Terceira Island:Ilheus das Cabras -Boat Trip

This detailed review covers the Ilhéus das Cabras boat trip around Terceira Island, organized by Scubazores Divers. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, ample reviews and the itinerary paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect. We love the chance to see Azores’ marine wildlife, the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking volcanic coastlines, and the knowledge shared by local instructors.

A potential downside? The tour lasts just 1.5 hours, which might feel a bit brief for those wanting a full day of adventure. Still, its compact duration makes it ideal for travelers with limited time or those seeking a quick, yet enriching, experience. This trip appeals most to those who love nature, marine life, and scenic coastlines, especially if you’re eager to explore from the water with guided insights.

Good To Know

• Short but impactful: 1.5-hour tour offers a quick but comprehensive experience.
• Marine wildlife: Abundant fish, sea urchins, and starfish, highlighted by reviews.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable local instructors enhance the experience.
• Breathtaking scenery: Volcanic landscapes and caves at Cabras Islets.
• Family-friendly: Small groups (up to 10) mean personalized attention.
• Weather-ready: Bring a windbreaker and comfortable shoes for all conditions.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Overview of the Experience

The Ilhéus das Cabras boat trip offers a delightful mix of scenery, wildlife, and history, all wrapped in a compact 1.5-hour adventure. Starting from Angra do Heroísmo marina, the tour is designed to give you a fresh perspective on Terceira’s rugged coast and volcanic islands.

The experience begins with a speedboat ride that takes you along the dramatic coastline, giving you a sense of speed and excitement—even for those who might be slightly apprehensive about boat trips. The speedboat is reputed to be the fastest in Terceira, speeding through the water in about 15 minutes to reach the highlights. This part is appreciated by travelers for its thrill and efficiency, especially since it gets you to the key sights quickly.

Once at the Ilhéus das Cabras, a guided tour begins. You’ll explore the largest islets of the Azores, renowned for their impressive volcanic landscape, caves, and rich marine life. Many reviews, like that of Emília Martins Ramada de Oliveira, praise the guide’s articulate explanations and the spectacular scenery, making the visit both educational and visually stunning.

The visit also incorporates wildlife viewing opportunities, with plenty of chances to spot fish, sea urchins, starfish, and other marine creatures, thanks to the clarity of the waters. Bianca’s review highlights the variety of marine life seen during her trip, along with a knowledgeable skipper who shared valuable insights about the creatures they encountered.

The return trip mirrors the initial ride, allowing for more views of the coast and some potential photo opportunities. The entire experience wraps up back at the marina, leaving you with memories of a quick yet immersive taste of Terceira’s natural beauty.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting at Marina de Angra do Heroísmo: The journey begins at this charming port, where you can admire the São João Baptista fortress from the water. This historical site adds an extra layer of interest to your boat trip, especially if you’re into local history.

Speedboat ride (15 minutes): The swift journey along the coast is designed to maximize your viewing time and adrenaline rush. The boat’s reputation as the fastest in the area means you’ll cover a lot of ground quickly, with scenic views whipping past you at a lively pace.

Ilhéus das Cabras (30 minutes): The main event. Here, a guided tour provides insights into the volcanic landscape, caves, and wildlife. Expect to see caves and impressive volcanic formations, as well as marine animals in their natural environment. Reviewers like Emília and Bianca appreciated the knowledgeable guides, who explained the significance of these formations and shared fun facts about the marine creatures.

Wildlife and Cave Exploration: Many visitors comment on the abundance of marine life visible from the boat or the caves, which are perfect spots for photographs or just marveling at natural formations. The guides are attentive and keen to point out the best viewing spots, making sure everyone gets a good look.

Return to Marina de Angra do Heroísmo: The trip concludes back where it started, with plenty of photo opportunities and a sense of having experienced a slice of Azorean marine magic.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers guidance and insurance, giving you peace of mind while exploring the coast. The price seems reasonable considering the small group size—limited to 10 participants—which ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

However, food and drinks are not included, so it’s wise to bring water, snacks, or a light meal, especially if you have dietary restrictions or prefer specific refreshments. The tour operates with live guides in English and Portuguese, making it accessible for most travelers.

Practical Tips for Participants

Given the outdoor nature of the tour, wear comfortable shoes suitable for boat decks and possibly slippery surfaces. A windbreaker is recommended to stay comfortable against wind and spray. Since the tour is relatively short, plan your day accordingly if you want to pair it with other activities in Angra do Heroísmo.

The small group size enhances the experience, but it also means booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons. The flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours before—adds to the convenience.

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Authentic Reviews and Insights

From real travelers, the guides’ explanations are often highlighted as a standout feature. Bianca called her skipper “very nice,” and Emília appreciated the depth of the explanations provided. The scenery also receives consistent praise, with viewers enjoying the breathtaking volcanic landscapes and marine caves.

Many mention that the marine life sightings exceeded expectations, with Bianca noting an amazing variety of fish. This suggests that the waters around Terceira are teeming, especially in the protected Cabras Islets area.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a quick but memorable water-based adventure. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided insights and want a comfortable, small-group setting. Families, couples, or solo travelers can all enjoy this, provided they’re comfortable on boats and prepared for the outdoor elements.

Final Thoughts

The Ilhéus das Cabras boat trip offers a fantastic snapshot of the Azores’ volcanic coastline and marine richness in a manageable, 1.5-hour window. The combination of scenic views, wildlife, and expert guidance creates a balanced adventure that’s both educational and fun. The small group format ensures a personalized experience, perfect for travelers looking for intimacy and quality.

While it’s a short tour, the value lies in its immersion—seeing marine life up close, exploring volcanic caves, and learning about the local landscape from knowledgeable guides. It’s especially well-suited for those short on time but eager to experience the essence of Terceira’s natural beauty.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 1.5 hours, including the boat rides and sightseeing stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Angra do Heroísmo marina, making it very convenient for travelers staying nearby.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a windbreaker, and possibly water or snacks since food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the small group size and family-friendly environment suggest it can be suitable for children, provided they are comfortable on a boat.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides operate in English and Portuguese, accommodating most travelers’ language needs.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case of change of plans.

To sum it up, the Ilhéus das Cabras boat trip offers a lively and scenic exploration of Terceira’s volcanic coast and marine life, guided by knowledgeable locals. Its short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy itinerary, and the personalized small-group experience ensures you won’t miss out on the details. Whether you’re a wildlife buff, a geology enthusiast, or just looking for a fun boat ride, this tour provides a genuine taste of the Azores’ natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: