Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour

Embark on an enchanting boat excursion along the São Miguel coast, where you will encounter whales and dolphins native to the Azores. Additionally, this journey will lead you to the renowned islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour

We will convene at the port of Vila Franca do Campo at the scheduled time. This harbor, situated to the south of São Miguel Island, will serve as our starting point. Initially, we will be introduced to the local marine life through a concise theoretical overview. This will be followed by an explanation of the safety protocols and regulations necessary for our adventure on the open water. Subsequently, we'll embark on a thrilling zodiac boat ride in search of whales and dolphins that inhabit this region of the Azorean waters.

This Portuguese archipelago, nestled in the North Atlantic, boasts a diverse array of marine wildlife, including a significant population of blue and humpback whales, along with bottlenose dolphins. Moreover, it is home to a variety of other cetaceans such as sperm whales and pilot whales.

Throughout our journey, we will be guided by a naturalist expert in Azorean wildlife, who will assist us in identifying various species. You may be surprised to learn that subtle distinctions such as the shape of the tail and fins, along with the coloration of the skin, can help us differentiate between individual animals.

After our whale watching adventure off the coast of São Miguel, we will navigate towards the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. While circumnavigating this striking volcanic isle, we will have the opportunity to admire its stunning caldera. If the conditions permit, we might also glimpse several species of seabirds, including Cory's shearwater and the black-footed tern.

Finally, after three hours of exploring the Atlantic waters, we will make our way back to the departure dock.

Whale Watching

The coastline of São Miguel Island is celebrated as a prime location within the Azores for observing whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals. Nevertheless, it is important to note that animal sightings can be unpredictable. The number of specimens we encounter may vary due to factors such as weather conditions and the specific seasons related to reproduction and breeding of different species.