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São Miguel Island Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended São Miguel Island Cruises & boat tours

Azores: Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

1. Azores: Whale Watching and Islet Boat Tour

Begin the excursion with an introduction to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other marine species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, and behavioral patterns. After the briefing, board the designated boat and head out to sea. Approach the whales slowly and carefully as the naturalist guides and marine biologists on board provide commentary. Next, take a tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for an up-close look at the volcano and resident wildlife. Light food is permitted on board, and a camera is essential to capture the wildlife you spot on the tour.

From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

2. From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

Set off on a whale-watching day trip from Ponta Delgada and witness the marine mammals of the Azores. Look out for minke whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, and learn about the environment from your marine biologist guide. Begin with a briefing by your guide, who will explain the history of whale watching in the Azores. Learn about water safety, rules of observation, and respect for the animals. Depart from the Ponta Delgada harbor and sail into the Atlantic. Situated between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Keep an eye out for sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins, which are present throughout the year, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. In the summer months, spot dolphins, pilot whales, and striped dolphins. In spring, enjoy the opportunity to see migrating baleen whales such as blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales.

São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

3. São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

Enjoy a half-day whale watching trip in the Azores, one of the ‘top ten’ whale-watching spots in the world, and get the opportunity to meet the ocean giants in their natural habitat. Meet the boat crew and get a short briefing about safety and code of ethics and then put on your life vest and head out in the ocean. Listen as the crew follows the instructions given by radio from the lookouts placed in strategic points along the coastline using military-grade binoculars to find and communicate the position of the animals. Take comfort that the crew has a 99% success rate of sightings. If whales are spotted it´s time to enjoy the company of these magnificent animals, always keeping a safe and respectful distance. It´s usual that more than one group of whales and dolphins are observed per trip. On the way back to the marina, observe the geological formations of the island as the boat sails close to the coastline. If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free.

São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

4. São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

Discover the life that lies deep in the Azores Sea from the comfort of this glass-bottom boat, with an expert crew and guide. Your adventure begins at Vila Franca do Campo Marina. A biologist will give you a briefing about the itinerary and then you can set off. Learn about the marine life, nature, and historical curiosities of Vila Franca do Campo. You can spot the unique sea life of the protected area and observe the seabirds and crustaceans that fill the islet landscape. The biologist will help you identify the species, but you can expect to see everything from colorful shoals of fish, to starfish, sea cucumbers, and underwater volcanic activity. When you want to cool off you can go for a swim and snorkel, and get closer to some of the wildlife you've been spotting.

Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch

5. Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch

Benefit from mini van pick-up at your accommodation in Ponta Delgada and the area around and then explore the coastline of São Miguel island by boat. Spend 3 hours looking for majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural environment.  Reconnect with the natural world as you go in search of the sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales, fin whales and sei whales that make the archipelago one of the best places in the world to see different marine mammals. Keep a look out for turtles, flying fish, sea birds and jumping dolphins along the way.  Disembark at the marina and enjoy a tasty lunch at local restaurant. Afetr lunch make your way to the volcanic landscapes of Lagoa do Fogo crater lake. See one of the most beautiful lakes in São Miguel and experience the amazing interior of the island up close. Learn about how is used the volcanic heat to produce renewable energy to the island.

Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Glass Botton Boat

6. Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Glass Botton Boat

The Azores are considered one of the best places for whale watching in the world. 28 species of whales and dolphins have been spotted there over the years. This unique 2.5-hour tour is the ideal situation for spotting whales and dolphins. The vessel has the capacity for 14 people, a glass bottom, and a 300 horsepower engine. With a 90% sighting success rate, the tour is assisted by a whale spotter located at the top of Monte Brasil. With long-range binoculars, they'll be able to guide the Skipper via radio, helping you to find the whereabouts of cetaceans (the animal family that these marine mammals belong to).

Swimming with Dolphins Terceira island

7. Swimming with Dolphins Terceira island

Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat in the beautiful ocean of Terceira Island. With assistance from a marine biologist, learn everything you need to know to ensure a harmonious encounter with these gentle and intelligent sea creatures. With all the necessary equipment provided, enter the water as you remain safely connected to the boat at all times. Glide along the waters and swim with the dolphins in front, below and next to you as you admire these beautiful mammals in their natural habitat and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy the rest of the observing all the incredible marine life that exists under the sea through the glass bottom of the boat.

Ponta Delgada: Private Sailboat Cruise with Welcome Drinks

8. Ponta Delgada: Private Sailboat Cruise with Welcome Drinks

4-hour boat trip aboard a 12-meter luxury sailboat in total comfort. During the tour you will experience the sensation of sailing and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the island from a different perspective.Anchor in a bay for a refreshing swim in the sea or simply take a dip in the open sea. Throughout the tour we can sail pre-defined itineraries or simply do some free sailing.The embarkation and disembarkation will be at the Marina Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada.

São Miguel: North Coast Whale Watching Cruise

9. São Miguel: North Coast Whale Watching Cruise

Discover the whale population of the Azores Islands on a boat cruise along the northern coast of São Miguel. Observe these majestic giants of the ocean in their natural habitat, at a respectful distance. Set off from the fishing village of Rabo de Peixe on the north coast of São Miguel. Explore the sea north of the island, known for its strong tides and whale population. Explore on a semi-inflatable craft, and observe the whales from a respectful distance so as to not disturb the whales. With the help of your onboard spotter, identify the whales as they breach the ocean surface. Be amazed by their grandeur and grace as the whales frolic in the ocean. See their gigantic tailfins, and hear the sound of the blowholes. As you cruise through the ocean, learn about the behavior and feeding habits of the whales with your expert crew. Afterward, return to the port in Rabo de Peixe.

Ponta Delgada: Private Sunset Cruise with Drinks

10. Ponta Delgada: Private Sunset Cruise with Drinks

Come and experience the feeling of sailing at the end of the afternoon on a private cruise aboard a sailboat, on a more intimate romantic tour or in a family group, enjoying a good local wine and appreciating the beauty of the Island, passing through points such as the Ilhéu de São Roque, Praia das Milicias and head south to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. On the way back you will have the experience and beauty of the sunset. Boarding and disembarking on the pontoon at Portas do Mar marina

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What people are saying about São Miguel Island

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 150 reviews

We had a tour on 2nd of January. Even though we were unlucky to spot the whales but saw plenty of common dolphins and rare to spot sun fish. The guide was very nice and informative. Definitely would go back!

Excellent guides who were really informative about the animals we saw. We saw four different whales and a pod of dolphins. A truely incredible experience and such good value for money!

It's was amazing activity! Boat team made our day and given us great emotions. We've seen several groups of dolphins and wonderful landscape. Extremely recommend it!

Outstanding staff. Professional staff to know navigating to find the dolfphins and whales. Very recommended activity

Excellent team from the ones on the boat and the whale watcher. Lots of fun!