Whale Watching Vila Franca Do Campo

See upclose a beautiful volcanic marvel - the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo off-coast protected natural reserve. Learn more about its geoforming, and living fauna and flora!

What you can expect:
You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
The tour starts with a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet.
You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies!
It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask!

At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out.
Know before you go: Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chapstick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, especially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment. NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair or delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4. Bathing is not permitted at this time of the year. Includes: Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide Experienced Skipper Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax) Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest Admission to Nature Reserve Insurance
Doe not include: Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Personal Water supply

Get inspired with in-depth information and interesting facts about Whales and Dolphins. Learn about marine wildlife conservation, and see first-hand how real scientific research works!
What to Expect:
Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time. The presentation will take place at our briefing room, equipped with visual, audio and prop support to a qualified Biologist presenting accurate scientific-grade information.
This journey starts with an overview of what Whales and Dolphins are, their incredible evolution to the aquatic animals we see today and their essential role in our planet’s ecosystems. Learn amazing facts about species, their behavior and migrational patterns.
After a short break for Tea, now dive into the interaction and relationship with humans - the challenges faced through times, and our important role in preserving and protecting marine wildlife and their habitat. Get tips on how to easily help at home in your daily routine!
Learn how today’s scientific research methods help in identifying individuals and understanding these amazing animals, see first-hand how field Data and Media are collected, reviewed and submitted to local university’s wildlife research projects and made available to the public and scientific community worldwide.
End outside for debriefing, fresh air and questions - feel free to ask anything.


Know before you go:
Eat light, and bring your personal water supply. Light food is permitted.
NOT FOR anyone in delicate health conditions or under the age of 4.


Includes:

Knowledgeable Marine Wildlife Guide
Animal Science Educational Presentation
Short break with Tea from the oldest active plantation in Europe
Insurance
Does not include:

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Personal Water supply

The tour starts with a short briefing. Then follow your guide to a visit to the nearby local museum, a stroll by the pittoresque historic centre and learn about the public squares and landmarks that shaped the first capital. Visit the must-see iconic São Miguel Arcanjo church, and witness the surrounding architecture from 16th century’s first settlers.
Board our Van for a 5-minute drive up to 1764 “Our Lady Peace” chapel, overlooking Vila Franca do Campo and the Islet, to uncover one of the most magical Atlantic island views. On your way, stop for a short guided tour to the local traditional glasshouse pineapples plantation, see first-hand how this genuine and peculiar fruit is traditionally grown, a secret of this famously sweet fruit!
Then it is time to be back to the Marina for checkout, but not before a taste of the most looked-after local delicacy, the renowned “Queijada of Vila Franca” for a relaxing tour ending on a high note.
Know before you go:

Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers. Please protect any electronics and personal equipment.
NOT FOR anyone in wheelchair or in delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.
Includes:

Knowledgeable Guide
Museum Admission and Guided tour
Guided Walking Town Tour
Guided Van Tour
Local Pineapple Plantation admisison
Local pastry delicacy
Insurance

Does not include:

Hotel Pickup and Drop-off (available separately)
Personal Water supply

Join a marine wildlife expedition to explore hidden places and observe coastal colonies, to look for the season’s shorebirds and seabirds, and wild behaviour out to sea with incredible ocean views!

What you can expect:

You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at the specified time.
The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing to species that can be observed locally, migratory and behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.
Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat and go out to sea. First the boat will travel along the coast to observe the known coastal colonies, shorebirds, and life at the volcano islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and then head out to sea looking to find seabirds and wild animal behaviour. Our lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel initially at high speed. While carefully approaching undetected viewing distance to our friends, your Guide will keep you informed.
Many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as on-route refuge - marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in Spring with the arrival of migratory species, and in Autumn with rare american vagrants.
It is the largest known colonies of Cory’s Shearwater and Roseate Terns. Commonly sighted species are Barolo Shearwater, Common Terns, and Yellow legged Gulls, occasionally Bulwer’s Petrel, Grant’s and Monteiro’s Storm-petrel, unexpected surprises are Bridled and Sooty Terns. Migratory not breeding Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel can be regularly observed, as well as Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, and vagrant Arctic, Pomarine and Great Skuas, possibly Little Egret and Turnstones, Whimbrel, and surprise rarities.
At 11:00 it is time to be at the Marina for check-out.
Know before you go: Eat light, and bring your personal water supply , sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended - protect any personal equipment. NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back , in wheelchair, in delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.

