Things to do in São Miguel Island

Set off on a whale-watching day trip from Ponta Delgada and witness the marine mammals of the Azores. Look out for minke whales, dolphins, turtles, and more, and learn about the environment from your marine biologist guide. Begin with a briefing by your guide, who will explain the history of whale watching in the Azores. Learn about water safety, rules of observation, and respect for the animals. Depart from the Ponta Delgada harbor and sail into the Atlantic. Situated between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species. Keep an eye out for sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins, which are present throughout the year, along with turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. In the summer months, spot dolphins, pilot whales, and striped dolphins. In spring, enjoy the opportunity to see migrating baleen whales such as blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales.

Begin the excursion with an introduction to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and other marine species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, and behavioral patterns. After the briefing, board the designated boat and head out to sea. Approach the whales slowly and carefully as the naturalist guides and marine biologists on board provide commentary. Next, take a tour around the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for an up-close look at the volcano and resident wildlife. Light food is permitted on board, and a camera is essential to capture the wildlife you spot on the tour.

Enjoy a half-day whale watching trip in the Azores, one of the ‘top ten’ whale-watching spots in the world, and get the opportunity to meet the ocean giants in their natural habitat. Meet the boat crew and get a short briefing about safety and code of ethics and then put on your life vest and head out in the ocean. Listen as the crew follows the instructions given by radio from the lookouts placed in strategic points along the coastline using military-grade binoculars to find and communicate the position of the animals. Take comfort that the crew has a 99% success rate of sightings. If whales are spotted it´s time to enjoy the company of these magnificent animals, always keeping a safe and respectful distance. It´s usual that more than one group of whales and dolphins are observed per trip. On the way back to the marina, observe the geological formations of the island as the boat sails close to the coastline. On the regular whale watching tour leaving from Ponta Delgada, if you do not see whales or dolphins, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free. If you select the North Coast tour (Available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday) leaving from Rabo do Peixe, and no whales are spotted, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free.

Explore the highlights of the western half of São Miguel island on this guided tour by van. Discover the famous crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo, picturesque waterfalls, amazing cliffs, and stunning rock formations around the coast of the island. Start with a visit to Ribeira Grande, one of the most picturesque towns of the Azores, followed by a surprising view of some amazingly beautiful cliffs on the North coast. Then travel to the inner areas of the island to see the gorgeous waterfall of Salto do Cabrito, surrounded by wild vegetation. Drive to the top of Fogo Volcano to enjoy views of the most pristine and magical of the crater lakes of São Miguel. From the top of the mountain, enjoy the stunning views over a large portion of the island. After a tasty meal to restore your energy levels, head to Sete Cidades, to understand why this is considered by the postcard of the Azores. Enjoy views from two completely different perspectives over the famous twin lakes.  End the day in Mosteiros, on the western coast of the island, where the lava rocks have formed enchanting small islets and natural pools.

This excursion takes place in Parque Natural da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, one of the most extraordinary parks in the northeastern part of the island of São Miguel (+/- 45 minute drive away from the city of Ponta Delgada). Upon arrival, we will proceed with the distribution of your personal equipment and then set off on short walk of ~ 15min to our first stop where we will have our first safety briefing. We will then continue on a short scramble uphill where we will then stop for our second safety briefing, where we will show you how to rappel before continuing onwards and upwards for another ~10min to the start of the canyon where the fun will begin! The Canyoning Experience: After reaching the top of the canyon you will start the second part of your adventure. You can expect several jumps (between 2 and 7 meters in height, all optional), a natural slide and some abseils (between 5 and 15m in height). We will walk back along our initial path to the starting point. Note: – The exact itinerary including jumps, abseils and other techniques will depend on local conditions and seasons. The terrain, landscape and flow of the stream normally change throughout the year. – If you feel uncomfortable, there are different alternatives for every obstacle.

Explore the highlights of the eastern half of São Miguel island on a guided tour by van. Discover the hot springs at Furnas, the waterfall at Ribeira dos Caldeirões, as well as the remote rugged beauty of the Nordeste region. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the northern coast of the island until you get to the Santa Iria Lookout, with a spectacular, ample view of the north coast in both directions, before continuing to Furnas. Find yourself in Furnas and admire a spectacular panoramic stop to gaze over the lake and town. Descend where you will be given the choice of visiting the geothermal fields and tasting the sparkling waters, or bathing in the hot springs, for an additional fee. Next, discover a traditional way of cooking as your lunch of cozido (stew) is pulled from the warm volcanic soil. In the afternoon, continue the journey eastward, with a stop at the charming waterfall of Ribeira dos Caldeirões.  Explore Nordeste, the most unexplored and rural part of the island. Visit two amazing lookouts over the high cliffs that characterize the East coast of São Miguel, before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Discover the life that lies deep in the Azores Sea from the comfort of this glass-bottom boat, with an expert crew and guide. Your adventure begins at Vila Franca do Campo Marina. A biologist will give you a briefing about the itinerary and then you can set off. Learn about the marine life, nature, and historical curiosities of Vila Franca do Campo. You can spot the unique sea life of the protected area and observe the seabirds and crustaceans that fill the islet landscape. The biologist will help you identify the species, but you can expect to see everything from colorful shoals of fish, to starfish, sea cucumbers, and underwater volcanic activity. When you want to cool off you can go for a swim and snorkel, and get closer to some of the wildlife you've been spotting.

