The Azores archipelago is a natural wonder, and Ribeira Grande’s Ocean Safari experience offers adventurous travelers a chance to enjoy its stunning coastal landscapes. Setting sail from Sta. Eiria Bay, this 4-hour excursion promises an exhilarating journey along the northern shores of São Miguel, where participants can explore geological marvels, spot an array of marine life, and revel in the breathtaking vistas of picturesque bays and beaches. With a focus on safety and comfort, the expedition provides a thrilling yet memorable encounter with the Azores’ remarkable natural beauty – an experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned explorers.
Good To Know
- The 4-hour ocean safari departs from Rabo de Peixe Fishermen’s Port/Marina, exploring the stunning northern coastline of São Miguel island.
- The excursion includes a visit to the geological wonders at Porto das Capelas and an opportunity to spot marine life during the open-sea crossing.
- The scenic route showcases picturesque bays and beaches, with a stop at the Port of Santa Eiria.
- The safari is suitable for participants aged 6 and above, with a minimum group size of 4 people.
- The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option.
Overview and Pricing
The Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating 4-hour excursion along São Miguel’s northern coast, priced from €95.00 per person for a limited group size of 8 participants.
Adventurers can embark on this thrilling journey, exploring geological formations, open-sea crossings, and scenic bays and beaches.
The experience is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, with a convenient free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests can also take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option, making it easy to secure their spot.
With a focus on safety and an experienced team of certified guides, the Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari promises an unforgettable exploration of São Miguel’s natural wonders.
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Itinerary Highlights
Departing from Rabo de Peixe, adventurers embark on a captivating 4-hour journey to explore São Miguel’s stunning northern coastline.
The expedition starts with a brief 15-minute safety briefing before setting out to discover geological wonders at Porto das Capelas, including the iconic São Pedro Hole and Morro das Capelas.
The tour then ventures out to the open sea, offering a chance to spot wild marine life. Participants will enjoy scenic views of bays and beaches, with a revitalizing stop at the Port of Santa Eiria.
The return journey features notable promontories like Ponta do Cintrão and Morro de Santana, providing a well-rounded experience of São Miguel’s natural beauty.
Expedition Description
Adventurers embark on a captivating journey to explore São Miguel’s stunning northern coastline, departing from the quaint fishing village of Rabo de Peixe.
The expedition takes them on a discovery of geological wonders, including the dramatic São Pedro Hole and Morro das Capelas at Porto das Capelas. An open-sea crossing offers the chance to spot wild marine life in their natural habitat.
The scenic route showcases picturesque bays and beaches, culminating in a revitalizing stop at the Port of Santa Eiria.
The return journey features awe-inspiring promontories like Ponta do Cintrao and Morro de Santana, providing a memorable finale to this captivating ocean adventure.
Safety and Requirements
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, certain restrictions apply for this ocean safari.
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems, heart issues, or recent surgeries. Participants must meet the minimum age requirement of 6 years, and a minimum group size of 4 people is required.
The difficulty level is easy, with an estimated route length of 28 nautical miles.
While excursions may alter due to weather conditions or force majeure, certified guides and insurance are provided to prioritize safety.
Participants should come prepared with warm clothing, sunglasses, towels, and sunscreen.
For a truly unforgettable adventure, leave the alcohol and drugs behind and learn about the stunning natural beauty of São Miguel’s northern coast.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyWhat to Bring and Important Information
Warm clothing, sunglasses, towels, and sunscreen are the recommended items to bring along for this ocean safari adventure.
A pre-tour briefing, raincoat poncho (if necessary), life jacket, and certified guides are all provided to ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Alcohol and drugs, however, are strictly not allowed.
The meeting point is at the Rabo de Peixe Fishermen’s Port/Marina, located just 200 meters from the initial departure location.
With GPS coordinates 37.8154422, -25.5823547, finding the starting point is a breeze.
Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey along Sâo Miguel’s northern coastline, where stunning geological formations, pristine beaches, and the chance to spot wild marine life await.
Departure Location and Coordinates
The excursion departs from the Rabo de Peixe Fishermen’s Port/Marina, conveniently located just 200 meters from the initial meeting point. Adventurers can easily find the starting coordinates at 37.8154422, -25.5823547 on Google Maps, ensuring a seamless start to their Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari.
The departure location provides the perfect launching pad for this thrilling ocean adventure. Participants will gather at the picturesque port, surrounded by the vibrant fishing community, before embarking on their journey along São Miguel’s stunning northern coast.
| Departure Point | Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Rabo de Peixe | 37.8154422, -25.5823547 |
| Fishermen’s Port/Marina | 200 meters from meeting point |
| Accessible | Convenient starting location |
Inclusions and Exclusions
What’s included in the Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari experience? Participants can expect a comprehensive package that covers all the necessities for a memorable journey along São Miguel’s northern coastline.
The tour provides a pre-departure safety briefing, life jackets, and professional, certified guides to ensure a safe and informative excursion. Guests will also receive a poncho if needed, keeping them dry and comfortable throughout the adventure.
The experience doesn’t stop there – explorers are free to bring along their own warm clothing, sunglasses, towels, and sunscreen to enhance their enjoyment. However, the use of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited.
With these inclusions and exclusions in mind, adventurers are well-equipped to embark on an unforgettable ocean safari.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Customers can easily cancel their Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing a hassle-free and flexible booking experience.
This allows adventurers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without penalty.
The ‘reserve now, pay later’ option further simplifies the booking process, enabling travelers to secure their spot before finalizing payment.
Whether it’s due to a change in schedule or weather concerns, the generous cancellation policy gives customers peace of mind when reserving this exciting ocean safari.
This flexible approach ensures a stress-free booking journey, allowing guests to focus on anticipating the thrilling sights and encounters that await them on the Ribeira Grande expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The safety and comfort of all participants is the top priority, and the small boat size means there’s just not enough room for furry companions. But you’ll have a wonderful time spotting marine life instead!
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
The tour doesn’t offer student or senior discounts, but there’s still great value. The price is reasonable, and you’ll enjoy an immersive ocean experience with knowledgeable guides and stunning views along São Miguel’s northern coast.
How Often Do You See Whales or Dolphins During the Tour?
The guides frequently spot whales and dolphins during the ocean safari, as the waters off São Miguel are teeming with these majestic creatures. Sightings can’t be guaranteed, but guests are often thrilled to catch glimpses of the region’s diverse marine life.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Specific Locations?
The tour operators are generally happy to accommodate customization requests, allowing participants to visit specific locations along the route that align with their interests, within the allotted time and safety considerations. However, the core itinerary is designed to showcase the region’s top highlights.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, guests can choose to extend the tour duration. For a more immersive experience, they can opt to spend additional time exploring the scenic bays, beaches, and geological wonders along São Miguel’s breathtaking northern coast.
The Sum Up
The Ribeira Grande Ocean Safari at Sta. Eiria Bay is an exhilarating adventure that immerses visitors in the stunning natural beauty of São Miguel’s northern coastline.
With its focus on safety, comfort, and exceptional experiences, this excursion promises unforgettable moments amidst the Azores’ vibrant marine life and breathtaking geological wonders.
It’s an opportunity to discover the region’s captivating charm and create lasting memories.
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