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
   584 Google reviews 
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       Posted on Google  
   
   Bruce Downie 
 28/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience here on the glass bottom snorkel boat. Crew and staff were super friendly and knowledgeable.  The tour around the islet was great, capped off by some great snorkeling with all sorts of marine life to see.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eli Altes 
 27/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Un recorrido estupendo, una guía fantástica y muy buenas explicaciones.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul M 
 27/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Spectacular experience and tremendous hospitality and knowledge. Tour was full of extras. Great value and service. Captain Edmundo and crew were so welcoming!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Sullivan 
 27/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had an amazing time at Ocean Eye Azores!! The captain and marine bio staff were very qualified, educated and engaging. We really enjoyed snorkeling around the island. Great experience all around!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Juan Rodriguez 
 26/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hands down the most legendary tour in São Miguel! The crew’s passion for the ocean is completely magnetic. Our guide broke down the marine life with incredible detail, and the snorkeling crew was top-tier! They stayed right alongside us, pointing out hidden fish and making safety feel effortless. The whole vibe was a perfect mix of high adventure and genuine hospitality. You don't just feel like a tourist on this boat; they treat you like part of the crew. Do not leave the island without doing this!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Shaco 
 26/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolute peak Azores experience! Seeing the volcanic seabed unfold right beneath our feet through the glass floor was like something straight out of a National Geographic documentary. Having an actual marine biologist on board to decode everything we were seeing added a whole new level to the trip. When we jumped in for the snorkeling, the safety team was phenomenal! Attentive, super encouraging, and made sure everyone felt totally confident in the water. We even got to take the helm on the way back and finished with local drinks at the port. 10/10 crew, epic core memory unlocked
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pedro Silva 
 26/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Can’t say enough good things about the crew on this trip! Our guide was a marine biologist who gave us awesome context about the islet and sea life while we were out on the boat. Then during the snorkeling stop, the team was super hands-on. They provided all the gear (wetsuits included) and really looked out for anyone who was a bit hesitant in the water. You get the perfect mix of learning cool stuff and feeling completely relaxed during the swim. 10/10 experience!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pedro Silva 
 26/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 5/5 Estrelas Experiência simplesmente fantástica com a OceanEye Azores! A visão através do barco com fundo de vidro é incrível e permite ver a vida marinha do Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo de uma perspetiva totalmente única. A equipa é extremamente profissional, simpática e conhecedora. Recomendo vivamente a quem visita São Miguel!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Soraia Freire 
 26/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you're heading to Azores, this is the one tour you shouldn't skip! Oceaneye Azores Glass-Bottom boat tour delivers a totally unique experience, especially compared to the usual crowded boat trips on the island... The glass-bottom panel give you an awesome view of the sea floor as you cruise along. But what truly makes the trip is having an actual marine biologist as your guide. Ours was so passionate and engaging, breaking down the local ecosystem, answering every single question, and showing us how the volcanic landscape beneath us shaped the area. The snorkeling stop was just as impressiv, they provided full wetsuits to keep us comfortable in the water, and having the biologist swim along with us to spot sea life in the crevices made a huge difference. You can tell the crew takes immense pride in their service. Everything felt organized, unhurried, and genuinely personal. Easily one of our favorite memories from the Azores!
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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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.