FULL DAY
SãO MIGUEL
FULL DAY
WHALE WATCHING + VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO ISLET
Vila Franca do Campo Islet is one of the most beautiful places to swim around São Miguel Island. It is known as the “princess ring” for its own particular circular shape. In that salty water, you can simply enjoy the fauna and flora of this unique place.
Our tour will start around 8h30am in Ponta Delgada harbour. It is there that our physical shop is located and where you can do the check-in. Before going out to the sea, our marine biologists will provide you with a briefing about the cetaceans you will be able to see and some of the rules we follow to respect their natural habitat.
After 3 hours of whale watching, you will be taken to Vila Franca do Campo harbour where you will have lunch to a place where the fresh fish is for sure a must!
You will later on go to the islet on a traditional fishing boat that is now doing the connection with the islet. It is just a 15-minute trip.
Vila Franca do Campo Islet is classified by Birdlife International as an important place for birds. It is a protected area that can only take around 400 people per day and only during the summertime.
It is also here that one of the stages of the Red Bull Cliff Diving happens. The cliffs are used for this specific competition; it is a jump of 27 meters into the water!
We will get back to Ponta Delgada in a boat or by one of Futurismo Azores Adventures vans from Vila Franca do Campo. This is definitely a summer adventure not to be missed.
VILA FRANCA ISLET
Book now your full day experience! Watch cetaceans in the morning and explore the islet after lunch. All included.
Book now your stunning experience
A MAGIC PLACE
The Red Bull Cliff Diving contest takes place in this stunning waterscape.
See some fantastic videos and photos
NATURAL RESERVE
The Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is formed by the crater of an old underwater volcano.
How to get to Azores
Location
Ponta Delgada – Vila Franca do Campo - Ponta Delgada
Duration
7.5 hours
Tour Rates
97,50€ Adults (+12 years old)
59.50€ Children (6-12 years old)
Free for 0-5 years old
Daily Departures
9:00 am
Check In Times
8:30 am
Availability
June 15 to September 15
Level of Difficulty
Easy
Vessel Types
Zodiac, Catamaran or Fiberglass
The type of vessel depends on the number of passengers
Minimum Age
All ages. Catamaran recommended for children and seniors.
Tour Details
- Pre-tour briefing
- Raincoat and pants if necessary
- Life jacket on zodiac boats
- A marine biologist or nature guide aboard
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Boat trip to Vila Franca do Campo Islet (both ways)
- Refreshment after the trip
- Comfortable light clothes
- Your mask and snorkel
- Sweater, raincoat, walking boots or shoes
- Jacket
- Sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and hat
- Backpack and water (bring your own reusable water bottle)
Q: Does Futurismo provide masks and snorkels to swim in the islet’s natural swimming pool?
A: It is better that you bring your own equipment. We do have snorkels and masks but in a limited amount.
Q: Does Futurismo provide rain jackets and trousers for the boat trip?
A: Yes, if necessary you will be given waterproof jackets and trousers.
Q: Is the boat trip between Vila Franca do Campo and the islet included in the tour?
A: Yes, the trip to the islet and the lunch are included.
Q: How long does it take to reach the islet?
A: No longer than 10 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo
Q: I am vegetarian, will the lunch be adapted to me?
A: Yes, we will always try to adapt to your diet (vegetarian, vegan, allergies). If you have any restriction, please tell us when booking the tour, at least 48h beforehand.
Tour Gallery
Species You Might See
Sperm whale
Physeter macrocephalus
Bottlenose dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Common dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Risso’s dolphin
Grampus griséus
Tour Bookings
“GREAT EXPERIENCE”
“Unforgettable experience. This is must do activity if in Azores and we recommend Futurismo for sure. We saw 3 different species and the crew was very experienced, supporting and with a great knowledge to tell more about each mammal. […]”
El K – TripAdvisor
“REALLY GOOD TOUR”
“I originally booked the half-day whale watching only, but since it was incredibly difficult to get to Ilheu da Vila Franca […] changed the booking on the phone. Very nice and helpful staff both when I phoned and on the day of the trip itself. […] This was not my first whale-watching trip (Iceland, Tenerife,…), but by far my best so far! […] Very nice, and a high recommendation!”
Nina D – TripAdvisor
“BEST EXPERIENCE ON THE ENTIRE TRIP!”
“[…] The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable (and all speak great English). […] My favorite part of the trip was the snorkeling– it was absolutely magical! 10/10 would highly recommend.”
Rachel C – TripAdvisor
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