3-hour tour of Vila Franca do Campo's protected nature reserve
Do this because
- Let the biologist or naturalist you'll have as a guide answer all your questions
- Capture some oceanic views from the islet
- Enjoy a bout tour of the whole Vila Franca do Campo
- Learn more about the volcanic islet's geology, flora and fauna
What to expect
Enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the volcanic islet of Vila Franca do Campo and learn more about this protected nature reserve's geology and living fauna and flora.
After meeting at the Marina for checking-in, your tour will start with a short introduction about the islet, with its plant and animal species, including the nature reserve’s safety rules. The sail to the islet will then take you about 10 minutes. Once landed, you'll be able to reach the rocky crater and to admire the endemic Azorean Heather and Firetree as well as other species making a beautiful living habitat for the wildlife. Often, birds can be observed such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally Lightfoot Crab colonies.
Your guide will keep you informed on what you'll be observing and will always be available throughout your tour to answer any of your questions. Around 4.15pm, before heading back to the Marina for checking-out, you'll enjoy a bout tour all around the islet. Don't miss such a unique opportunity!
Important to know
- The Zodiac RIB Boat can accomodate 12-28 people
- Minimum age for joining this tour: 4 years old
- Also, this experience isn't suitable for pregnant women as well as people with reduced mobility and medically fragile
- Please note bathing isn't permitted at this time of the year for protection of the species
- Reservations are at all times subject to rescheduling due to availability requirements, weather conditions and safety reasons
- English is the tour's official language, but the local tour operator will do their best to accomodate your language preference (not guaranteed)
What’s included
Entrance fees
Guided tour
Protective equipment
Insurance
What’s not included
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Water
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™, Marina of Vila Franca do Campo 4, 9680-187 São Miguel, Azores Island, Portugal
Meeting point:
Coming from Ponta Delgada city center by car, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards the sea level to reach the Marina and your local tour operator's base, where yellow boats are stationed. Free parking nearby.
Provider
Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +44 121 468 3145
You might also like
Canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park
The wet and wild surrounds of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park makes the perfect playground for an outdoor adventure. And there're few more thrilling ways to explore than canyoning – an activity that sees you walk, wade, swim and climb your way up thundering waterfalls in a pristine valley. You'll get to see Europe's oldest tea plantation, too.
en
Sete Cidades & Lagoa do Fogo Small Group Tour
São Miguel packs a lot into its compact area – and this tour takes you to some of the best sights on the island. Prepare to experience jaw-dropping landscapes such as Vista do Rei, Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo as well as the picturesque St Nicholas's Church. On this small group tour, you'll also enjoy a thermal bath at Caldeira Velha and a typical local lunch.
en
This minivan tour to the Furnas Valley boasts everything that makes the Azores so special. Visit São Miguel's first capital, Vila Franca do Campo, to taste a ‘queijadas da vila' pastry. Next, head to the exotic Terra Nostra Park for a stroll and thermal bath. After a typical ‘cozido' lunch, enjoy an afternoon exploring volcanic landscapes of Furnas.
en
The largest island of the Azores, São Miguel is criss-crossed with quality hiking trails. Grab your boots and put them to good use with a scenic trek to Sanguinho – the island's very own ghost town. Along the way, you'll pass the steaming springs of Furnas volcanic crater, try sweet treats in Povoação, and see Salto do Prego waterfall.
en
Furnas Canoeing & Mountain Biking Tour
As one of the wildest spots in São Miguel, Furnas is tailormade for adventure. And this full day tour gives you a double serving. Kick off in the morning with canoeing on Lake Furnas, famed for its fumaroles, geysers, mudpools and thermal waters. After a cozido lunch in the village, hop on a mountain bike for a 10km trail on dirt tracks to a hill overlooking the parish.
en
You'll immerse yourself in the wild beauty of western São Miguel on this tour. Hiking the 5km Serra Devassa trail, you'll discover a lake-dotted landscape and spot the moss-covered Muro das Nove Janelas aqueduct. Once we've reached higher ground, you'll be able to see Sete Cidades crater. You'll also see the Azul and Verde lakes from Vista do Rei viewpoint.
en
Lake Fogo & Ribeira Grande Small Group Tour
Combing nature and culture, this small group tour of central São Miguel is the Azores down to a T. You'll head to Pico da Barrosa viewpoint for Insta-perfect panoramas over Lake Fogo. There's an option to visit the Caldeira Velha, too. Then it's on to Ribeira Grande, a historic and elegant town on the north coast, for a guided walk and liqueur tasting.
en
Taste of Eastern São Miguel Small Group Tour
You'll get a taste of the real São Miguel on this small group tour of the east of the island. First up is the coastal hamlet of Povoação. Here, you'll try a local pastry. Next up are the viewpoints of Sossego and Madrugada, where you can observe flowers, villages and coastline. After lunch, there's a stop at Ribeira dos Caldeirões Park followed by a tasting at in Gorreana tea factory.
en
Furnas Canoeing with Terra Nostra Park
Exotic Furnas is a microcosm of São Miguel. And this full day tour gives you two different perspectives. Kick off in the morning with canoeing on Lake Furnas, famed for its fumaroles, geysers, mudpools and thermal waters. After a cozido lunch in the village, visit the historic botanic gardens of Terra Nostra Park – the variety of flora is mesmerising.
en
Sete Cidades Minivan Tour with Pineapple Plantation
Taste and see the best of west São Miguel on this minivan tour. It's a tangy start with a visit to a pineapple plantation. Learn how they're smoked, then taste the fruit and a liqueur. Next up is Pico do Carvão, for panoramic views over the island's north and south coasts. At Vista do Rei, see the Sete Cidades crater and its lakes, en route to Sete Cidades parish.
en
