Water activity

Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit

Water activity

Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit

From US$ 105.73 per person

See the diversity of marine life found in the Azores including whales and dolphins. Snorkel in Vila Franca do Campo Islet and get up close to the fish.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 7 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, Portuguese

Experience

Highlights
  • Learn about and observe some of the sea life found in the Azores
  • Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Vila Franca Islet
  • Bathe in the Atlantic Ocean waters while learning about the history of the area
Full description
Take the opportunity to see some of the sea life found in the Azores including dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds. Before the boat trip, listen to biologists explaining the safety measures aboard, the history of the area, the local wildlife and how to respect them. Then set off! After the 3-hour whale watching tour, stop in Vila Franco do Campo to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, board a converted traditional fishing boat and head to Vila Franca do Campo islet, a volcanic crater off the coast that encloses a natural lagoon. Take one of the provided snorkels and diving masks and see the numerous protected fish species in this natural reserve. Following the tour, transfer back to Ponta Delgada by boat or van.
Includes
  • Whale and dolphin-watching cruise
  • Lunch in a local restaurant with a choice of meat, fresh locally caught seafood, or a vegetarian meal
  • Pre-tour briefing
  • Raincoat and pants
  • Life jacket
  • Marine biologist or nature guide aboard
  • Boat trip to Vila Franca do Campo
  • Return transfer from Vila Franca do Campo to Ponta Delgada by boat or van
  • Snorkel and diving mask
  • Transfer to and from your hotel to the local partner's shop in Ponta Delgada harbor

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

You must check-in at the shop before the tour begins.

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Important information

Know before you go

  • Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a sweater, a wind shield jacket, a swimming suit and towel, hat, sunblock, a backpack, and water
  • Usually, the return journey is by boat but if the sea conditions change drastically during the afternoon, it can be operated by van, bus, minibus or other means
  • Please inform the supplier while booking of any food restrictions
  • Masks and snorkeling equipment are limited
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 35 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.6/5
  • Service
    4.4/5
  • Organization
    4.2/5

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Nous avons fait un briefing avec notre guide avant le départ en zodiac. Nous avons vu des dauphins. Malheureusement les baleines ne se sont montrées. Ensuite, déjeuner dans un petit restaurant. L’après-midi nous avons fait de la plongée masque/tuba dans l’îlot villa franca do campo, une navette fait la liaison terre/îlot toutes les heures.

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March 30, 2023

Veel dolfijnen gezien en 1 walvis (geen garantie natuurlijk) dus we hadden geluk! De tourguide was niet perse betrokken bij de groep maar je kon er wel een praatje mee maken, ze was wel ontzettend enthousiast over de dieren en het vertellen daarover. Vila Franca was leuk maar het snorkelen niet perse bijzonder.

March 30, 2023

Nous avions réservé pour 4 adultes et un enfant de 2 ans; il n'était pas précisé que le bateau était un zodiaque.... ils nous ont mis à l'arrière pour que ce soit plus sécurit pour lui... mais il faut le savoir car l'observation des cétacés dure 3h00, l'enfant ne peut pas bouger. Nous avons pu observer un grand nombre de dauphins malheureusement contrairement aux autres bateaux nous n'avons pas pu observer de cachalot. Par contre ils ont abrégé l'observation des cétacés alors que nous sommes arrivés avant que le restaurant n'ouvre. Le repas le midi était très moyen. Bon timing pour le snorkeling.

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March 30, 2023

Product ID: 100440