Snorkeling Adventure in Caloura, S. Miguel

This snorkeling tour in Caloura promises a blend of marine exploration, scenic drives, and a taste of local Azorean charm. While it’s not a luxury experience, it offers an authentic glimpse into the island’s natural beauty at a reasonable price.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to snorkel with a knowledgeable instructor, the stunning views from the south coast, and the chance to explore volcanic black sand beaches. The only potential downside? The relatively short duration and the need to bring your own wetsuit or lycra shirt.

This adventure is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of land and sea, enjoy guided discoveries, and aren’t expecting a high-adrenaline experience but rather a relaxing, scenic outing. It’s especially suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness and curiosity about marine life.

Good To Know

• Authentic Marine Experience: Snorkel with a professional instructor in the Neptune-blue waters, searching for colorful fish and marine species.
• Scenic Coastal Drive: Ride through the stunning south coast in a convertible 4×4 Jeep, with fantastic views and photo opportunities.
• Volcanic Beaches: Visit black sand beaches like S. Roque, Milícias, and Pópulo—shaped by volcanic activity—an essential part of São Miguel’s landscape.
• Local Village Charm: Discover Caloura’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, perfect for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.
• Sustainable Focus: The tour includes a mini cleanup, encouraging ocean conservation.
• Value for Money: At around $90, it combines transportation, guided snorkeling, snacks, and local scenery into a solid half-day outing.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

Starting from Ponta Delgada, the tour kicks off with a pick-up service, which adds convenience—especially if you’re not renting a car. You’ll hop into a lively yellow or similarly colorful convertible 4×4 Jeep, with a maximum of four travelers per group, making for a personalized experience.

The drive along the south coast is scenic, with you passing basalt rocky formations and spotting the iconic Rosto do Cão islet. According to reviews, Rosa, the guide, is praised for her knowledge of the island and her calm, friendly attitude—making the journey informative and relaxed.

The Snorkeling Experience

Once at the designated snorkeling spot, your instructor Kailani will give a briefing on safety and marine conservation. Equipment such as masks, snorkels, and fins are provided, but you’ll need to bring your own wetsuit or lycra shirt if you wish—these aren’t included and are recommended for comfort in cooler waters.

The actual snorkeling allows you to swim among parrotfishes, salemas, triggerfishes, and possibly groupers—if the ocean cooperates. Reviewers mention the marine biodiversity is impressive, with Rosa often swimming with the group and pointing out different species. Interestingly, if trash is encountered, the team will gather it, committing to ocean health—something that resonated with eco-conscious travelers.

Visiting Black Sand Beaches

The tour includes stops at some of São Miguel’s famous volcanic beaches: S. Roque, Milícias, and Pópulo. These black sand beaches are visually striking, their dark hues created by volcanic activity, offering a different aesthetic from typical sandy shores. You’ll learn how these beaches are shaped by the island’s volcanic history and basalt rock formations, enhancing your appreciation of the landscape.

Caloura Village and Natural Beauty

Next, the journey takes you to Caloura, a tiny village known for its peaceful vibe and stunning natural scenery. It’s an ideal place to connect with nature—calm waters, lush greenery, and the gentle rhythm of island life. The guides often highlight the importance of marine biodiversity here, and reviews note a tranquil atmosphere that feels like a step away from busy tourist spots.

Tasty Azorean Snacks

No tour is complete without a local touch. After snorkeling, you’re treated to a small selection of Azorean snacks—cookies and fresh fruits—allowing you to relax and reflect on your underwater discoveries.

Additional Details & Practical Tips

The tour lasts around three hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The price of approximately $89.80 per person is reasonable considering the guided land and sea experience, equipment, snacks, and transportation. One important note is that wetsuits or lycra shirts are not included, so packing or renting these in advance can boost your comfort.

Since the maximum group size is four, expect a personalized experience, but this also means spots can fill quickly. Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the only potential barrier being swimming ability—reviewers mention that non-swimmers were accommodated, but it’s best to clarify with the guide beforehand.

Weather can impact the experience, as the activity is weather-dependent. The provider offers full refunds if canceled due to poor weather, so it’s worth planning for a flexible schedule.

What We Appreciate

One of the tour’s highlights is the guides’ local knowledge—reviewers consistently praise Rosa for her friendliness, patience, and her ability to make everyone feel at ease. Her care and attention, especially for travelers with limited swimming skills or physical challenges, make the experience more accessible.

The scenic drive and stops at volcanic beaches add layers of visual interest, making this more than just a snorkeling trip. It’s an opportunity to learn about São Miguel’s volcanic origins, coastal ecosystems, and local culture.

The eco-conscious approach—picking up trash during the snorkeling—showcases a commitment to preserving these natural spots, which many travelers find meaningful.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour

This activity suits travelers seeking a balanced outdoor adventure that combines scenic land exploration with underwater discovery. It’s ideal for those who enjoy guided tours, want to see the south coast’s volcanic beaches, and are curious about marine life.

It’s not best suited for travelers looking for an adrenaline rush or extensive diving, as the snorkeling is more relaxed and suitable for all levels, provided you’re comfortable in water. Those with a keen interest in nature, scenic drives, and local culture will find it particularly rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This snorkeling and jeep tour in Caloura offers a well-rounded snapshot of São Miguel’s natural beauty. The combination of scenic drives, volcanic beaches, tranquil village life, and underwater exploration makes it a great value for those wanting a diverse half-day outing.

The presence of a knowledgeable guide like Rosa, who enhances the experience with local insights and genuine care, adds a lot of value. The eco-friendly aspect, coupled with the chance to spot colorful marine life, makes it appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.

While not overly long, it’s a flexible, scenic outing that appeals to a broad audience—from families and couples to solo travelers with a taste for adventure. Just remember to pack your wetsuit or lycra and bring along an appetite for discovery.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour? Yes, the tour offers pickup and drop-off in Ponta Delgada city center, making it convenient for travelers staying nearby.

How long is the tour? The experience lasts approximately three hours, including transportation, snorkeling, and sightseeing.

Are wetsuits or lycra shirts provided? No, these are not included; it’s recommended to bring your own if you want extra warmth or sun protection.

How many people are in each group? The tour is limited to a maximum of four travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Do I need previous snorkeling experience? Not necessarily. The instructor provides guidance, and reviews mention accommodating non-swimmers, but it’s best to clarify your comfort level beforehand.

What marine life might I see? Expect to find parrotfishes, salemas, triggerfishes, and possibly groupers, depending on conditions.

What are the stops during the tour? The tour includes visits to black sand beaches like S. Roque, Milícias, and Pópulo, as well as Caloura village.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, the provider offers full refunds if canceled due to poor weather, with the option to reschedule.

Is this tour suitable for children? While most travelers can participate, the activity’s water component means children should be comfortable swimming or be prepared for guided assistance.

What’s the best time of year to do this? While the tour can run year-round, good weather and calm seas will enhance the experience. Always check the forecast and confirm availability.

This tour offers a genuine taste of São Miguel’s marine and terrestrial beauty, wrapped into a manageable, engaging package. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic, and educational outing with a local touch.