Gatas Bay Snorkeling: Explore Underwater World and Corals
4.1
11 Ratings
Discover the underwater world and observe colorful corals in Gatas Bay while snorkeling. Immerse yourself in a different world of marine life.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Unnamed Road - Delve into a different realm by exploring the aquatic life and coral reefs.
    Gatas Bay is situated on the northeast coast of Boa Vista.
    “Gatas” is derived from the regional term for the nurse shark.
    However, this creature is entirely non-threatening and notably timid.

Snorkeling excursions are feasible solely during high tide because the bay’s depth decreases significantly at low tide, causing the coral formations to nearly emerge above the water’s surface.

All necessary gear, including footwear, a mask, and a snorkel, is supplied. We abstain from using flippers to prevent harming the delicate coral structures. Nonetheless, they are unnecessary as there is no water movement and the water is only about 1.5 meters deep.

The drive to Gatas (in a 4WD pickup truck) is approximately 50 minutes from Sal Rei.
The time spent snorkeling typically ranges from 45 to 60 minutes.
On the return journey, we make a stop at a quaint
Bar in the village of Joao Galego for refreshments and light bites.

What's Included
  • Snacks provided
  • Snorkeling equipment included
Additional Information

Observation of the underwater world and corals, immerse yourself in another world.
The “Gatas Bay” is located on the north-east bank of Boa Vista.
“Gatas”
refers to the local name of the nurse shark.
But it is completely harmless and very shy.

Snorkeling tours are only possible at high tide, as the bay becomes very shallow at low tide and the coral heads almost protrude from the sea surface.

Equipment such as shoes, life jacket, mask and snorkel are available. We don’t use fins to avoid damaging the fragile corals. But they are not needed either, there is no current and the depth is only about 1.5 meters.

The trip to Gatas (four-wheel drive pick-up vehicle) takes about 50 minutes from Sal Rei.
 We usually spend 45-60 minutes in the water.
On the way back we stop in a small one
Bar in the village of Joao Galego for a drink and a snack.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(11 Ratings)
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Karen_b
Mar 21, 2024
Snorkel with Evan - Guide (Evan) kept making sure I was ok during snorkel. Saw lots of fish. Long journey mainly off-road worth it. Great pit stop where we tried the most delicious sweet made of coconut and honey and of course the local beer! Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Carole_s
Jan 20, 2024
Beautiful unspoiled spot - Incredible coral and fish just offshore in a sheltered bay. Ideal for experienced and new snorkellers.
Review provided by Viator
Odyssey699999
Oct 24, 2023
Fun Snorkel Trip - Although I never actually learned the names of the leader or driver, they were both enthusiastic about the trip and made it very enjoyable. The location was a bit far away but worth it because we were literally the only people at Gatas Bay!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elliehodgson72
Sep 6, 2022
A fabulous day! - We loved our trip from start to finish. The experience of getting on the back of a 4X4 with another couple and a another lady was amazing! We made instant friends and had a great laugh! The drive to the bay is an experience in itself as the roads are very basic and bumpy (we loved every second). The snorkelling was lovely, it was a small secluded bay in which you did not have to go very far or deep to see the beautiful fish! It was especially breathtaking to see the puffer fish and all the different types of coral. Our guide Simon was brilliant, he was very friendly and funny! He would be snorkelling in front of us and call us over to look at what he had found alongside checking everyone was alright as we swam. On the way back you stop off in a rural village in which you can sample goats cheese and “ponch” which is a rum type drink (very strong.. very nice!!) My partner and I would recommend this trip and so would the people we shared the trip with! A lovely day on a beautiful island. Thank you very much to Simon and the driver for a brilliant experience and memories that will last a life time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diana_c
Dec 29, 2022
Worth doing! - A great trip right across the island, stopping in small villages. So interesting to see how people live. Snorkelling was lovely and we saw some amazing creatures.
Review provided by Viator
Freedom17377562813
Feb 28, 2024
Great snorkeling despite disappointing tour guide - The snorkeling was great. However, the tour guide was very bad. He hardly told us anything and we only found out because we kept asking questions. And even then he was very short with us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarape8254he
May 3, 2024
Avoid at all costs - We booked this trip in September for my husbands birthday trip to the island in May, 2 days before our trip we were asked to move to the afternoon, fine. However the day of our trip we were asked to move to a completely different day as someone wanted to change from tomorrow to today. We advised that we couldn’t do this as we were booked on a different trip tomorrow hence making the booking for today, so instead of letting us go ahead with our booking they cancelled it! Clearly our business wasn’t good enough for them! They offer a 24 hour cancellation policy and you can change your dates yet we were the ones to loose out! Avoid at all costs and just go through your tour operator so you don’t end up let down the same as we have been!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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