Whale and Dolphin Watching & Visit to Vila Franca Islet

Highlights

  • Marvel at the local gentle giants on a whale watching tour
  • Visit the spectacular Vila Franca do Campo Islet
  • Spot dolphins that make their home in the waters around the islet
From £96 pp
  1. Choose a day
  2. Choose a time
  3. Choose the number of people
  4. Book now!
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What you'll do

Visit one of the Azores most picturesque swimming locations and get up close and personal with the most spectacular wildlife in the Atlantic on a whale and dolphin watching trip.

Only operates between June 15th and September 15th.

The tour will start at your chosen time from Ponta Delgada harbour. After a briefing from your guide, a marine biologist, you’ll set off for a three-hour whale-watching expedition, before visiting one of the most beautiful swimming spots in the area around São Miguel Island.

Known as the ‘princess ring’ due to its curious circular shape the rocky shores of Vila Franca do Camp Islet form a natural lagoon, sheltered from the open sea to create one of the most incredible places for swimming in the Azores.

The whale-watching is a wonderful opportunity to see some of nature’s most majestic animals in their natural habitat, as the Azores acts as a permanent home or a regular passing point for a third of all whale and dolphin species.

The islet is protected, with visitors limited to 400 per day, and is classified by Birdlife International as a conservation point for many species of birds. Enjoy exploring this unique piece of land, which also hosts the Red Bull Cliff Diving competitions, with 27 metre jumps dotted around the islet.

After you’ve relaxed, explored, swum and trekked around Vila Franca, you will head back to Ponta Delgada.

What's included

Included

  • Raincoat and waterproof trousers if necessary
  • Life jacket
  • Marine biologist guide
  • Boat trip to the islet
  • Transfer back to Ponta Delgada
  • Insurance (personal accident and liability)
Your local host

Catia

We are committed to sustainability and responsible practices and work closely with a few different projects of environmental conservation such as WCA and associations supporting local development.

Our sea tours are led by qualified marine biologists and land tours by experienced nature guides, many of which specialise in volcanology, botany and Azorean history.

We are dedicated to offer you the best nature experiences in the Azores. Our friendly staff are always happy to help you and offer the best recommendations. Our programs are built to suit all people, from single travellers, to families and groups.

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We are committed to sustainability and responsible practices and work closely with a few different projects of environmental conservation such as WCA and associations supporting local development.

Our sea tours are led by qualified marine biologists and land tours by experienced nature guides, many of which specialise in volcanology, botany and Azorean history.

We are dedicated to offer you the best nature experiences in the Azores. Our friendly staff are always happy to help you and offer the best recommendations. Our programs are built to suit all people, from single travellers, to families and groups.

Location

This experience starts and ends at Portas do Mar, 26 – 9500-771 Ponta Delgada.

FAQs

Is this experience weather dependent?

The weather or sea conditions may restrict the activities. In case of cancellation, the activities will be rescheduled for another day. If you are unavailable on the date your experience is rescheduled to, you won't be charged.

What time does it start?

- (April 1st - October 31st) : 9:00am and 1:30am for catamaran tours 8:30am and 1:00pm for zodiac tours.

- (November 1st - March 31st): 8:30am and 1:00pm. According to weather conditions and the number of passengers, the departure time is subject to changes. In this case, we will call to inform you of the change.

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