Kayak Rentals and Tours in São Miguel, Azores

Quick Details

Duration: Up to 6 hours
Ages: From 4 years old
Availability: Daily Every Hour from 9-17h (Mon-Sun)
--------------- Price ---------------
Kayak Rental: From €20 per person from 4 years old
Kayak Tours: From €40 per person from 4 years old

🌊 Kayak Rentals & Guided Tours – Explore Vila Franca do Campo from the Ocean

Discover the Azores from a New Perspective — By Kayak

Looking for an unforgettable adventure in São Miguel? Glide across crystal-clear waters, paddle along the scenic coastline, and uncover the hidden beauty of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo with our kayak rentals and guided tours.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, Kayak Azores offers safe, eco-friendly experiences designed to connect you with the natural wonders of the Azores.

Tour description and itinerary

Overview: Experience the clear blue waters and the beautiful islet of Vila Franca do Campo on a Kayak. It’s guaranteed to get your energy level high for the rest of the day! Enjoy the freedom of paddling in an open sea along the unique coastline of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can spot the natural reserve (islet). All experience levels are welcome and the equipment is provided for free (vest and paddle). The kayaks we offer are safe and comfortable, difficult to flip in the sea and don’t sink.

Highlights

Explore the coastal area of Vila Franca do Campo at your own pace
Our kayaks are suitable for the ocean (sit-on-top, don’t sink)
Up to 6h so you can get closer to the sealife of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the Islet

Included

Kayaks sit-on-top (don’t sink) and paddles
Snorkeling equipment (mask, tube, fins)
Lifevest
Waterproof bag
Insurance
Bathroom/changing room available in our facilities for free

Recommended

Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel

Good to know

Please be 15 minutes before the starting time for a short briefing. If with a large group, please arrive earlier;
This activity is not recommended to children under 4 years old and people with impaired mobility;
The activity is subject to weather and sea conditions. If not possible we will rebook or refund you. If you decide to cancel more than 72h in advance you’ll be refunded 100%. After that period we’ll keep 100% of the payment;
The Vila Franca do Campo Islet is a protected area open to the public from mid-June to October 11th. Before and after these dates it is prohibited to enter the islet. Entry is possible until October 11th and there is a daily entry limit;
Those interested in entering the islet with the kayak will have to purchase the “kayak rental WITH ENTRY to the islet” or “guided kayak tour WITH ENTRY to the islet” package from us. By order of the Government of the Azores, it is not permitted to purchase a separate ticket to enter the islet by kayak;
If the “Kayak Rental WITH ENTRY to Vila Franca Islet” package option does not appear at the time of booking, it is because it is sold out or unavailable. to avoid them selling out;
For those who purchased the package that includes entry: On the islet, there is an area to park the kayak right inside the entrance. Then, you need to get out of the kayak and go into the water, where you can swim and snorkel;
Outside the islet, it is not permitted to tie the kayak to the islet, stop on rocks or platforms;
It is advisable that you know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water, as this excursion takes place in open ocean waters;
Children are the responsibility of an adult (they must be accompanied and supervised).

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ACCESS TO THE ISLET OF VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO – 2025

The Government of the Azores has announced that the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo will open to the public on June 20, 2025. Until that date, entry to the islet by kayak is strictly prohibited, including approaching, remaining nearby, or entering on foot or by swimming.

In the meantime, we are preparing new kayak rental packages that include access to the islet, which will be available on our website as soon as the reopening is confirmed. These packages will be priced differently from the standard “kayak rental” option, as they include access to the islet’s protected nature reserve.

Once the islet is open, entry by kayak will only be allowed for those who have purchased the specific package that includes access to the islet. Other types of tickets or additional purchases will not be accepted. Please note that a standard “kayak rental” does not grant entry to the islet, as it is a protected area with a strict daily visitor limit.

Additionally, swimming inside the islet is prohibited this year by order of the Government of the Azores.

For pre-bookings of the “Kayak Rental with Access to the Islet” package or to request more information (pricing, schedules, duration, etc.), please contact us at info@oceaneyeazores.pt.

Why Kayak with OceanEye Azores?

✅ Friendly, knowledgeable local crew
✅ Family-friendly & perfect for all ages
✅ Small group experience – zero crowds, all the fun
✅ Eco-conscious and deeply respectful of marine life
✅ Sit-on-Top Kayaks, so you can stay afloat in the sea

