Homepage
Nature and Habitat Tours
Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour

4.5 (7)

Islands, PT

Link has been copied to your clipboard

/ Person

Your Product

Select participants

Child (4-13)

Min: 0 Max: 15

Adult (14-99)

Min: 0 Max: 15

You should select a minimum of and a total maximum of

At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

Please wait, fetching options!

Embark on a thrilling adventure with the Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour and discover the volcanic marvel of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Get up close to its unique geology and vibrant flora and fauna! Set off from Ponta Delgada city center and follow the breathtaking coastal route to Vila Franca do Campo, where you'll meet your guide and skipper. After a short briefing, hop on your designated boat and sail for 10 minutes to reach the islet. Once there, explore the rocky crater adorned with Azorean Heather and Firetree, and keep an eye out for the various bird species that call this place home. With your knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll learn fascinating facts about the islet's wildlife and be able to capture stunning photographs. As the tour ends, make your way back to the marina, filled with unforgettable memories of this enchanting nature reserve.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Included
2 hours 30 minutes
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Small Group Tour, Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Explore a protected natural reserve
Learn about the geology and wildlife
Observe diverse bird species
Capture stunning photographs

Included

All fees and taxes
Knowledgeable wildlife guide and experienced skipper
Impermeable full suit and life vest
Insurance
Zodiac rib boat (12-28 pax)

Not included

Personal water supply

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Escape to a volcanic marvel and discover the stunning Islet of Vila Franca do Campo off the coast of Ponta Delgada. This exclusive tour takes you on an unforgettable journey to a protected natural reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the unique geology and vibrant flora and fauna of this volcanic paradise.

What to expect?

During this 150-minute adventure, you can anticipate a memorable experience filled with awe-inspiring sights and fascinating insights. Embark on a short sea voyage to the islet and step foot on its rocky crater, adorned with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree, and other flora species. The islet is a thriving habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including various bird species like Buzzards, Turnstones, and Sanderlings, as well as Little Egrets and Whimbrels. Keep an eye out for Sally lightfoot crab colonies too! Your knowledgeable guide will provide informative commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of the natural wonders you encounter.

Who is this for?

This tour is designed for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and photography lovers of all ages. Whether you're a curious explorer or a passionate wildlife observer, the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo tour satisfies the cravings of any nature lover. It offers an opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of flora, fauna, and the raw power of volcanoes. Everyone is welcome to join and be captivated by the natural wonders on display.

Why book this?

Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo and experience the thrill of exploring a volcanic marvel. This exclusive tour offers unique selling points that set it apart from other experiences. Journey to a protected natural reserve and delve into the geological wonders of the islet, all while being accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will provide fascinating insights. Witness the thriving biodiversity and impressive array of bird species, capturing precious moments with your camera. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and educational opportunities.

Good to know

To make the most of your tour, remember to eat lightly before the excursion and bring your own water supply, sunscreen, and chapstick. Protect your personal equipment as you indulge your photography passion and capture the stunning sights. Please note that bathing is not permitted during this time of the year.

Reviews

Visitors have shared glowing reviews about their experience with the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo tour. They have praised the knowledgeable guides who provided insightful commentary and made the tour engaging and informative. Guests were captivated by the unique flora and fauna they encountered on the islet, along with the stunning photographic opportunities. Many commended the tour for its combination of adventure and educational aspects, creating a memorable and enriching experience. Overall, visitors expressed their satisfaction with the tour and highly recommended it to fellow nature enthusiasts.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Meeting point & End point

From Ponta Delgada city center by auto, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the Marina where our Base and Yellow Boats are stationed, and Free Parking can be found.

Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™, Marina de, 4, 9680-187 Islands, PT

Your Itinerary

Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™

The tour starts with a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet.

Admission Included

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies! It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask! At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out. Know before you go: Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chapstick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and Camera is essential, especially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment. Bathing is not permitted at this time of the year.

Admission Included

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Not recommended for participants with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant participants
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews

(7)

4.5 (7)

M912SNsonjak

Nice stuff and nice guide who showed us the islands with amazing nature. We had enough time to discover it on our own. Really special place.

William_H

This tour was amazing. The guides were great. We did not get to see any whales nor dolphins because of the weather. I definitely would recommend this tour.

W2945RLkimb

We did not get to go due to “rough” seas even though the whale tours were going. We tried for three days but they cancelled two days and said they were booked for the third; therefore, I cannot give a review but a refund is in the process.

KarleighMeadow_L

Really lovely experience with a very knowledgeable guide. The boat ride was fun with the waves and the tour around the island was super cool. Once on the island it was awesome to see the wild life. We saw birds nesting, lizards, crabs, you could see the brightly coloured fish from land the water was so clear. Our guide was amazing and provided a lot of information on how the island formed, it’s history, and about the plant life and animals. Although snorkelling in the summer on the island would be ideal, having the chance to still visit the island in the off season was great.

Global22941269767

Very pleasant and friendly tour guide. Process and content communicated, friendly atmosphere! Nice tour, with lots of explanations.

Q9545SOritab

I liked it very much. the staff were friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable. the other participants, of various nationalities, were also very friendly. I recommend to everyone.

Quest50811583824

Good and prepared team. Great attention to the marine world and pollution. We saw dolphins and turtles. In the afternoon we also saw the islet of Villa Franca with them. In between they offered us lunch which was included in the package and took us to a little restaurant in front of the sea. Amazing everything.

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-07-01 23:00