Includes: Opticron 8x42 Binoculars Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide Experienced Skipper Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax) Impermeable Top and Life Vest Insurance
Does not include: Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Personal Water supply

Join an exciting Marine Wildlife tour with Biologists and Naturalist Guides, to see and learn more about Whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Fish, Birds, and the season's marine biodiversity of the Azores Islands!


This 2-3 hour boat tour unlocks the island's scenic coastline and the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, along with all the best kept secrets of sea life in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean!

What you can expect:

You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at 08:30.

The​ ​journey​ ​start​s at the specified time with​ ​an informative briefing​ ​introducing to​ ​Cetaceans and​ ​local​ ​species. You will then board​ a Zodiac​ ​boat, and our​ ​lookout​ ​high​ ​inland​ ​will​ ​provide​ ​directions​ ​via​ ​VHF​ ​Radio​ ​to​ ​where​ ​the​ ​boat​ ​will​ ​travel - initially at high speed.

While​ ​approaching​ ​our​ ​friends - slower and very carefully, a knowledgeable guide will keep you informed on​ ​what is being observed,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​always​ ​available for questions throughout​ ​the​ ​expedition.

Upon​ ​return​,​ ​the​ ​boat​ ​will​ ​​tour​ ​around​ ​the​ ​Princess​ ​Ring​ ​Islet​ ​of​ ​Vila​ ​Franca do​ ​Campo,​ ​for​ ​a​ ​close​ ​look​ ​at​ ​the​ ​volcanic​ ​marvel​ ​and​ ​resident​ ​Wildlife.

Know before you go:

Remember to eat light, and bring your personal water supply , sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers.

NOT FOR anyone pregnant , with weak back, in wheelchair or delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.


Includes:



Knowledgeable Marine Wildlife Guide
Experienced Skipper
Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax)
Impermeable Top and Life Vest
Sightings Guarantee - if your tour does not see a Cetacean (a Dolphin or a Whale), we welcome you back for another tour free of charge within 30 days
Insurance


Does not include:



Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Personal Water supply

Enjoy the crater lake, village,local food, geysers, see beautiful botanic garden, exotic and rare plants, end with hotsprings thermal bath surrounded by Nature!

What can you can expect:
At 11:30 the tour starts with a short van tour up the Furnas volcano crater down to the mystic Furnas valley and lake, stopping for sightseeing and photos.
At 12:30 it is lunch in a village restaurant, where you can opt for the most genuine island meal, an authentic geyser-cooked “cozido”.

At 14:00 it is time to visit nearby volcanic activity, and taste the mineral waters. You will have approximately one hour free to explore the beautiful village’s streets, featuring crossing rivers, watermills, chappels and fountains.

At 15:30 meet the guide at Terra Nostra Gardens gate, to step into a walking botanical journey, showcasing a varied collection of plants and flowers of cultural and historic value from all around the World, end with a relaxing mineral-infused and beautiful thermal pool surrounded by wonderful nature.

No matter what season or level of expertise there’s always something interesting for everyone to enjoy. The gardens is exuberant all year with impressive century-old trees, huge collections of colourful, rare and strange plants, specialty gardens, beautiful avenues with sculptures and fountains, and dazzling year-round blooms of fragrant flower tones for the eye, nose, and camera!

Your tour is tailored according to season’s highlights and special events occurring. Autumn is very special with Acers and other trees producing many different colours, Rhododendrons and Camellias bloom intermittently from October. In Winter time the notorious Ginkgo biloba avenue hues golden, one of the most stunning events occurring on the park throughout the year. In Springtime Magnolias, Clivias, and many other flowers bloom, and the gardens become alive with many species of birds, and small animals.

At 17:30 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.

