rough conditions can make swimming and snorkeling less appealing, especially in winter.

• Adults-only sailing: A relaxed choice for couples, friends, and solo adults who want music and drinks without children aboard.
• Floating pool: A private inflatable pool can be set up when the catamaran stops, weather permitting.
• Murdeira Bay stop: Spend about an hour near Monte Leao for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available throughout the outing.
• Easy planning: Hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, equipment, and entertainment are included.
• Good capacity control: Up to 60 people join, despite the catamaran being able to carry 90.

A Four-Hour Sail Built Around Fun

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise with a guide pointing at the shore. It is a social afternoon on the Atlantic, with a gentle outward sail, a water stop, and a lively return to port.

The boat leaves at 1:00 pm, making this a useful choice for a relaxed morning in Santa Maria. You do not have to rush through breakfast or sacrifice an early beach walk. Hotel pickup is offered, though allow some flexibility: one account describes a pickup more than 30 minutes later than expected.

The catamaran can carry 90 people, but the tour accepts no more than 60. That difference matters. You should have a better chance of finding a comfortable seat, moving around the deck, and reaching the swimming area without feeling packed in.

The mood depends partly on the group, but the setup clearly favors conversation and celebration. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are included, and the crew provides live entertainment. On the return trip, dancing becomes a major part of the outing, with the crew leading the fun.

If you want a peaceful sail with long stretches of silence, this may feel too active. If you want a simple day on the water with a party element, the format makes sense.

From Santa Maria to Palmeira Port

The excursion begins at Port of Palmeira, about a 10-minute stop in the listed route. Palmeira is a fishing village in the northwest of Sal, with colorful Cape Verdean houses and the island’s main port.

Do not expect a long village visit here. The port is mainly your launch point, but it gives the tour a more local setting than boarding directly beside a resort. You see working harbor life before heading out to sea, and the colorful houses offer a quick reminder that Sal is more than its hotel strip.

The pickup service adds real value. You are collected from your hotel and returned after the boat ride, which removes the need to arrange a taxi to Palmeira. That is especially useful when you are unfamiliar with Sal or do not want to manage transport after an afternoon with unlimited drinks.

The tradeoff is timing. Shared pickup can take longer than a private transfer, so keep your schedule open around the 1:00 pm departure. The tour is designed as a package, not a precision-timed private outing.

Murdeira Bay and the Sleeping Lion

The main stop is Murdeira Bay, where the catamaran pauses for about an hour near the base of Monte Leao. The mountain is shaped like a sleeping lion, which gives this section of the route its character and makes a good visual marker from the water.

Murdeira is sheltered by the coast on one side and the mountain on the other. In summer, the calm bay is also associated with turtle mating activity. That detail gives the stop more meaning than a random swimming break, although the tour information does not promise turtle sightings.

The hour here is flexible in spirit. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, try fishing, or simply sit with a drink and watch the water. The inflatable pool gives non-swimmers another option, provided weather and sea conditions allow the crew to set it up.

Swimming access can require some confidence. Getting on and off the catamaran, and using the dinghy when needed, may feel awkward if you are not a strong swimmer. Crew assistance is available, and the pool offers a safer-feeling alternative, but you should still expect a proper boat-and-sea experience rather than a poolside excursion.

The Floating Pool Helps Non-Swimmers

The inflatable pool is one of the tour’s most useful features. It can be placed in the water when the boat stops, creating a small enclosed swimming area at the back of the catamaran.

For confident swimmers, jumping directly into the sea may be the highlight. For everyone else, the pool offers a way to cool off and enjoy the water with more support. It is not a replacement for calm conditions, but it can make the stop more inviting if you are hesitant about open water.

The pool is weather permitting, so treat it as a bonus rather than a guarantee. The same applies to snorkeling. The crew provides equipment, but strong wind and large waves can make the water too rough for comfortable use.

Several outings have had sustained winds in the 25 to 30 mph range. In those conditions, some people may choose not to swim, and snorkeling may not be possible. Sal is known for breezy days, so the water portion is best viewed as condition-dependent.

Drinks, Snacks, and the Afternoon Meal

Beer, wine, fizz, and soft drinks are included. This is a genuine advantage over a basic boat ride, where the cost of drinks can quickly add up. You can settle into the afternoon without keeping track of every bottle or can.

The food is closer to a light buffet than a full meal. Expect items such as sandwiches, pizza, crisps, olives, and other snacks. The selection has been described as varied and fresh on some outings, while another account found the food cold with limited choice.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. You should have enough for a light lunch, but do not book this as a food-focused cruise. If you have dietary needs, the supplied information does not state what special options are available, so ask before booking rather than assuming.

