São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean

Swimming with dolphins in the wild is often listed as a bucket-list adventure, and on São Miguel Island in the Azores, this dream becomes a genuine possibility. This tour offers a chance to see and interact with these intelligent, playful animals in their natural environment, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery Portugal has to offer.

What makes this experience stand out? We love the combination of expert guidance, the dolphins’ natural habitat, and the small group setting, which ensures a more intimate encounter. Plus, the chance to see other marine life like marlins or flying fish adds an extra layer of excitement.

A possible consideration is the bumpy boat ride; it’s fast and open, so if you’re prone to seasickness, prepare accordingly. Also, participants need to be comfortable swimming in open water and declare any pre-existing medical conditions.

This tour suits travelers seeking a genuine wildlife experience, those comfortable in open water, and anyone eager to see dolphins in their natural home while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Good To Know

• Authentic wildlife encounter: Swim with dolphins in their natural environment, a truly immersive experience.
• Expert-led guides: Knowledgeable guides, including marine biologists, ensure safety and enrich your understanding.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants for a more personalized, less crowded experience.
• Breathtaking scenery: The tour offers incredible views of São Miguel’s rugged coastlines.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with options to reserve and pay later.
• Value for money: Considering the duration, guided expertise, and chance to see marine life, it’s a solid investment for wildlife lovers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point: Marina Pêro de Teive

Your adventure begins at the Marina Pêro de Teive, a convenient and picturesque spot to meet your guides and the boat that will take you into the open Atlantic. The location is well-suited for quick access to deep waters where dolphins roam freely.

Safety Briefing & Preparation

Once aboard, you’ll receive a brief safety overview (typically about 10 minutes). The guides, speaking Portuguese, English, and Spanish, focus on ensuring everyone understands the protocols. You’ll be provided with a wetsuit, snorkel, and windbreaker, which are key for comfort and safety in the open ocean. Reviewers mention the importance of feeling confident in the water, as you’ll need to swim to and from the boat—no life vests are allowed during the swimming portion, so good swimming ability is essential.

Dolphin Watching & Guided Tour

Next, the boat departs for around two hours of dolphin spotting and watching. Guides are praised for their skill; they’re quick to find pods, sometimes even showing guests dolphins swimming directly beneath the boat. As one reviewer highlighted, “The guides in both trips were fantastic, really good at explaining the process and making sure we got the most out of our trip.”

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Swimming with Dolphins

Once dolphins are spotted, the boat stops, and the real magic begins. You will be dropped into the water, sometimes multiple times, typically for 3-5 minute swims. Reviewers describe this as “an incredible, fast-paced experience,” with some swimmers lucky enough to be surrounded by pods and even see dolphins perform jumps or play around them. Several reviews mention that dolphins sometimes linger and hang around, making for unforgettable moments—“the dolphins swam right beneath us,” one says.

Additional Marine Encounters

While not guaranteed, some trips have seen other marine creatures like marlins, flying fish, and even a hammerhead shark. One reviewer shouted, “A hammerhead swam up to our boat!” Such sightings add an unexpected thrill, reinforcing the tour’s reputation for surprise encounters.

Return & Reflection

After roughly two and a half hours, you’ll head back to Marina Pêro de Teive, with plenty of time to reflect on your experience. Many guests say they’ll never forget the feeling of being so close to wild dolphins in their natural habitat.

What It’s Like to Swim with Dolphins in the Azores

This isn’t a controlled dolphinarium visit; you’re in the open ocean, surrounded by the vast Atlantic, which adds an authentic, almost primal element to the experience. The waves can be bumpy, especially on fast boats, and the water can be chilly without the wetsuit, so expect that. Reviewers who enjoyed it emphasize the importance of being comfortable swimming in open water—if you’re uneasy in the sea, this might be more challenging.

The guides are praised not just for their skill in locating dolphins but also for their respect for the animals’ wellbeing. As one reviewer noted, “They were very respectful of nature,” which is reassuring for those concerned about eco-tourism ethics.

The Guides & Their Role

The presence of a marine biologist during the trip enhances the experience. Although some reviewers felt the explanations could be more detailed, most appreciated the knowledgeable guidance and safety instructions. Guides such as Katherina and Fatima seem particularly appreciated for their warmth and expertise.

Group Size & Personal Experience

With a maximum of 8 guests, the small group setup makes for a relaxed atmosphere. Many reviewers mention that this intimacy helped them feel more comfortable and allowed for better viewing and interaction with the dolphins.

Cost & Value

At roughly 150 euros per person, the cost might seem high for some, especially considering the short swim duration. However, considering the guided experience, chance to see multiple species, and the memory of swimming in the wild, many feel it’s worth it. Several reviews mention rebooking or doing the trip multiple times because of how special the encounters are.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Bring a windbreaker, sun hat, and sunscreen to stay comfortable and protected.
• Wear swimwear and a change of clothes for after the swim.
• A towel, water shoes, and a waterproof bag** are handy for comfort and convenience.
• Declare any pre-existing medical conditions before the trip. Confidence in swimming is necessary, as you’ll be floating and swimming in open water.
• The tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, so check if your family is comfortable with the open water environment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or someone who’s always dreamed of swimming with dolphins, this is a prime choice. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it ideal for travelers who want a personal, respectful, and memorable experience. Expect a fair bit of activity, movement, and excitement—so if you don’t love boats or open water, it’s worth considering your comfort level first.

For those wanting a relaxing boat trip with marine wildlife glimpses, this tour delivers more than just scenery—it offers genuine moments with some of the ocean’s most intelligent creatures.

The Sum Up

This dolphin-swimming experience on São Miguel offers a rare opportunity to see and interact with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. The combination of expert guides, the possibility of spotting other marine life, and the stunning scenery makes it a worthwhile addition to any Azores itinerary.

It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable in open water, eager for authentic wildlife encounters, and appreciative of well-organized small-group tours. While the boat ride can be bumpy and the swim brief, it’s an adventure that many find totally worth the effort and expense.

If you’re after a memorable, respectful, and jaw-dropping marine experience, this trip should be high on your list.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this experience is not suitable for children under 12 years old as swimming in open water requires a basic level of fitness and comfort in the sea.

How long is the entire tour?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including safety briefings, dolphin watching, and swimming opportunities.

What should I bring?
You should bring a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, a hair tie, and a waterproof bag for valuables.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexible booking options.

Are there marine biologists on the trip?
A marine biologist typically accompanies the tour, offering some explanations, though reviews suggest the level of detail may vary.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.

Is this activity eco-friendly?
Guides are praised for respecting the dolphins and their environment, making it a responsible way to enjoy wildlife.

This tour combines adventure, awe, and a genuine connection with the ocean’s most charming residents—a perfect choice for anyone wanting a memorable wildlife experience in the Azores.

You can check if your dates are available here: