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(158)
The entire trip was so special. Great safety talk ahead of boarding a fun speedboat that led us to sightings of 5 sperm whales and 2 types of dolphin. Our guide and skipper were both charming, helpful and knowledgeable. Lunch was delicious with several courses in a local cafe and the trip to Villa Franco De Campo fun. We saw lots of fishes whilst snorkelling. The whole day was relaxed, fun and memorable. Brilliant value for money and well worth doing if you are visiting the Azores.
When we booked this I thought we would be on a big boat, however when we got there it was sort of rubber dinghy sort of speedboat! (I’m sure it has a name) If I’d known I probably wouldn’t have booked it however I’m soo pleased I didn’t know as it was fantastic. We saw so many dolphins and felt closer to them as on smaller lower boat.. really sorry but I didn’t make a note of our hosts names, one was studying marine biology I believe and she was lovely, don’t know his name sterling the boat even tho they introduced themselves. Lunch was great, best tuna steak I’ve had here and my partner liked his steak. Time to swim to. Thoroughly recommend this trip!
It is very good. Everything very well organized. Antonio, the boat captain, and his assistant were unbeatable, attentive to every detail, charming, and very professional. A 10 for both of them.
The guides were amazing! Both of them were marine biologists and were so passionate about the wildlife. When we spotted a rare whale sighting they were so genuinely excited, it was inspiring and it made the experience that much more thrilling. The smaller boat made for a more exciting and adventurous experience in my opinion while still feeling very safe. The lunch was at a sit down restaurant in Villa da Franca and was delicious - especially the beef option. Lastly, the swimming trip to the Islet was seamless and so relaxing - it was one of my favorite parts. Overall, I was very impressed with the entire excursion. Would definitely recommend!
Picos de Aventura are the best! I would do this trip again and again. You can't control the weather or the whales and dolphins, but sunshine, planning and exoerience all came together on the day I went and it was an incredible experience!
Amazing team! Day full of experiences. Epic advanture. We saw 2 species oh Whales and 2 different groups of dolphins!
The date of our excursion had to be postponed to the next day due to bad weather. We were only able to do the whale watching. Very nice. The refund for half of the activity was processed very quickly. Perfect.
I don’t give you a detailed breakdown. We were on an island for almost 2 hours, but nothing to do. They said seven hours it took more than eight.
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. Our stop at Vila Franca Islet following the morning’s 3-hour whale watching tour and restaurant lunch is intended as a relaxing "beach break"—a chance for guests to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun in a protected natural reserve. Regarding the duration, while we always strive to stick strictly to our timetable, ocean excursions can occasionally run a bit longer due to sea conditions or staying out to ensure good wildlife sightings. We appreciate your comments and hope you still took home some memorable moments with the Azores' marine life.
It has been a very good experience. We took whale watching and snorkeling and everything was great. First they explain to you what type of cetaceans can be seen, safety rules, and then you go on the tour in a motorboat, which makes it easier for you to have a better experience. They gave us a lunch that was very good; they let you choose fish, meat, or vegetarian. And then they take you to the islet of Vila Franca do Campo to go snorkeling in the crater. The instructor, Nerea, explained everything very clearly and with a lot of patience with the children, as there were several. I recommend it.
Fernanda was a real and passionate tour guide!! We are very thankful we had her and we learned a lot!! Thank you to this company and our true tour guide Fernanda!!!
