Whale watching & the Princess Ring Islet [Jun-Oct]

📍 São Miguel Island, Azores

4.8 ( 2,901 reviews)

See them in the wild

Whale watching & the Princess Ring Islet [Jun-Oct]

From

DurationFull-day

FitnessEasy

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

⏰<2h response

Overview

This combo-tour day trip combines whale watching with the Princess Ring Islet visit. Enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching boat tour, have lunch with local food at a village restaurant, and explore the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo!

wildlife highlights

Why you'll love it

🔹 A conservation success

Commercial whaling in the 20th century killed around 2.9 million whales, with some populations, such as humpback whales, lost 90% of their global population. In 1986, commercial whaling was banned, and species were able to recover (although three countries continue to hunt whales - Japan, Norway and Iceland).

🔹 Support local communities

Whale watching is a major source of income for some communities, especially those around no-take Marine Protected Areas, where fishing and other commercial activities are banned. There are strict guidelines for responsible whale watching, which largely involve speed limits, never chasing the pod, never separating mother and calf, and not getting too close.

🔹 See them in their natural habitat

Seeing them in the vast ocean is an experience one’ll never forget. We believe responsible whale watching is a great way to educate the public about these majestic giants and to support their conservation.

What you will be doing

Briefing

The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing you to Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety

Wildlife watching

Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to board their designated boat, and go out to sea. Your Guide will keep you informed on what wildlife you are observing, and is always available to answer your questions - please feel free to ask anything at any time

Lunch

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

Afternoon snorkel

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 snorkelling

Return

Boats depart 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 snorkelling gear

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelEasy

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

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
Minimum age is 4
NOT FOR anyone with weak back or in delicate health condition.

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Snorkelling equipment
Lunch
Refreshments
Entrance ticket
Marine biologist
Tour guide

❌ Not included

Water
Pick up and drop off transport

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: São Miguel - Azores Islands, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal

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

ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.

You can select your preferred payment currency and enter any promo or gift card code at checkout. Our typical response time to confirm the booking is within 2 hours. You will not be charged until the booking is confirmed.