Explore São Miguel's Natural Wonders: Tea Plantations, Hot Springs, and More! Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of São Miguel with our guided tour, starting right from your accommodation. Immerse yourself in lush landscapes, stunning vistas, and captivating landmarks throughout your journey. Begin your adventure with a visit to Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea plantation, and enjoy complimentary tea tasting amidst the picturesque plantation. Stroll through the tea fields, taking in the serene surroundings. Next, make your way to Furnas, where you'll explore the enchanting valley and indulge in a soothing dip in the hot springs (when available), a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. After your revitalizing hot spring experience, enjoy a traditional lunch in Furnas and have the famous “Cozido das Furnas” or explore the diverse menu options available. Following lunch, take a leisurely walk around the picturesque lagoon to fully embrace the natural beauty. Continue your journey with a visit to the viewpoint of the world-renowned islet of Vila Franca, known for its unique charm and allure. Finally, conclude your unforgettable tour in Ponta Delgada with a visit to the captivating pineapple plantations. Book now to embark on an unforgettable adventure through São Miguel's natural wonders! NOTE: - All passengers must be ready at the designated pickup location at 8:45 a.m. Delays may be expected, due to traffic, high number of passengers or distance from Ponta Delgada; - Pickups outside of Ponta Delgada may be charged extra, depending on the location requested. - The hot springs baths are closed for maintenance until April 2025. Although the pools are closed, visiting will still be available.

Start your adventure at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, in the village with the same name, where one of the main tourist attractions of São Miguel Island is located – the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. The islet is classified as a Protected Area and is the result of a submerged ancient volcano where its flooded crater formed a semicircle. After the meeting and introduction, we will proceed with the distribution of equipment and then a safety briefing. With the orientation of the guide, we will depart from the marina in the direction of the islet where the adventure will begin. We will explore the emblematic Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, circumnavigating it and discovering its hidden caves. This islet is also known by the name Anel da Princesa “Princess Ring”, and in the company of local guides, you will learn about the legends, stories, curiosities, and events that make this place so special and unforgettable. Upon reaching the inside of the islet, you can relax on the small beach that forms during low tide or venture inside to better know the fauna and flora of this protected area. Take the opportunity to dive and refresh yourself in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean while admiring and learning about marine biodiversity. After a relaxing break and free time to explore this islet, we return to the starting point where the activity will conclude. In total, approximately 5 kilometers will be covered. Note: The duration of this excursion depends on weather conditions and the abilities of the group. The safety of our clients is one of our priorities, as this activity is dependent on sea and weather conditions and may be canceled or rescheduled. ACCESS TO THE ISLET OF VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO: The islet of Vila Franca is a Protected Area, and there is a concern to preserve this location. Therefore, there are some restrictions and limitations on access according to the time of year: - From April 15th to June 14th - Walking and snorkeling inside the islet are not allowed. - From June 15th to October 15th - No restrictions (walking and snorkeling are permitted). - From October 16th to October 31st - Snorkeling inside the islet is not allowed (snorkeling outside and walking inside are permitted). - From November to April 14th - Only walking inside the islet is permitted (snorkeling inside and outside the islet is not allowed).

Get ready to dive into the wild beauty of Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park! Your adventure begins at the designated car park, where our expert canyoning guides will be waiting to greet you and ensure you’re fully prepared for the experience ahead. Before we start, we’ll make a special stop at the majestic “Véu da Noiva” waterfall—a picture-perfect moment to capture a memory that will last a lifetime. From there, we embark on a 10-minute scenic hike through lush greenery, surrounded by the rich biodiversity of the Azores. Along the way, you’ll discover native and exotic flora, including the aromatic Incense tree, towering Japanese Cryptomeria, vibrant Conteiras, and the prehistoric Tree Fern. At the first briefing stop, we’ll share essential hiking and communication tips before continuing for another 10 minutes toward the first waterfall. Here, our guides will provide a step-by-step introduction to rappelling (abseiling)—the safest and most exciting part of the experience! With confidence built, it's time for action! You’ll rappel 7 meters down the rock face, with the exhilarating option of a zipline! From there, we navigate the riverbed for about 5 minutes, reaching a natural rock slide/toboggan—a thrilling way to let the water guide you downstream! For those feeling adventurous, a 3-meter jump awaits—a great opportunity to challenge your fears and experience the rush of free-falling into crystal-clear waters. Not feeling up for it? No worries! There’s always an alternative route to bypass any obstacles you’re not comfortable with. Continuing the adventure, we take a short 5-minute trek to a 6-meter abseil, where safety is our top priority. With harnesses secured and guides ensuring every step, you’ll descend in the heart of breathtaking surroundings—an ideal moment for another stunning photo op. Feeling the thrill and newfound confidence, we make our way back along the same trail, carrying the energy of accomplishment and the joy of overcoming challenges. But before wrapping up, we offer an optional 6-to-8-meter jump—an ultimate adrenaline rush, provided conditions allow for it! To finish on a high note, our guides are there to share insider tips and recommendations on the hidden gems of São Miguel so you can continue exploring this magnificent island. This activity is perfect for families, friends, couples, groups, and solo travelers looking for an adventurous and exhilarating way to explore the natural beauty of the Azores. And don’t forget to smile – our team will be capturing those special moments for you to cherish later! It's a great combination of fun and adventure! Perfect for adventure seekers of all ages. Suitable for all!