Vila Franca do Campo

Dolphin & whale watching

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.

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.

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).

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, 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: Pickup time is between 8:45 and 9:30 a.m. Delays may be expected, due to traffic or high number of passengers.

Depart Ponta Delgada and journey along the south coast of São Miguel before heading towards the Furnas Valley to experience its dramatic volcanic landscape. Stop at the village of Lagoa en route and visit a traditional pottery. Marvel at the former capital of the island at Vila Franca do Campo. Upon arrival in the Furnas Valley, go to the lake to enjoy a lunch of authentic cozido na caldeira (traditional Portuguese stew) cooked using the heat of the volcanic soil. Savor the ingredients characteristic of this typical dish. Next, go to the belvedere of the Pico do Ferro for a panoramic view of the valley. Return to Ponta Delgada via the island's north road, and stop at the site of Europe's only tea plantations and tea factory.

Kick off your scuba diving experience with a small introduction session during which you will learn all about diving equipment, techniques and underwater communication. Then head out to the sea by boat, allowing a supervised and relaxed way to experience diving.  Your dive will take place outside of the Natural Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Islet, an island formed by a volcano crater. Explore an area close to wrecked cannons from the 16th century and see how nature incorporated them into marine life.

Marvel at the volcanic landscape of the Azores with a tour of the Lagoa do Fogo (Lake of Fire) on this guided tour in São Miguel, with optional hotel pickup. Stop at multiple viewpoints on the drive up to the crater. Take a dip in the Caldeira Velha thermal pools or the Salto do Cabrito waterfall. Start from the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in and a short briefing. Then, hop into a van to drive up to the protected Nature Reserve of Lagoa do Fogo. On the way, stop at the scenic viewpoints of Pico da Barrosa and Bela Vista to soak in some of São Miguel’s best island views. Finally, arrive at the 15 thousand-year-old crater that sits in the deep caldera of the Fogo Volcano. Admire the stunning lake and learn about its endemic flora and surrounding woodlands from your guide. Next, head down the mountain, passing by the Caldeira Velha Environmental Interpretation Centre for information on the island's volcanic origin, biodiversity, and geothermal resources. Here, you can opt for a bath in Caldeira Velha’s manmade thermals pools and a natural waterfall pool – all heated by the nearby Fogo Volcano. Alternatively, go further ahead to the Salto do Cabrito waterfall, tucked away in a lush forest. With any time left, you visit the Historic Center of Ribeira Grande, the 16th-century fountain of Largo de São Pedro, or the sandy beach of Santa Barbara. Finally, head back to the marina to end the tour.

Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes of the North-East of São Miguel island along with its coastline on a full-day sightseeing tour from Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande or Lagoa. Discover how the Azoreans live in the Furnas volcano's mouth and in Nordeste in a small group tour atmosphere. Following a pickup from listed hotels or guesthouses by minivan, travel to the gorgeous Santa Iria viewpoint located on north shore. Refresh your adventure with a morning stop and tea tasting at Gorreana Tea Factory, the last 100% natural tea plantations on earth. Contemplate the beauty of the tea plantations undulating through the hills. São Miguel has the only two tea plantations in Europe Venture to the picturesque Nordeste to visit Ribeira dos Caldeirões Natural Park. A watermill museum, cascading waterfalls and experience this Azorean heritage in a magical setting, capturing the essence of local life and immersing yourself in the island's vibrant past. Next, head to the mystical Furnas Valley, where geothermal wonders await to be amazed by the enchanting charm of this place while seeing fumaroles and bubbling springs, a testament to the island's volcanic soul. Furnas is considered to be one of Europe's largest hydropolises due to its wide variety of mineral and thermal springs. One of these is Terra Nostra, a hot spring appreciated for its medicinal benefits. To personalize your Furnas volcano adventure, we have two options; • Relax in the thermal waters, or visit one of Europe's most beautiful botanical gardens (Terra Nostra) to customize your day tour. (Entrance not included tickets on place) • For food lovers, you can enjoy the most authentic dish in the Azores, Furnas stew, (Cozido das Furnas) which is cooked in volcanic soil and perfectly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. (not included, available as option) Travel to the geothermal area of Furnas (Caldeiras). Marvel as the actives hot springs with boiling waters and mud release steam into the air creating a magical landscape. Admire the volcanic crater at Furnas Lake before returning to your original starting point, passing by the former island capital, Vila Franca do Camp. Take a small marina walk or try the island's unique pastry, the queijada da vila.

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.