The casual food works well with the tour’s purpose. You can eat without leaving the deck, then return to swimming or dancing. Still, the meal is a supporting feature, not the reason to pay for the experience.

Crew Entertainment on the Return Sail

The crew receives the strongest praise for this outing. Their role goes beyond serving drinks and pointing out the route. They help people with the boat and water activities, keep the mood moving, and lead dancing during the return to Palmeira.

The trip often divides into three natural parts: a calmer sail out, about an hour near Monte Leao, and a lively ride back. That rhythm gives you time to relax before the music and dancing begin.

The entertainment is hands-on and cheerful rather than formal. If you enjoy joining in, you will likely find plenty of encouragement. If you prefer to watch from a beanbag, you can do that too, though the atmosphere may become quite energetic after several hours of included alcohol.

This is one reason the adult-only rule matters. The experience is built around grown-up socializing, drinks, music, and a party atmosphere. It suits a birthday, couples’ afternoon, group outing, or solo booking where you want an easy way to meet people.

What the $79.94 Price Covers

At $79.94 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use several inclusions. Hotel pickup and drop-off, four hours on the water, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, fishing equipment, entertainment, and the floating pool are bundled together.

A cheaper bare-bones cruise might look appealing at first, but transport and drinks would change the calculation. Here, you pay for convenience as much as for the sailing itself. I would consider it good value for anyone who wants a ready-made afternoon rather than a short boat trip with extras charged separately.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not want music, and mainly want quiet coastal views. You are still paying for the party setup and included bar, even if you do not use them.

The tour is commonly booked about 32 days ahead. That suggests you should not leave it until the final day of a holiday if this is important to you. Booking early also gives you more room to shift plans if the weather forecast looks poor.

Who Will Enjoy This Catamaran Most

I would recommend the SODADE outing to adults who want a social day at sea with little planning. It is particularly suited to:

• Couples looking for a relaxed afternoon with music and drinks
• Friends marking a birthday or special occasion
• Solo adults who want an organized activity with an easy social atmosphere
• Non-swimmers who like having the inflatable pool as another option
• Anyone staying near Santa Maria who values hotel transport
• People who enjoy dancing and crew-led entertainment

You may want another type of boat trip if you are seeking wildlife watching, serious snorkeling, or a quiet sailing lesson. No whale sightings are guaranteed, and rough water can limit swimming. The route has a scenic coastal stop, but the emphasis is entertainment rather than marine discovery.

The catamaran also may not suit anyone sensitive to motion, wind, or loud group activities. The boat is limited to 60 people for comfort, but this remains a shared excursion with a lively crowd.

Practical Tips for a Better Afternoon

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes and bring a towel. You will have access to swimming and snorkeling when conditions allow, and the floating pool may be set up during the stop.

Use sun protection and carry anything you need for four hours outside. The tour provides drinks and snacks, but the supplied details do not say that sunscreen or personal items are available onboard.

If you are a weak swimmer, tell the crew early. The pool is useful, but getting onto the catamaran or boat equipment can still take care. One account specifically describes boarding and using the dinghy as an experience for a non-swimmer, so do not assume the water access is effortless.

Keep expectations flexible in windy weather. The tour requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation. Even when the trip runs, wind can change the balance between swimming and simply enjoying the boat.

The cancellation terms are straightforward: cancel at least 24 hours before the 1:00 pm start for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Is the SODADE Catamaran Worth Booking?

Yes, if you want an adults-only party cruise with transport, an open bar, light food, and a proper stop for water activities. The crew’s friendly help and entertainment are central to the experience, while the 60-person limit keeps the boat from reaching its full 90-person capacity.

Book it for the atmosphere, convenience, and chance to spend a memorable afternoon at sea. Do not book it solely for snorkeling, calm water, or a substantial meal. Wind can affect the swimming stop, snacks are simple, and the return sail can become quite lively.

For most adults staying in Santa Maria, the $79.94 cost makes sense when you use the included drinks, transfer, equipment, and entertainment. If that combination sounds like your kind of afternoon, the SODADE is an easy choice.

FAQ

Is the SODADE catamaran adults only?

Yes. This experience is intended for adults only.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour is based in Santa Maria on Sal, Cape Verde. It departs from Port of Palmeira and sails toward Murdeira Bay.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 1:00 pm.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered.

How many people can join the tour?

The catamaran has capacity for 90 people, but the tour allows a maximum of 60 participants.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks or a light buffet are provided. Examples include sandwiches, pizza, crisps, and olives.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

You can swim or snorkel during the stop at Murdeira Bay when weather and sea conditions allow. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is the floating pool always available?

No. The inflatable pool is set up when the catamaran stops, weather permitting.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund.