Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour, Vila Franca do Campo

We booked a whale watching activity and we had a wonderful guide in Diane. The explanations were clear, informative and ...

Maria

On this boat trip along the coast of São Miguel, you'll admire whales and dolphins that live in Azorean waters. What's more, you'll sail the waters of the famous islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Details

Duration

3 hours.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and other languages.

Included

Zodiac boat ride
English–speaking guide
Waterproof suit for the tour

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Minimum age

Not permitted for anyone under 4 years

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Scuba Diving in São Miguel

Free cancellation

Vila Franca Islet Speedboat Ride

Free cancellation

Snorkeling in São Miguel

Free cancellation

Meeting point

Port of Vila Franca do Campo

Reviews of our customers

8.8

Excellent 322 Travelers·13 reviews

August 4, 2026
Maria
Germany
We booked a whale watching activity and we had a wonderful guide in Diane. The explanations were clear, informative and filled with humor. We felt lik...
As a couple
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August 7, 2026
Anonymous
United States
Very informative guide, great skipper. We got to see multiple dolphin species across three sightings. Very considerate of people's wellbeing, and will...
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August 29, 2025
Fernando
United Kingdom
Great! Julia and the other guide were super good! Very professional, fun and knowledgeable. Very good trip and we had good luck seeing a lot of specie...
With friends
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June 9, 2025
Lindsay
United Kingdom
Well organised & fun 3 hour boat trip with skipper Alex & guide, also Alex who was very enthusiastic & informative about the animals. We saw 4 Sperm W...
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March 25, 2025
Dagmar
Eppstein, Germany
To see the animals (amongst others, a large group of false killer whales!) so close was just awesome, amazing and beautiful. Tour was very well organi...
As a couple
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August 5, 2025
Isabel Martinez
Spain
The boat trip was excellent, fast boat, very personal attention and the best guides: Julia and Mateo - very nice. We were lucky seeing a Sei whale and...
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May 22, 2025
Anonymous
Canada
The service and the information given was good. We saw a pod of dolphins and 2 whales.
With friends
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On this boat trip along the coast of São Miguel, you'll admire whales and dolphins that live in Azorean waters. What's more, you'll sail the waters of the famous islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour

At the agreed time, we'll meet at the port of Vila Franca do Campo. At this dock, located south of São Miguel Island, we'll first have a brief theoretical introduction to local wildlife. After which we'll learn about the safety guidelines and rules that must be followed while on high seas. Then, we'll board a zodiac boat ride to try to spot whales and dolphins in this area of the Azores.

This Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic is home to a wide range of marine wildlife, especially blue and humpback whales, and bottlenose dolphins. What's more, it's also home to a large colony of other mammals such as sperm whales and pilot whales.

On the boat, we'll be accompanied by a naturalist guide expert in Azorean wildlife, who will show us how to distinguish certain species from others. Did you know that just by paying attention to small details such as the size of the tail and fins or the color of the skin, we can tell the difference between one specimen and another?

After enjoying our whale watching experience on the coast of São Miguel, we'll sail next to the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. While sail around this small volcanic island, we'll be able to admire its spectacular caldera. If conditions are favorable, we'll also see different kinds of seabirds such as Cory's shearwater or the black-footed tern.

Lastly, after three hours sailing the Atlantic, we'll return to the departure dock.

Whale Watching

The coast of São Miguel Island is one of the best places in the Azores to see whales, dolphins, and other cetaceans. However, animals are unpredictable. The sighting of a greater or lesser number of specimens will depend on various factors such as the weather conditions at the time or the reproduction and breeding seasons of each species.

Types of activities in Vila Franca do Campo

Guided tours and free tours

Other activities in Vila Franca do Campo

Scuba Diving in São Miguel Vila Franca Islet Speedboat Ride Snorkeling in São Miguel Kayaking in Vila Franca do Campo Vila Franca do Campo Glass-Bottom Boat Tour Scuba Diving Introduction in São Miguel

On this boat trip along the coast of São Miguel, you'll admire whales and dolphins that live in Azorean waters. What's more, you'll sail the waters of the famous islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour

Lastly, after three hours sailing the Atlantic, we'll return to the departure dock.

Whale Watching + Vila Islet Boat Tour