The azure waters around Sao Miguel Island pack a punch for snorkeling enthusiasts. The calm, protected inlet at Vila Franca do Campo stands out as the island’s premier spot, offering excellent visibility and abundant marine life. I’m especially fond of the glass-bottom boat tours – they’re perfect for families and first-timers who want to stay dry while spotting colorful fish below.
The guided hike-and-snorkel combo tours really showcase the island’s versatility, letting you experience both land and sea in one outing. For those willing to venture further, the waters around Ilh??u das Cabras reveal an underwater paradise of sea cucumbers and subtropical fish. Let’s explore the best snorkeling tours this Azorean gem has to offer.
Good To Know
- The glass-bottom boat tour with snorkeling in Sao Miguel offers an immersive experience to observe marine life and volcanic activity.
- Snorkeling around Vila Franca do Campo provides the opportunity to explore a diverse marine reserve with good water conditions.
- The hike and snorkeling adventure in Sao Miguel combines a scenic forest walk with snorkeling in a sea pool teeming with vibrant fish.
- Snorkeling boat tours to Ilhéu das Cabras (Ilha Terceira) offer the chance to observe the area’s rich marine biodiversity in a small group setting.
- Sao Miguel’s snorkeling experiences cater to various interests, from guided tours to self-exploration, and accommodate different skill levels and accessibility needs.
São Miguel: Passeio De Barco Com Fundo De Vidro E Snorkeling
This glass-bottom boat tour takes visitors on a captivating journey to explore the vibrant marine life around São Miguel Island. The 2-hour excursion allows guests to discover the underwater wonders through the boat’s transparent bottom. A live tour guide provides commentary in both Portuguese and English, sharing insights about the seabirds, crustaceans, and volcanic activity visible beneath the surface.
Snorkeling is an integral part of the experience, enabling participants to get up close and personal with colorful fish, sea cucumbers, and starfish. The tour includes all necessary snorkeling equipment, ensuring a comfortable and safe adventure. Wheelchair accessibility ensures this activity is inclusive for travelers of all abilities.
Priced at $52.98 per person, the glass-bottom boat tour with snorkeling is a must-do activity for anyone visiting São Miguel. Visitors can easily book online and pay later, making it a convenient and hassle-free way to experience the island’s stunning marine ecosystem.
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Sao Miguel: Snorkeling Around Vila Franca Do Campo
For those seeking a captivating snorkeling adventure on Sao Miguel Island, the experience around the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a must-try. This 1-hour excursion includes a boat trip to the snorkeling site, where a diving guide will provide a brief explanation of apnea concepts, equipment, and swimming techniques before participants embark on a supervised snorkeling session in the marine reserve.
Highlights of this activity include the diverse marine life, fantastic water temperature and visibility, and an enjoyable boat trip. Snorkeling equipment, liability insurance, and entry fees are all included. However, the activity isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1, or people over 70. Participants are advised to arrive 15 minutes before the start of the activity and reserve now while paying later.
With its breathtaking underwater scenery and expert guidance, this snorkeling experience is a great way to explore the natural wonders of Sao Miguel Island.
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Azores: São Miguel Hike and Snorkeling
Exploring the natural wonders of São Miguel Island, this hike and snorkeling adventure offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s captivating landscapes and marine life. Lasting 3.5 hours, the small-group tour, limited to 5 participants, is led by a knowledgeable guide fluent in Italian, Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The experience begins with a convenient pickup and drop-off service, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.
Set out on a hike through one of the island’s most beautiful forests, learning about the region’s unique flora, fauna, and geology. Admire a stunning waterfall during the trek, suitable for almost all ages, families, and friends. The tour includes all necessary equipment, including snorkeling gear, allowing participants to explore the sea pool and observe large schools of vibrant fish. Highly recommended by previous travelers, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of outdoor adventure and marine discovery in the Azores.
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From Ilha Terceira: Ilhéu Das Cabras Snorkeling Boat Tour
Ilhéu das Cabras Snorkeling Boat Tour takes visitors on a 1.5-hour adventure to explore the vibrant marine life surrounding this small islet off the coast of Ilha Terceira. The tour accommodates small groups of up to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. An instructor guides the group, providing insurance and all necessary snorkeling equipment, including masks, fins, and breathing tubes. Wetsuits are available if needed.
Participants can look forward to discovering a variety of subaquatic species and enjoying a memorable snorkeling experience. The tour departs from the Marina de Angra, and it’s suitable for ages 8 and above, though pregnant women and non-swimmers aren’t recommended to join. The tour is subject to weather conditions, and reservations can be made with a pay-later option. Priced at $47.68 per person, this snorkeling tour offers an affordable and immersive way to uncover the underwater wonders of the Azores.
Read our full review: From Ilha Terceira: Ilhéu Das Cabras Snorkeling Boat Tour Review
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The Sum Up
The Azores’ São Miguel Island offers a variety of exceptional snorkeling experiences. From glass-bottom boat tours to snorkeling around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, visitors can explore the island’s diverse marine life. Hikes and boat trips to Ilhéu das Cabras provide even more opportunities to take in the Azores’ stunning underwater world. With so many options, travelers are sure to find the best snorkeling adventure to suit their interests.