Know before you go:
Eat light, bring your personal water supply, towel, swim suit, full change of clothing, sunscreen and chapstick. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential - protect any personal equipment! Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
NOT FOR anyone in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.
HOT SPRINGS WATER is abnormally hot and untreated, and bathing is unsuitable to anyone pregnant , or with recent surgery or trauma or unhealed wounds, or any chronic condition. Volcanic water will damage swimwear color - use one you can spare!
Includes: Guided Van Tour (air-conditioned) Lunch with local food, inclusive of entrée, main, complimentary drinks and dessert Guided Botanic Garden Tour Admission to Terra Nostra Gardens & Hot Springs Insurance
Does not include: Hotel Pickup and Drop-off (available separately) Personal Water supply Personal Swimwear

From October to April it’s Dolphin Swimming Season in Azores Islands - a fantastic and unique Wildlife experience in the warm waters of the Atlantic!
Watch Wild Dolphins underwater in the freedom of their natural habitat, one of the best connections to nature in a (limited) responsible alternative to swimming with animals in captivity.
What you can expect:
Meet Us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo at the specified time for check-in and equipping.
The journey starts with a short briefing introducing local species that can be observed, rules and responsible practice on tour, onboard safety, and equipment use.
Follow your Guide and Skipper to your designated boat, and go out to sea. Lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat travels, initially at high speed.
While approaching our friends very carefully, your Guide will evaluate if all favorable conditions are met to allow the activity’s proceedings.
Always be ready and prepared to go into the water - 2 swimmers alternate in the water at safe distance during limited periods of time, and you do not want to miss out on each opportunity in which Dolphins can choose to come closer driven by their friendliness and curiosity.
Exclusively between late Autumn and Early Spring with water temperatures averaging between 16ºc and 18ºc, and depending on each specific species’ birthing season and behaviour, it is possible to swim with any of 4 different species of Dolphins - Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and Risso’s Dolphins.
On a second part of the tour, the boat will travel to a coastal location for snorkeling, to discover the characteristic marine fauna & flora in the island’s sea bed.
Know before you go:
Eat light and bring a full change of warm clothing, towel and swimsuit, your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick. Light food is permitted onboard, a Camera is essential especially for photography lovers, waterproof is better - please protect any personal equipment.
NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.
Non-swimmers can join the tour onboard with a 50% discount. This information needs to be provided at booking time for required adjustments.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND that these are wild animals in the wild, free in their natural habitat - the open clear waters of the North-Atlantic. It is not possible to control wild animal behaviour, and proximity or interaction cannot be guaranteed.
Includes:
Neoprene Wetsuit 3 to 5 mm, Neoprene Hoods, Gloves and Socks Snorkeling Mask and Tube.
Warm Poncho and/or Windguard Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide Experienced Skipper Specialized Zodiac RIB Boat (8 pax) Coastal Snorkeling tour Insurance
Does not include:
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off (available separately)
Personal Water supply Personal Swimwear

Enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching tour, a local food lunch by the sea, Set foot and see upclose a volcanic marvel and off-coast protected nature reserve. Learn more about its geology, and living fauna and flora!
What you can Expect:

Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.
At 11:30 it is time to return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.
At 13:15 meet us back at the Marina, for a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet.

You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies!
It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask!

At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out.
Know before you go: Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and Chapstick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, especially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment.
Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair or delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.
Bathing is not permitted at this time of the year.
Includes: Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide Experienced Skipper Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax) Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest Admission to Nature Reserve Insurance
Doe not include: Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Personal Water supply






Eat light, your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment!


Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.


NOT for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.

Enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching tour, a local food lunch by the sea, learn about Whales and Dolphins, and how ancient azorean whaling traditions transitioned to nowadays wildlife observation & research, and even to a unique sport!

What you can expect:
Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.

The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.

At 11:30 it is time to return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.

At 13:30 meet us back at the Marina, for a short presentation introducing to Azorean Whaling tradition, starting at the authentic 1945 azorean whaleboat “Senhora de Fátima”, the only fully operational and sea-worthy reminder of the era in São Miguel.

