Half Day
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS IN PONTA DELGADA
IMAGINE
SWIM WITH THE WILD DOLPHINS
If you can imagine it, you can do it – pushing off from your Zodiac boat and slipping into the cool Atlantic, you are surrounded by active curious dolphins. They circle about, whistling and sometimes even spinning in mid-air!
You adjust your snorkel and take your first look underwater at the pod – they’re looking back, just as curious about you. They even seem to be welcoming you to their spot in the ocean. It’s just you and them – like friends sharing a secret moment. No other feeling is as special as this.
Join us for swimming with the dolphins just off São Miguel Island.
We Take Off from Ponta Delgada
Our tour begins at the Ponta Delgada Harbor on the south shore of São Miguel Island. We use Zodiac boats, speedy inflatables that ride close to the water’s surface. The group is no more than 8 guests, giving everyone plenty of time with the dolphins.
Before we take off, our team of marine biologists will gather your group for a training session to maximize your enjoyment of the day. You’ll learn how to safely enter the water and use your snorkel and mask. Our staff will also share their expertise on how to interact with the dolphins – to be respectful of them and their habitat.
On a typical tour, you’ll get to dive two or three times with the dolphins, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to swim, observe and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. After several dives, you may even find yourself feeling like an experienced explorer and friend to these highly intelligent creatures of the sea.
Costs for Swimming with Dolphins:
From November to March – 70€ per adult, 35€ per child (8-12 years old).
From April to October – 85€ adults and 42.50€ children (8-12 years old). This activity is available only for children 8 years and older for safety reasons.
LISTEN TO THE DOLPHINS
Imagine being close to the dolphins – you will hear their whistles and clicks.
Amazing video with dolphins in the Atlantic
SWIMMING WITH THE DOLPHINS
Thrill to incredible encounters with these curious and social species.
Join us on this ultimate experience
AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
You’ll swim with as many as five species of dolphins in the blue Atlantic.
Join us on this ultimate experience
Location
Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island
Duration
Approximately 2.5 hours
Tour Rates
70€ Adult (+12 years old)
35€ Children (8-12 years old)
Daily Departures
9:00am & 1:30pm
Check In Times
8:30am & 1:00pm
Availability
Year round
Level of Difficulty
Easy
Vessel Types
Zodiac boats
Minimum Age
8 years old
Tour Details
- Pre-tour briefing
- Snorkel and mask
- Wetsuit (short or long)
- Raincoat and pants if necessary
- Life jacket
- Marine biologist or nature guide aboard
- Refreshment after the trip
Recommendations:
We do not recommend this tour for people who don’t know how to swim and for pregnant women.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Hat
- Flip flops
- Sunblock and water (bring your own reusable bottle)
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: When is the best time to swim with dolphins in Azores?
A: The best time to swim with dolphins in the Azores is during the Summertime. The water is usually warmer during this time of the year and clearer, which means more visibility underwater. Although, you can swim year round if the weather conditions allow you to do so. In the Azores, we can swim with bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins and occasionally Risso’s dolphins.
Tour Gallery
Species You Might See
Bottlenose dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Common dolphin
Delphinus delphis
Risso’s dolphin
Grampus griséus
Tour Bookings
“AWESOME MORNING”
“What a great trip! The guides are really good at getting people into the water when and where they will have the best chance of seeing dolphins. We spent the morning with a school of common dolphins and it was an amazing experience. […] These are wild dolphins that are amazing to watch swim by when you’re in the right place.”
tbjb2018 – TripAdvisor
“AMAZING EXPERIENCE”
“It was one of the most exciting things I’ve done. I never swam in the open ocean before, so at first it was scary, and the first time I entered the water I panicked and went back immediately to the boat. But I decided to try again, and that’s was the best decision I made!!! I saw so many dolphins, it was amazing. […]”
karpada – TripAdvisor
“EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR OCEAN ACTIVITIES”
“Did half day whale watching and half day swimming with dolphins. Very well organized, good equipment and boats, nice and professional staff. Safety conscious. Marine biologists are part of each activity – knowledgeable, enthusiastic and different languages spoken. Highly recommended.”
mariannerameau – TripAdvisor
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