Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Vila Franca do Campo

Quick Details

dolphins swimming azores

🐋 Discover the Azores through the eyes of the ocean

Join OceanEye Azores for an unforgettable whale and dolphin watching experience off the coast of São Miguel Island. With over 20 different species passing through our waters — from resident bottlenose dolphins to majestic sperm whales — each trip offers a unique glimpse into the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Tour description and itinerary

Overview:

Embark on a magical journey with our whale and dolphin watching tours in the Azores. Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, our tours are tailored to offer an immersive experience on both catamaran and RIB boat.

From spotting humpback and sperm whales to marveling at the playful dolphins, our tours provide a rare glimpse into the vibrant marine life of the Atlantic.

Highlights

  • Frequent sightings throughout the year, with different species depending on the season;
  • Specialized guides who share knowledge about marine life and the Azorean ecosystem;
  • Two boat options: (zodiac/RIB boat or catamaran) selected at the time of booking, subject to availability;
  • Guarantee of no sighting: If you do not see any animal during the tour, we offer the possibility to reschedule a new activity.

Included

  • Lifevest;
  • Experienced guide;
  • Bathroom in the Catamaran;
  • Change room available in our facilities for free;
  • Sightseeing Warranty Policy: we offer a new tour in case you don’t spot any animal.

Recommended

  • Snack and water;
  • Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses;
  • Clothing and footwear to protect from sun, wind and water splashes;
  • Pill for motion sickness (if you need it).

Good to know

  • Please be 15 minutes before the starting time for a short briefing;
  • This activity is not suitable for children under 6 years old (Zodiac/RIB boat), pregnant, people with impaired mobility (wheelchairs), delicate health condition who suffer back pain and for those who get seasick;
  • Please be aware that marine life is unpredictable and we may not see the same species every day;
  • The tour can take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the number of animals that are passing through our area range on that day and the distance to which they are located.
  • Trips are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. If the tour cannot take place, we will reschedule or you will be refunded.

Itinerary:

Admire magnificent whales or interactive dolphins in their natural habitat.

Discover the magic of the Atlantic Ocean and embark on one of the most exciting experiences in the Azores: whale and dolphin watching! This 3-4 hour tour takes you to encounter some of the most impressive creatures on the planet in a natural setting.

The Azores are one of the best destinations in the world for whale watching, as more than 25 species of whales and dolphins pass through here throughout the year. Of these species, 4 are resident and can be seen throughout the year: the sperm whale, the bottlenose dolphin, the Risso’s dolphin and the common dolphin.

Depending on the season, you may be lucky enough to see whales such as the blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, or different species of dolphins playing in the waves close to the boat.
Accompanied by marine biologists and expert guides, you will learn about these fascinating creatures and the Azorean marine ecosystem.

To make your experience more enjoyable, we offer the possibility to choose between two boat options: the zodiac/RIB boat (an exciting high-speed option, which allows greater proximity to the sea and the animals) or the catamaran (ideal for those who prefer a more comfortable and stable ride, with space to enjoy the scenery in peace). Please note that if only one option appears when booking is because the other boat is sold out or unavailable.

On the way back, the tour doesn’t end without first going around the spectacular Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, an ancient volcanic crater that is now a protected nature reserve. This little paradise is famous for its impressive rock formations, which make it one of the most beautiful places in the Azores.

This final moment is perfect for taking incredible photos, enjoying the unique landscape and ending the experience with a true postcard of the Azores.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the beauty of marine life in the Azores up close!

Why choose OceanEye Azores?

✅ Warranty of no sighting – you get a new tour for free
✅ Two boat options – zodiac/rib boat and a catamaran
✅
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
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Bruce Downie profile picture
Bruce Downie
28/08/2026
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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.
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Eli Altes profile picture
Eli Altes
27/08/2026
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Un recorrido estupendo, una guía fantástica y muy buenas explicaciones.
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Paul M profile picture
Paul M
27/08/2026
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Spectacular experience and tremendous hospitality and knowledge. Tour was full of extras. Great value and service. Captain Edmundo and crew were so welcoming!
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Matthew Sullivan profile picture
Matthew Sullivan
27/08/2026
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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!
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Juan Rodriguez profile picture
Juan Rodriguez
26/08/2026
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​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!
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Shaco profile picture
Shaco
26/08/2026
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​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
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Pedro Silva profile picture
Pedro Silva
26/08/2026
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​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!
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Pedro Silva profile picture
Pedro Silva
26/08/2026
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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!
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Soraia Freire profile picture
Soraia Freire
26/08/2026
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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!
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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.

Kayak Rentals and Tours

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.

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