Whale watching & Lagoa do Fogo Volcano [Oct-Jun]

📍 São Miguel Island, Azores

4.8 ( 2,901 reviews)

See them in the wild

Whale watching & Lagoa do Fogo Volcano [Oct-Jun]

From

DurationFull-day

FitnessModerate

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

⏰<2h response

Overview

This day trip is a combo tour of whales and dolphins watching and visiting the Lagoa do Fogo Volcano. Enjoy local food and magnificent island views, learn about volcanoes, and bathe at Caldeira Velha hot springs or Salto do Cabrito cold waterfall!

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

Wildlife tour

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

11:30 Lunch

Return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our base

13:15 Meet back at the Marina & afternoon tour

We'll go on 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

15:00 Caldeira Velha's environmental centre & thermal bath

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

17:15 Return

Time to head back to the Marina for check-out

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelModerate

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

Lunch
Refreshments
Air-conditioned vehicle
Entrance ticket
Marine biologist

❌ 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 the specified time.

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.