At 14:00 take a van tour to the whaler lookout “Vigia da Furada”, and learn the ancient 1830 whale spotting techniques which helped evolve Azorean Whale Watching to one of the world’s best. Experience how searching for whales has always been yourself using specialised long-range binoculars in the lookout role!

At 16:00 you will visit Ponta Garça’s 1957 Lighthouse, for a lighthouse keeper guided tour with interesting facts about the building, its importance for maritime activities and sea men, and to appreciate the beautiful island and ocean views.

At 17:15 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.


Know before you go:
Eat light, your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment!
Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
NOT for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.Eat light, your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment!

Enjoy a Marine Wildlife boat tour, local food lunch at a village restaurant, and Vila Franca do Campo - Azores' first capital cultural attractions, traditions and landmarks!
What you can expect:
Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at 08:30.
The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.
At 11:30 it is time to return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.
At 13:00 meet us back for a visit to the nearby local museum, a stroll by the pittoresque historic centre, see and learn about the public squares and landmarks that shaped Vila Franca do Campo the first capital of the Azores, the must-see iconic São Miguel Arcanjo church, and surrounding 16th century architecture from the first settlers.
At 15:15 Board our Van for a 5-minute drive up to 1764 “Our Lady Peace” chapel, overlooking Vila Franca do Campo and the Islet, to uncover one of the most magical Atlantic island views. On your way, stop for a short guided tour to the local traditional glasshouse pineapples plantation, see first-hand how this genuine and peculiar fruit is traditionally grown, a secret of this famously sweet fruit!

At 17:00 It is time to be back to the Marina for checkout, but not before a taste of the most looked-after local delicacy, the renowned “Queijada of Vila Franca” for a relaxing tour ending on a high note.


Know before you go:


Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
Eat light, and bring your personal water supply , sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers. Please protect any electronics and personal equipment.
This tour is inappropriate and inadvisable for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, or in delicate health condition.
Includes:
Knowledgeable Marine Wildlife Guide Whale Watching Tour Lunch with local food, inclusive of entree, main, complimentary drinks and dessert Cultural Walking Tour Van Tour to the Our Lady Peace Chapel and local Pineapple Plantation Local pastry delicacy - Queijada of Vila Franca Insurance
Does not include:
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Personal Water supply

See Whales and Dolphins, and Lagoa do Fogo - enjoy local food and magnificent island views, learn about volcanoes, and bathe at Caldeira Velha hot springs or Salto do Cabrito cold waterfall - a Full Day!

What you can expect:
You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioral patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.
At 11:30 it is time to return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base.
At 13:15 you will meet us back at the Marina, for a van tour up the Volcano crater and protected Natural Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo, stopping at Pico da Barrosa, Lagoa do Fogo, and Bela Vista viewpoints - for photos, and some of São Miguel’s best island views over the beautiful turquoise lake of fire’s 15 thousand year-old crater, its endemic flora, dramatic surroundings, and the Atlantic.
At 15:00 you will then head down the mountain northbound, passing by Caldeira Velha’s environmental centre for educational information on the volcanic origin of the islands, biodiversity, geodiversity, and geothermal resources.
Optionally you have the opportunity for a thermal bath in Caldeira Velha’s hot springs, or alternatively further ahead on the refreshing cold waterfall of Salto do Cabrito, surrounded by untouched beautiful lush green flora. With any time left, further down the mountain you can visit Ribeira Grande’s historical centre and 16th century fountain of Largo de São Pedro, ending at northern Santa Barbara Beach.
At 17:15 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.
Know before you go:
Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, towel, swim suit, a full change of warm clothing, sunscreen and chapstick for the Sun. Light food is permitted onboard, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment! Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
NOT for anyone pregnant , with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4. HOT SPRINGS WATER is abnormally hot and untreated, and bathing is unsuitable to anyone pregnant , or with recent surgery or trauma or unhealed wounds, or any chronic condition. Volcanic water will damage swimwear color - use one you can spare!
Includes:
Guided Marine Wildlife Tour
Guided Van Tour (air-conditioned) Lunch with local food, inclusive of entree, main, complimentary drinks and dessert Admission to Caldeira Velha's environmental interpretation centre and Hot Springs bathing
Insurance
Does not include:
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
Personal Water supply Personal Swimwear

Enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching boat tour, local food lunch at a village restaurant, and explore the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo!

