Terceira Island: Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling

If you’re heading to the Azores and craving an authentic encounter with nature’s marine spectacle, the Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, scenery, and wildlife. While I haven’t personally joined this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what to expect: crystal-clear waters, abundant marine creatures, and knowledgeable guides eager to share their local expertise.

What makes this outing stand out? First, the stunning views of volcanic islets and wildlife-rich waters. Second, the friendly, professional guides who ensure safety and fun. Third, the value for money—at just $51 per person for 1.5 hours, it offers a memorable glimpse into the marine world. The only consideration? The experience is weather-dependent, so choppy seas or wind might influence the trip.

This tour suits travelers who love outdoor adventures and want a relaxed, guided introduction to snorkeling and marine life in the Azores. It’s also ideal for those wanting a quick yet enriching experience without the demands of a full-day excursion.

Good To Know

• Authentic marine experience with guided snorkeling around volcanic islets
• Knowledgeable guides like Tomás enhance the experience with local insights
• Inclusion of equipment and wetsuits offers comfort and accessibility even in chilly waters
• Short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy itinerary
• Weather considerations can impact the trip, so flexibility is key
• Suitable for non-swimmers who are comfortable with basic water activity

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Ilhéu das Cabras Snorkeling Tour

The Location: Marina de Angra do Heroísmo and the Islets

Starting from the marina in Angra do Heroísmo, this tour begins with a quick transfer aboard a speedboat lasting about 30 minutes. This part of the trip is a highlight in itself, as you’ll cross the Atlantic waters and get a glimpse of the volcanic landscape from the sea. Reviewers mention the boat ride as smooth and scenic, setting a relaxed tone for the adventure.

Once you arrive at Ilhéus das Cabras, a protected area declared a Special Protection Zone, the real magic begins. These volcanic islets are teeming with birdlife and marine creatures, making the stop not only visually stunning but also biologically fascinating.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Do and See

Start at the marina with a brief introduction on snorkeling techniques and safety. Guides like Tomás are praised for their clear instructions and patience, ensuring everyone feels comfortable even if it’s their first time in the water. The focus is on enjoying the environment in a relaxed, supervised way—no pressure, just fun.

The boat then takes you across the water for approximately 30 minutes until you reach Ilhéus das Cabras, where you’ll have around 30 minutes for activities like photo stops, guided tours, and snorkeling.

During this time, expect to see a variety of marine life. One reviewer (Davey) shared how lucky he was to spot jellyfish, rays, starfish, and colorful fish such as groupers and parrotfish—thanks to the sharp eyes of guides like Tomás. The underwater scenery is described as “stunning,” with vibrant fish and coral formations, making every moment in the water worth it.

What You’ll Experience in the Water

The equipment—masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits—is included, allowing you to focus on the fun rather than logistics. Several reviews mention how wetsuits are especially helpful in colder waters, providing a comfortable experience even when the water temperature might seem chilly at first glance.

Renee mentioned, “the water is warm but it is still nice to have a wetsuit,” emphasizing how the gear enhances comfort. The supervision from guides ensures safety, especially for those new to snorkeling.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Marine Life and Wildlife Viewing

Expect to encounter a lively underwater scene. Reviewers report seeing jellyfish, stingrays, urchins, starfish, and various fish species. Davey described his experience as “incredible,” highlighting the variety of marine creatures seen during his trip.

Beyond the aquatic life, the islets themselves are a birdwatcher’s paradise, with many bird species nesting on the volcanic rocks, adding a birdwatching component to the trip.

Returning and Reflections

After about 30 minutes of exploring, the boat heads back to Angra do Heroísmo, giving time to reflect on the experience. Many guests describe the trip as “beautiful,” “fun,” and “worth every penny,” especially highlighting the knowledge and friendliness of guides.

Practical Details and Value

At $51 per person, this tour offers a lot of value. It covers all equipment, insurance, and guidance, removing worries about logistics. The short 1.5-hour duration makes it an easy addition to a day of exploring Terceira, and the flexible booking policy—free cancellation up to 24 hours before—adds peace of mind.

Who Should Book This?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers of all ages who enjoy outdoor activities and want to experience the marine environment without committing to a full day. While non-swimmers might find the snorkeling challenging, those comfortable with water activities will love the relaxed, guided exploration. It’s also perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a scenic and educational outing.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling combines scenic boat rides, wildlife spotting, and underwater discovery into a compact, well-organized experience. The high ratings—4.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews—speak to its popularity and quality.

It offers a genuine look at Azores’ marine richness, guided by friendly, knowledgeable experts. The inclusion of gear and wetsuits makes it accessible, and the short duration ensures you can easily fit it into a broader itinerary.

For travelers who appreciate marine wildlife and beautiful scenery with a touch of adventure, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially recommended for those seeking a memorable, small-group outing with plenty of opportunities for photos, learning, and fun in the water.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While the experience is geared toward those comfortable with water activities, non-swimmers might find it challenging. The guides do provide supervision, but basic swimming skills or comfort in water are recommended.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers guidance from a snorkeling instructor, insurance, and all snorkeling equipment such as masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with around 30 minutes of boat ride and 30 minutes exploring and snorkeling at Ilhéus das Cabras.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The wetsuits are provided, but having a towel helps you stay warm after snorkeling, especially if it’s windy.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your plans.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. Poor sea conditions or strong winds could lead to rescheduling or cancellation, so check the forecast and communicate with the provider if possible.

In The Sum Up

This snorkeling tour around Ilhéu das Cabras truly captures the essence of the Azores’ marine charm. It promises friendly guidance, scenic boat rides, and a peek into the vibrant underwater world—all at a price that offers good value. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, the expert guides and stunning setting make this adventure worthwhile.

Perfect for those short on time but eager to experience the Azores’ underwater beauty, this trip is an excellent addition to any island itinerary. If you’re seeking memorable views, lively marine encounters, and a relaxed, guided approach, don’t miss this opportunity to explore the Azores from a different perspective.

You can check if your dates are available here: