Azores Swim with Dolphins Atlantic Experience
October to April is Dolphin Swimming Season in Azores Islands - a fantastic and unique Wildlife experience in the warm waters of the Atlantic! Watch Wild Dolphins underwater in the freedom of their natural habitat, one of the best connections to nature in a (limited) responsible alternative to swimming with animals in captivity.
Meet your guide and group at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, equipment set up, and short briefing introducing local species that can be observed, rules and responsible practice on tour, onboard safety, and equipment use. Follow your guide to your designated boat and go out to sea. Lookouts inland help to locate, while approaching our friends slowly, and very carefully, your guide evaluates if favorable conditions are met to allow the activity’s proceedings.
Always be ready and prepared to go into the water - 2 swimmers alternate in the water at safe distance during limited periods of time, and you do not want to miss out on each opportunity in which Dolphins can choose to come closer driven by their friendliness and curiosity.
Exclusively between late Autumn and Early Spring with water temperatures averaging between 16ºc and 22ºc, it is possible to swim with any of 4 different species of Dolphins - Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and Risso’s Dolphins.
On a second part of the tour, the boat will travel to a coastal location for snorkeling, to discover the characteristic marine fauna & flora in the island’s sea bed.
Main features
Additional features
Do this because
- Discover a fantastic and unique wildlife experience with a Biologist guide
- Enjoy a high nature connection with low environmental impact
- Immerse yourself with small groups and very limited availability away from crowds
- Relax on a specialized zodiac boat with all necessary equipment provided
Important to know
- The minimum age to attend this tour is 13
- This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, on wheelchair, or in delicate health condition
- Please bring personal water supply, towel, swim suit, a full change of warm clothing, sunscreen and chap-stick for the sun
- Remember to eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, and a camera is essential
- It's reccomended to protect any electronics and personal equipment
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
What’s included
- Professional and knowledgeable Marine Wildlife Guide
- Experienced Skipper
- Zodiac RIB Boat (8 pax)
- Impermeable Top and Life Vest
- Insurance
- All necessary equipment
- Wetsuit
What’s not included
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
- Personal Water supply
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™, 9680-187, Vila Franca do Campo 4, Portugal
Meeting point:
From Ponta Delgada city centre by auto, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards the Marina where TERRA AZUL Base and Yellow Boats are stationed, free parking can be found.
Provider
Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™
You might also like
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
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
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
