Vila Franca Islet Tour
Vila Franca Islet Tour
We'll meet at the indicated time at the port in Vila Franca do Campo, located in the south of the island of São Miguel. After a brief introduction to the wildlife and plants we'll soon be discovering, we'll travel by zodiac to the islet of Vila Franca Nature Reserve—the crossing takes just 10 minutes!
Once we dock at this tiny, uninhabited islet in the Azores, the entirety of which is a protected nature reserve, we'll embark on a hiking route. During the approximately 1.5-hour walk around Vila Franca Islet, we'll enjoy some unforgettable bird watching opportunities. Did you know that this area of the North Atlantic is home to a wide diversity of birds?
The main birds that inhabit the Vila Franca Nature Reserve include buzzards, sandpipers, little egrets and curlews. The islet is also home to large colonies of other birds such as canaries and wagtails. If the sea currents are favourable, we'll also be able to spot other kinds of animals such as crabs and small fish.
Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you'll learn all about the plants endemic to the volcanic islet. Plus, from Vila Franca's large caldera, you'll also enjoy a breathtaking view of the south coast of São Miguel.
At the end of the hiking route around the islet, we'll return to the port in Vila Franca do Campo, where we're expected to arrive after 3 hours in total.
Summer Tour
Between April 15th and October 14th, it's not possible to disembark on the islet of Vila Franca. Therefore, we'll only take a 45-minute boat trip around the islet.
As in the previous option, we'll depart from the port of Vila Franca do Campo. During the trip to the islet, you'll marvel at the views of the submerged volcano and the details of its structure sculpted by seismic and marine activity. From the boat, you can admire the geological highlights and learn about the marine life that thrives in this area, especially between autumn and spring, when biodiversity is at its peak.
As we sail around the islet, we'll tell you the story of how this volcano and its surroundings have influenced the life of Vila Franca do Campo, from the time when its first inhabitants faced the challenges of the Atlantic to the present day—you can ask all the questions you want!
After enjoying the breathtaking views and learning all the secrets of this marine sanctuary, we'll return to the Marina to finish this 45-minute boat trip.
Bird Watching
The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the best places in the Azores for bird watching. However, the animals are unpredictable. The number and species of birds we see will depend on various factors such as the weather at the time, and the breeding and rearing seasons of the different species.
More Information
Duration
45m - 3h.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and other languages.
Included
Transport by zodiac
English–speaking guide
Waterproof jacket and life jackets for the journey
Entry to Vila Franca Islet Nature Reserve (depending on the season)
When to book?
You can book up to the tour start time subject to availability. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
Our providers commit to:
- Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle.
- Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
- Uphold fair employment standards.
- Foster the growth of local communities.
- Preserve the integrity of local culture.
- Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
- Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
- Operate with honesty and transparency.
- Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.
This particular activity contributes as follows:
- Printed material is avoided.
- No single-use plastics are used.
- The show represents local culture.
- The indigenous community participates in the management of the activity.
- The activity helps the conservation of biodiversity.
- The activity helps the dissemination of local cultural heritage.
- The activity helps vulnerable groups.
- Is there a water dispenser.
- The activity helps to promote peace.
- The activity promotes local production.
- No printing of documentation required.
- Promotes local employment.
- Has a gender equality policy.
- Has a carbon footprint offset policy.
Provider
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Azores Whale Watching
Corporate name: TERRAZUL ANIMACAO TURISTICA LDA
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?
A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
Free cancellation
Vila Franca do Campo Marina
