Marina de Vila Franca do Campo

Depart from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, starting with a short briefing introducing the islet’s geology and wildlife, the nature reserve, and boat safety. Follow the guide and skipper to your designated boat to travel by sea to the Islet. Enjoy a boat exploration to admire the volcanic marvel, its extraordinary geological features, and the seasonal highlights of marine life, with an enchanting narrative while circling the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. Learn about the volcanic activity's significance in the island's history, symbolizing the resilient embrace of life on the edge of the Atlantic. A relic of an oceanic volcanic cone, see the marine sanctuary teeming with wildlife, from birds and fish to lightfoot crabs, especially from fall to spring.

There's no better way to enjoy the Azores islands than renting a Kayak to explore the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the freedom of paddling in an open sea along the unique coastline of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can spot the beautiful islet. Rent it for yourself or bring the family aboard (up to 4). We have single, double and quadruple kayaks. Quadruple kayaks are suitable for 3 adults or 2 adults with 2 children (up to 12 years old). All experience levels are welcome and the equipment is provided for free (vest and paddle). There are 3 kayak rental booking options: 2h, 4h or 6h duration. The kayaks are safe and comfortable, appropriate for the ocean, therefore difficult to flip in the sea and don't sink. Please note that this is a kayak rental and not a kayak tour. We look forward to welcoming you! IMPORTANT: The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is a natural reserve with a daily limit of entries. Those interested in entering with the kayak on the islet will have to buy an additional ticket at a ticket office located near the activity provider's store. The islet’s ticket office opens at 9:45, so if you want to purchase a ticket, you must reserve your kayak for later. We recommend that you come early to buy tickets to avoid them selling out. Kayaks are allowed on the islet from 10:20 a.m. to 6 p.m. We are not responsible for people who are unable to purchase entry tickets to the islet. Our service is exclusively related to kayak rental, regardless of the destination of the activity.

Join us in this 3h kayaking tour to the marine volcano, Princess Ring Islet in Vila Franca do Campo, as it offers a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. As you set off on your kayak, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the volcanic formations that adorn the islet. During the tour, knowledgeable guides will provide fascinating insights into the local culture, ecology, history, geology, enhancing your appreciation of this unique environment. Paddle along the stunning coastline of the ex-capital of the Azores, exploring hidden caves, impressive rock formations and observe a diverse array of marine life, both under and above the waterline. The translucid azure thrusts you to take a refreshing dip, bring your swimwear and snorkeling gear. Dive into the clear depths and be amazed by the vibrant world that lies beneath the surface, a place of beauty and curious neighbors, an advice though! Reach into that primal instinct and embrace the synergy, resonance and symbiotic connection to this incredible natural world.

The tour starts with a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet. You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies! It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask! At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out.

Explore Furnas crater lake, village, local food, geysers, see beautiful botanic garden, exotic and rare plants, end with a hot springs thermal bath surrounded by Nature! Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time. The day starts with a short briefing and van tour up the Furnas volcano crater down to the mystic Furnas valley and lake, stopping for sightseeing and photos. Have lunch in a village restaurant, taste the most genuine island meal - an authentic geyser-cooked “cozido”. Visit nearby volcanic activity and fountains of mineral water. Have one hour free to explore the beautiful village’s streets, featuring crossing rivers, watermills, chapels and fountains. At 15:30 meet the guide at Terra Nostra Gardens gate, and start a walking botanical journey showcasing a singular collection of plants and flowers of cultural and historic value from all around the World. End with a relaxing mineral-infused and beautiful thermal pool surrounded by wonderful nature. No matter what season or level of expertise there’s always something interesting for everyone to enjoy. The gardens are exuberant all year with impressive century-old trees, huge collections of colorful, rare and strange plants, specialty gardens, beautiful avenues with sculptures and fountains, and dazzling year-round blooms of fragrant flower tones for the eye, nose, and camera! Your tour is tailored according to season’s highlights and special events occurring.

Cruise the Azores coastline and stop at the off-coast nature reserve of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo to observe known seabird colonies and other marine wildlife alongside a professional birdwatching team. After a safety brief about the “Zodiac” RIB boat you will be traveling in, start your sea journey with an introduction to you the bird species you will observe, their migration routes, and their behavioral patterns. Follow directions provided by inland lockouts via VHF Radio allowing the boat to carefully approach at an undetected distance. Learn about the field imagery and data collection for local research. Many Birds find an oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks and as an on-route refuge. Marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in abundance in Spring and Autumn with the arrival of migrants and vagrants. See vast colonies of Cory’s Shearwater, Barolo Shearwater, Common and Roseate Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Bulwer’s Petrel, Wilson’s, and Madeiran Storm-petrels. On lucky days spot less-common species like Bridled or Sooty Terns.  Not breeding but regularly sighted are Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel, Manx and Sooty Shearwater, vagrant Northern Gannets, Arctic, Pomarine, and Great Skuas. Shorebirds encountered include  Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Canaries, Little Egrets, Wagtails, and Whimbrels.

Watch Wild Dolphins underwater in the freedom of their natural habitat, one of the best connections to nature in a (limited) responsible alternative to swimming with animals in captivity. Meet Us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo at the specified time for check-in and equipping. The journey starts with a short briefing introducing local species that can be observed, rules and responsible practice on tour, onboard safety, and equipment use. Follow your Guide and Skipper to your designated boat, and go out to sea. Lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat travels, initially at high speed. While approaching our friends very carefully, your Guide will evaluate if all favorable conditions are met to allow the activity’s proceedings. Always be ready and prepared to go into the water - 2 swimmers alternate in the water at safe distance during limited periods of time, and you do not want to miss out on each opportunity in which Dolphins can choose to come closer driven by their friendliness and curiosity. Exclusively between late Autumn and Early Spring with water temperatures averaging between 16ºc and 22ºc, and depending on specific species’ birthing season and behavior, it is possible to swim with any of 4 different species of Dolphins - Common Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and Risso’s Dolphins. On a second part of the tour, the boat will travel to a coastal location for snorkeling, to discover the characteristic marine fauna & flora in the island’s sea bed.

Discover an exciting and diverse experience of water activities with our special package that includes Islet of Vila Franca, Snorkeling, Sailing Tour and Stand up Paddleboard. This package is perfect for adventurers and nature lovers, offering a unique combination of adrenaline, exploration and relaxation. It is the perfect activity for big groups as our Sailing Boat has the maximum capacity of 8 people to make you confortable in your own space and have an amazing and relaxing time with us on the sea.

Sunset Boat Tour on Vila Franca do Campo Coast. We start the tour on Vila Franca do Campo Marina doing sailing to Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. The crew stops on the front of Vila Franca do Campo Islet to do Stand Up Paddle, Snorkeling or just swimming The crew will provide you wine. Just relax the fantastic experience on the front of the Islet. You can bring food or drinks! You can put your favorite music to listen on the sailing boat! The tour starts at 6:30pm at the Marina de Vila Franca do Campo and ends at 9:30pm.

The tour starts with a short briefing and presentation about the local Whaling culture, and visit to the authentic 1945 whaleboat “Senhora de Fátima”, the single fully operational and sea-worthy evidence of the era in São Miguel. Take a van tour to the whaler lookout “Vigia da Furada”, and learn the ancient 1830 whale spotting techniques which helped evolve Azorean Whale Watching to one of the world’s best. Experience how searching for whales has always been yourself using specialized long-range binoculars in the lookout role! Visit Ponta Garça’s 1957 Lighthouse, for a lighthouse keeper guided tour with interesting facts about the building, its importance for maritime activities and sea men, and to appreciate the beautiful island and ocean views. At 17:00 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.