Full Day
São Miguel
FULL DAY
SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS + JEEP TOUR TO FOGO LAKE
Imagine yourself floating in the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean with one of the most intelligent animal species on Earth around you. Swimming with dolphins is a unique moment. They are social animals and they usually like to play, even though they are wild. Join us for this wildly authentic experience where you will be joining the dolphins in their natural environment. You will see, listen and feel their presence around you.
Before we begin the tour, our marine biologist experts will explain you some rules you need to take into consideration for you to be able to enjoy this moment. The snorkel mask instructions, the moment you enter the water and other safety instructions will be explained in detail. This experience is done on our zodiac boats and in groups of around 8 people. Two people will go in the water at a time.
Swimming with dolphins is usually a 2.5 hours activity, so after the tour, you will eat in a local restaurant in the marina and at the end of the meal, you will be ready to continue this adventure in a jeep!
We will be heading to the natural reserve of Lagoa do Fogo in Ribeira Grande. Lagoa do Fogo is one of the most astonishing lakes of São Miguel Island. Just take your time, and enjoy the views!
During the afternoon, we will stop in several key points for you to be able to enjoy the views and breathe in the nature surrounding the lake. The water is crystal clear down there and is located under a sleeping volcano that was formed more than 15,000 years ago.
To finish your tour with your heart full we will be visiting Caldeira Velha. This is a classified natural monument. You will find a beautiful waterfall where you can bathe in with hot thermal waters that are around 25ºC. Caldeira Velha is considered by most people a spa surrounded by lush nature. A must do while in São Miguel island!
JEEP TOUR
Get to know the Island from different perspectives. In the fastest and most comfortable way.
The amazing view over Lagoa do Fogo
MEMORABLE ENCOUNTERS
Normally we easily find pods of dolphins close to the shore. The activity takes around two hours and a half.
See the species you can find in the Azores
SEA AND LAND
Swimming with dolphins and a jeep tour to one of the most pristine places in the Island, Fogo Lake.
If you prefer to just swim with dolphins in São Miguel, check thisLocation
Ponta Delgada – Lagoa do Fogo – Caldeira Velha - Ponta Delgada
Duration
7.5 Hours
Tour Rates
115€ Adult, 65€ Children (8-12 years old)
Daily Departures
9:00am
Check In Times
8:30am
Availability
Year round.
Level of Difficulty
Easy
Vessel Types
Zodiac + Jeep Defender, Discovery or Toyota
Minimum Age
8 years old to swim with dolphins
Tour Details
- Pre-tour briefing
- Mask and snorkel
- Shorty wetsuit
- Life jacket
- Raincoat and pants
- Marine biologist or nature guide aboard
- Refreshment after the boat trip
- Lunch in a local restaurant
- Nature guide
- Visit to Caldeira Velha – an iron-rich warm waterfall
- Drop off at the tourism office or your hotel
Recommendations:
- This tour is not recommended for people with lower back problems neither for pregnant women. Please let us know if you have any of these conditions.
- People wishing to undertake this activity should be confident swimming in open water in the middle of the ocean.
- Comfortable light clothes
- Sweater
- Raincoat
- Walking boots or shoes
- Swimming suit and towel
- Flip flops
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Backpack
- Water
Q: Can I touch the dolphins?
A: No. Our responsible swim with dolphin guidelines forbid touching these inquisitive but wild animals.
Q: Can I hear the dolphins?
A: Yes. It is very common to hear their whistles underwater.
Q: How many dolphins can I see?
A: Sometimes less than a dozen, other times up to 50 or more
Q: Can I swim with the whales?
A: No, swimming with whales is forbidden in the Azores. However, there are several species of dolphins that you are able to swim with.
Q: Can I go for a dip in Caldeira Velha waterfall?
A: Yes. The water is warm year round (38ºC).
Q: What is the depth of the water beneath of the waterfall?
A: Not more than 80cm.
Q: What if we don’t see any dolphin?
A: In case there is absolutely no sight of dolphins, Futurismo will offer a second trip free of charge.
Tour Gallery
Species You Might See
Bottlenose dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Common dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Risso’s dolphin
Grampus griséus
Tour Bookings
“WONDERFUL ADVENTURE”
“We had the most wonderful adventure ever! We took the Jeep Safari tour and saw so many breathtaking views, swam in the hot springs.”
Aleksandra Kłopotowska– Facebook
“FABULOUS!”
“ Over the course of a week we swam with dolphins (common and bottlenose), went whale watching (Risso and more bottlenose dolphin, blue, fin and sperm whales) and did a Jeep safari (in the fog but still fun :)).”
Jo Pybus – Facebook
EXPLORE MORE
RECOMMENDED TOURS
WHALE WATCHING + JEEP TOUR IN SETE CIDADES
WHALE WATCHING + JEEP TOUR IN SETE CIDADES
Whale and dolphin watching in the morning and in the afternoon a jeep tour on the surroundings of the Lagoa das Sete Cidades volcanic complex.
BE A BIOLOGIST FOR A DAY
BE A BIOLOGIST FOR A DAY
Are you interested in marine biology? Would you like to have the opportunity to work with them up close? This is the perfect experience for you.
Marine Wildlife Photographer
MARINE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER
Combine your passion for photography and the love for marine wildlife in the Atlantic. This is a half day experience that you cannot miss.