What you can expect:
You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at 08:30.
The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing you to Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.

Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to board their designated boat, and go out to sea. Our lookout high inland will then locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel - initially at high speed, so hold on and enjoy the ride!

While approaching our friends slowly, and very carefully, your Guide will keep you informed on what you are observing, and is always available throughout the expedition to provide answers to any specific questions - please feel free to ask anything at any time.

At 12:00 it is time to return to the Marina for lunch local food at a local seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo.

At 13:30 you will meet us back at the Marina, when you will be provided with your snorkeling gear, and a ticket to travel 10 minutes on a converted traditional fishing boat to the islet, now self-guided and free to explore the natural reserve Princess Ring, just outside the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo. A volcanic crater & natural pool with views to the open Atlantic, perfect for bathing, swimming and snorkeling.

From then, boats departure the Islet back to the Marina on every hour until 17:30 - be sure not to miss it! We’ll be waiting for you at our Base for check-out and returning your snorkeling gear.

Know before you go:

Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, swimsuit, towel , and warm clothing, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - please protect any electronics and personal equipment.
Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
This tour is inappropriate and inadvisable for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, or in delicate health condition.

Includes:
Whale Watching Tour
Lunch with local food, inclusive of entrée, main, complimentary drinks and dessert
Ticket to the Princess Ring natural reserve
Snorkeling Mask and Tube Insurance
Does not include:
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Personal Water supply

See Whales and Dolphins, enjoy local food, see Furnas crater & lake, explore the village and exotic botanic gardens, end with a relaxing Hot Springs thermal bath - a Full Day!

What you can expect:
Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
The day starts with a short briefing about Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioral patterns, and onboard safety. Follow the Guide and Skipper to your designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.
At 11:30 the boat returns to the Marina, for a short van tour up the Furnas volcano crater (dormant since 1630) down to the mystic Furnas valley and lake, stopping for sightseeing and photos.
At 12:30 it is lunch in a village restaurant, where you can opt for the most genuine island meal, an authentic geyser-cooked “cozido”.
At 14:00 it is time to visit nearby volcanic activity, and taste the mineral waters. You will have approximately one hour free to explore the beautiful village’s streets, featuring crossing rivers, watermills, chappels and fountains.
At 15:30 meet the guide at Terra Nostra Gardens gate, to step into a walking botanical journey, showcasing a varied collection of plants and flowers of cultural and historic value from all around the World, end with a relaxing and beautiful thermal pool surrounded by wonderful nature.
No matter what season or level of expertise there’s always something interesting for everyone to enjoy. The gardens is exuberant all year with impressive century-old trees, huge collections of colourful, rare and strange plants, specialty gardens, beautiful avenues with sculptures and fountains, and dazzling year-round blooms of fragrant flower tones for the eye, nose, and camera!
Your tour is tailored according to season’s highlights and special events occurring. Autumn is very special with Acers and other trees producing many different colours, Rhododendrons and Camellias bloom intermittently from October. In Winter time the notorious Ginkgo biloba avenue hues golden, one of the most stunning events occurring on the park throughout the year. In Springtime Magnolias, Clivias, and many other flowers bloom, and the gardens become alive with many species of birds, and small animals.
At 17:30 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.
Know before you go: Eat light, bring your personal water supply , towel, swim suit, full change of clothing, sunscreen and chapstick. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential - protect any personal equipment! Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments. NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back , in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions of under the age of 4. HOT SPRINGS WATER is abnormally hot and untreated, and bathing is unsuitable to anyone pregnant , or with recent surgery or trauma or unhealed wounds, or any chronic condition. Volcanic water will damage swimwear color - use one you can spare!
Includes:
Guided Marine Wildlife Tour
Guided Van Tour (air-conditioned) Lunch with local food, inclusive of entree, main, complimentary drinks and dessert Guided Botanic Garden Tour Admission to Terra Nostra Garden & Hotsprings Insurance
Does not include:
Hotel Pickup and Drop-off Personal Water supply Personal Swimwear