Snorkeling Tour Around the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

Quick Details

Duration: 1 hour
Ages: Children from 6 are welcome too!
Availability: Daily at 11 a.m
Notes: Snorkeling equipment included (mask, tube, fins and wetsuit)
--------------- Price ---------------
Adult 13+: €31,73 (including tax)
Child 6-12: €21,15 (including tax)
Private Group up to 12 pax: €370,19 (including tax)

Discover the underwater wonders of the Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, an ancient underwater volcano!

Embark with us at Vila Franca do Campo Marina on a snorkeling experience, where you will have the opportunity to explore marine life in the clear waters around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.

Tour description and itinerary

Discover the underwater wonders of Vila Franca do Campo Islet on an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Explore crystal clear waters, fascinating volcanic formations and impressive biodiversity, accompanied by a guide who ensures safety and indicates the species to be seen. Connect with the marine life of the Azores, creating unique memories.

Immerse yourself in this paradise of fascinating rock formations and impressive biodiversity. This activity is perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with the stunning scenery of the islet while cooling off in the pure waters of the Azores.
We provide complete equipment and specialized guides will be by your side throughout the activity, on the boat and in the water, to ensure safety and fun at every moment!

In this experience, all types of swimmers are welcome, from beginners to experienced swimmers. Those with poor swimming skills should notify the staff (guide and captain) in advance so that they can provide a life jacket and provide extra monitoring and attention.

In just 1 hour, you have the opportunity to get to know the islet and the typical fish species that live there. It’s the perfect time to enjoy connecting with marine life without compromising the rest of your day, ideal for those who have little time but don’t want to miss out on this unique experience.

Highlights

Rich Biodiversity: You will have the chance to explore a vibrant environment teeming with marine life. From fish to shellfish, the outside of the islet is a true paradise for nature lovers.
Crystal Clear Waters: The exterior of the islet offers clean and clear waters, providing spectacular visibility to admire marine life.
Stunning scenery: Diving around the islet offers a unique perspective of the rock formations surrounding the site. The contrast between the blue sea and the vegetation creates a breathtaking natural setting.
Safety and specialized guides: The activity is led by experienced guides, ensuring safety and information about the local marine ecosystem, further enriching your experience.

Included

Snorkeling equipment (mask, tube and fins)
Wetsuit / neoprene suit
Life jackets on board
Guide accompaniment
Insurance

Recommended

To bring:

Swimwear
Sunscreen
Towel

Good to know

- Please be 15 minutes before the starting time for a short briefing;
- 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.
- People in wheelchairs (unless they can be transported onto the boat and do the tour without a wheelchair)
- For environmental protection reasons of marine ecosystems, this snorkeling activity takes place outside the islet, in order to guarantee the conservation of the sensitive internal natural area.
- People with poor swimming skills must notify the staff (guide and captain) in advance so that a life jacket can be provided and extra monitoring and attention provided.
- Babies or children who cannot swim and are not fit for the activity must remain on the boat accompanied by a responsible adult (more details on the checkout).

Why choose OceanEye Azores?

✅ Exclusive glass-bottom boat – Only here, in São Miguel
✅ Unforgettable views – above and below the surface
✅ 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

Our Gallery

What our guests say about our experiences

      
   OceanEye Azores
   622 Google reviews 
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       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

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Would you like to get closer to the ocean and paddle at your own pace, then rent one of our sit-on-top kayaks, especially designed for the open sea. For beginners and experienced!

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.