Whale Watching & Islet Vila Franca do Campo Tour

Trip Overview

It all starts at the yachting marina, in Ponta Delgada, where years of experience and dedication are translated into a briefing on security, respect for the animals, and living science. After that, be prepared for three hours of intense encounters at sea with splendid cetaceans or a funny school of dolphins. The shooting and the photos taken by the crew will perpetuate these moments.

The stop at the Vila Franca marina is an opportunity to taste delicious local dishes. After, a 15-minute crossing to an islet whose almost untouched beauty granted it the name of «The Princess’ Ring». Its interior guards us in a primeval, protective circle, where transparent waters offer themselves to the exploration of their colored bottom. It is also a sanctuary for birds that will reveal unique specimens before the return journey.

Difficulty

Languages

Transport Type

BOAT

VAN

Tour Starts

Ponta Delgada

Minimum Age

8

Season

Available in high season

Transport Type

BOAT

VAN

Tour Starts

Ponta Delgada

Languages

Minimum Age

8

Season

Available in high season

Trip Overview

It all starts at the yachting marina, in Ponta Delgada, where years of experience and dedication are translated into a briefing on security, respect for the animals, and living science. After that, be prepared for three hours of intense encounters at sea with splendid cetaceans or a funny school of dolphins. The shooting and the photos taken by the crew will perpetuate these moments.

The stop at the Vila Franca marina is an opportunity to taste delicious local dishes. After, a 15-minute crossing to an islet whose almost untouched beauty granted it the name of «The Princess’ Ring». Its interior guards us in a primeval, protective circle, where transparent waters offer themselves to the exploration of their colored bottom. It is also a sanctuary for birds that will reveal unique specimens before the return journey.

Magnificent Whales & The Princess Ring

Price

117€

Duration

Full day

High Quality Service

Clean & Safe Certified Company

Exceptional & Educational Nature Experience

Free Cancellations

Gallery

Itinerary

Harbor of Ponta Delgada +

This great adventure starts at the Marina of Ponta Delgada, in our shop. Our staff will welcome you for the check-in.

Setting sails +

After the check-in, you will be directed to the boat where our marine biologists will give a briefing. They will tell you about the species that you might see, whale watching history in the Azores as well as how we respect the animals.
Then, we are ready to navigate and look for cetaceans in the wild. On the way, have a look at the coast of our beautiful island, full of magical landscapes.

The deep Atlantic +

That is where you will encounter the biggest animals. Whales are living in the deep ocean. Some of them simply pass by our waters during their migration.
Prepare for awe-inspiring moments where time suddenly freezes and natural magic happens right in front of your eyes.

Welcome back to land +

Back to Ponta Delgada harbor, we will remind you of all the species you saw.
Inside our shop, you can see some curiosities about cetaceans that we keep with us, such as krill or also keratin plates from baleen whales.

Lunch at a local restaurant +

Experience local food on a restaurant on the village.

The Princess Ring +

From Vila Franca do Campo harbor, we will sail to São Miguel’s Crown Jewel in a traditional fishing vessel. The trip is just about 15 minutes.
Explore the islet. There, you can snorkel or simply rest inside the crater of this Natural Reserve. The volcanic crater is classified by Birdlife International as an important location for bird nesting. In order to protect it, there are only 400 visits per day, to preserve and take care of its nature.

Select your departure

117€ per adult + 7.02€ Online Fee

Why Futurismo

33 Years of Experience

Founded in 1990, we are one of the most experienced companies in the whole Azores Islands.

Pioneers and Leaders

We have pioneered nature-based adventure travel in the Azores, striving to keep helping the Azores take the right path in tourism.

Proudly Azorean Local Experts

Our team is made up of people who live, breathe, eat, and sleep in the Azores. This is our home and we are eager to share it with the world.

MORE ABOUT US

117€ per adult + 7.02€ Online Fee

Premier Whale Watching Operator

Experienced. Passionate. Respectful.

WCA Certified

Our ethical tourism practices recognized worldwide

Cetacean Sighting Guaranteed

98% success rate on Whale Watching. Tours until seen

21.000+ Sighting Records

30 yrs of scientific research. Collabs with 20+ universities

Top-notch Vessels

Best and biggest Whale Watching fleet in the Azores

KNOW MORE

100% stays in the local community

20% to local small companies

Full time, year round, employed guides

Essencial Trip Information

What's Included

Free entrance for children up to 5 years old
Insurance (personal accident and liability)
Life jacket (on zodiac & fiberglass boats)
Marine biologist guides
Pre-tour briefing
Raincoat and pants (if necessary)
Lunch in a local restaurant
Boat trip to and from Vila Franca do Campo Islet
Transfer back to Ponta Delgada by Boat or by Van/Bus

Why this Tour

Priceless encounters with giant marine creatures, tasting mouthwatering traditional food and swimming in a stunning oasis in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Interesting, no?

Insert a “check” on your bucket list for three of the most exciting and important experiences Azores has to offer.

Departure and Return

Departure Point

Portas do Mar, Shop 26 Ponta Delgada Harbor São Miguel Island, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada.

Departure Time

Please select a date on the calendar on the top right-hand side of this program page and check the available schedule.

Return Point

Returns to the original departure point by boat or by van, depending on the weather conditions.

Are the Azores a good whale-watching destination? +

The Azores are a great whale-watching destination, probably one of the best in the whole world. We have sperm whales all year round. Being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, lots of cetacean species pass by our islands during their annual migration.

What if the weather isn’t ok? +

If the weather doesn’t allow us to do this activity safely, we will cancel it and suggest an alternative date.

Can I use my drone during this tour? +

You cannot use a drone on our tours with other travelers.

Do you sell medication for seasickness? +

No, we do not sell anything on the boat. If you know that you get easily seasick, it is better to purchase adequate medication before the tour.

Cancellation +

Cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour, no penalties are applied.
Cancellations up to 24 hours: 50% of the total amount will be charged.
Cancellations less than 24 hours or no-show: full amount will be charged.
If the weather conditions do not allow the activity to be done safely, we will cancel it and contact you to suggest an alternative date or provide a full refund.

Booking confirmation +

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of successful booking.

What to bring? +

Comfortable clothes and shoes.
Your mask and snorkel.
Sunscreen, swimsuit and towel.
Hat, backpack.
Water and snacks (we do not sell food aboard).

Advisory +

Futurismo operates this tour every day of the week from June 15th to September 15th, usually onboard a fiberglass boat.
On weekends and public holidays, we do not operate this tour.
Lunch: starter, main dish, dessert, drink, coffee/tea.
Vegetarians: vegetarian meals on request within a maximum of 48 hours before the tour.
If you have any food restrictions, please inform us at least 48h before the tour.