Our Gallery

What our guests say about our experiences

      
   OceanEye Azores
   622 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Настя Атаманюк 
 29/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are excited! A week ago me and my friends went to the whale watching tour and the glass-bottom snorkling tour, and we are more than satisfied! The trip was well-organised with pleasant atmosphere and informative stories from the guide. We especially loved the opportunity to drive the boat in both tours and that the second guide (and simultaneously the driver of the boat) has been telling various local legends in addition to the  sciencific facts about places where we have been to.
We will defnitely choose one more tour and repeat the experience, and we wholeheartedly recommend you to choose this exact company! You will not regret any second of your journey! (P.S. Greetings from Natalia, Anastasiya and Daniel)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sabina, Vienna 
 24/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tolles Team, Familienunternehmen,  tolle Ausfahrt  Mitte Oktober mit dem Glasbodenboot zur Insel vor Vila Franca do Campo, sehr informativ, unterhaltsam und interessant,  inkl. schönem Schnorchelausflug vor der Insel, Neoprenanzug, Maske,  Schnorchel, Flossen werden zur Verfügung gestellt. Der innere Bereich der Insel war bereits für die Wintersaison gesperrt. Es wird sehr auf die Wünsche und Bedürfnisse der Teilnehmer geachtet und eingegangen. Danke für das sehr schöne Erlebnis! SF
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ulrike Richter 
 24/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tolle Tour mit einem engagierten Kapitän Edmundo und einem tollen Meeresbiologen Nuno!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Loewe Dicki 
 21/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Tolle Tour, kleine Gruppe und das Boot hat eine tolle Größe um alles gut beobachten zu können. Sehr kompetentes Team und wir durften sogar kurz zu den Delfinen ins Wasser. Auf jeden Fall eine Empfehlung!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rachel Hingley 
 20/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had such a great time with Edmundo and the team snorkelling in May, that we returned for the Glass-bottom boat trip with loads of information and even more snorkelling! Saw loads of different fish and had a brilliant time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicole Dono 
 17/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went on the Villa Franca Islet boat tour last Wednesday with Mundo and Nando - and we had the most amazing time. They were both so friendly, engaging and informative. Mundo spoke French with us which was an unexpected plus. Nando was so knowledgeable and patient with our four year old who had plenty of question about the marine life. We would recommend this for all groups and would say it’s a must do if visiting Sao Miguel. We definitely will be back!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   JG4689 
 14/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved our glass-bottom boat tour including snorkelling with the company OceanEye. Captain Edmundo made the whole trip very fun and personal, told stories of the Azores and made us all feel very welcome. Our guide gave us a lot of information about the history of the islet, the species we saw and other fun stories like an annual cliff diving event. The boat as very comfortable and we were a small tour out on an amazing weather day in autumn. When we stopped at the islet to view the fish and other sea creatures through the glass-bottom, we saw many of them. We also spotted many different species during the snorkelling time. Edmundo was very aware of safety and chose a different spot than where they usually snorkel because it had calmer sea conditions. Our guide stayed with us in the water the entire time; neither she or Edmundo rushed us :) The trip finished off with a drink back on land and the whole group had a great time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexis Krueger 
 12/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Captain Edmundo is a delight!! I loved both the whale watching tour and the glass bottom boat tour. Amazing wildlife, great history and tour guide, and Edmundo goes above and beyond in ensuring guests leave with a variety of great experiences. The biologist was happy to answer any and all questions and looked out for everyone. Plus, the boat setup ensures everyone gets a good view at all times. These people truly love their land (and ocean, and culture) and are thrilled to be able to share as much of it with you as you want. Much more than what we expected. Wow!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   N. Herrfurth 
 10/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience with OceanEye! 🌊🐠

We booked a glass-bottom boat and snorkeling tour for two adults, and it was a fantastic experience!

Our guide, a marine biologist with excellent English, shared fascinating insights into local fish species, the origins of the Azores, and Princess Ring Island, where we also went snorkeling. We learned so much while discovering the beautiful underwater world of São Miguel.

The captain was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and took great care of the children on board. Wetsuits and fins are provided, and the tour is suitable for everyone – from beginners to experienced snorkelers, solo travelers and families with even very young children.

A perfect mix of adventure, learning, and fun for all ages. Highly recommended! Thank you, OceanEye, for this memorable experience! 💙
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lukas Gerber 
 09/10/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eine sehr schöne Tour mit viel Herz und Leidenschaft der Crew. Der Kapitän hat einige Freiwillige auch das Boot steuern lassen. Sehr cool.
Auf unserer Tour konnten wir „Ghostdelfin“, gemeinde Delfine und Pottwale sehen.

Zum Abschluss eine Runde um die Insel mit ausgiebiger Erklärung zur Geschichte.

Im Hafen gab es dann einen Schnaps des Captains aufs Haus.
  
 
  
  
 
    Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified that these reviews were published on OceanEye Azores's Google Business Profile. Learn more

Related Activities

Boat Tours and Snorkeling

Discover the life that lies deep in the Azores Sea from the comfort of this glass-bottom boat, with an expert crew and guide.

Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour

Come with us see these spectacular animals in their natural habitat. Suitable for everyone! Choose a catamaran or a zodiac boat, public or private tour.

Where to find us

Based in Vila Franca do Campo, the ideal launch spot for boat tours in São Miguel. Its south coast location offers calmer waters and unbeatable views of the stunning Ilhéu de Vila Franca – making it the perfect place to start your ocean adventure.