Whale Watching Tour + Vila Franca Islet: Full-day with lunch
Description
This tour combines two of São Miguel’s most iconic experiences in one seamless day: ethical whale watching guided by marine biologists and a visit to the stunning, volcanic Vila Franca Islet. Few tours offer this mix of ocean wildlife and time to swim or relax inside a volcanic crater lagoon. You'll be guided by knowledgeable staff throughout, enjoy a tasty lunch, and explore a protected nature reserve that’s only accessible by boat. It's the perfect balance of adventure, learning, and relaxation—all in one unforgettable day by sea and land! Highlights: - Whale and dolphin watching tour with marine biologists - Learn about marine species and conservation during the briefing - Cruise the Atlantic in search of whales, dolphins, and more - Visit Vila Franca Islet, a protected volcanic crater island - Swim or snorkel in the islet’s natural lagoon (seasonal access)
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Cetacean sightings are guaranteed. A partial refund will be offered if we don't spot any whales OR dolphins. The value of this refund is the equivalent of a regular whale watching tour.
Reviews(146)
Overall a great experiance. We liked that they were marine biologists that acted as guides. They a therefore very knowledgable and respectful of the wildlife, leaving when too many boats turned up. We had rough seas so could go to the lagoon so they provided a refund. We saw several pods of dolphins and a baby sperm whale, even in rough seas. You will get wet on the speed boats but that’s part of the fun. Lunch was good at a local restaurant
We saw several animals. Sperm whales and two type of dolphins. Lots of fun.
We went on the half day whale watching tour. so good we booked a second trip. Across both trips we saw common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, pilot whales, a bryde’s whale and a sperm whale. The trips were well organised. Boats don’t get too close to the animals. Staff are very knowledgeable, approachable and friendly, and very happy to answer questions.. you can tell they’re very passionate about what they do.
Very friendly and helpful. The tour was amazing. We saw over 200 dolphins and 3 whales. We can highly recommend it.
We had a wonderful morning at sea, following a family of orcas and later a large nursery pod of common dolphins. The team were very knowledgeable.
We had such a wonderful time on this adventure, the staff of the company was amazing, and educational. They were very resourceful, and my friend and i really enjoyed the day! I would recommend to anyone who loves nature!
Really incredible day. We were lucky to see both dolphins and whales, the whales were pretty far away but I understand we don’t want to disturb their natural habitat. The true highlight for me was visiting the islet, it was a magical place. The water was crystal clear. It started raining lightly while we were there but it wasn’t cold and it just added to the experience. I will say some members of the group felt the day was a little long, but I thought they broke it up nicely with lunch and I truly enjoyed it all. I would maybe just recommend bringing dry clothes and don’t change into them until after the last boat ride to Ponta Delgada. Again, for us it was raining so it may be different for you. Also Bea, our guide, was lovely.
We got to see a lot we wouldn’t otherwise have seen. Dolphins and a whole view of the beautiful island. Visiting and swimming in Vila Franca was awesome too. Plus the guides were friendly and fun.
Seeing the wild dolphins was a fantastic experience. We enjoyed it! Our lunch was, unfortunately, a pack to go rather not great. And the trip to Vila Franca Islet could have been much better organised. You need to sit in the crowded local boat in the shining sun ( this is the only way you can get there).
We did the tour with Bea and Katharina. Both were excellent marine biologists and tour guides. We saw three different species of dolphins. Bea explained the differences very well. Also it was very animalfriendly. Once we saw the dolphins, the boat slowed down and the boat kept a distance to not disturb them. Some dolphins swam very close to the boat though. Also Bea mentioned an important point that those dolphins belong to the wild and not in an amusement or marine park!! Very well said! The stopover at that little island was very pleasant as well. Thank you☺️
