Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Nature Reserve Tour: Explore a Volcanic Marvel and Its Diverse Ecosystem
4.3
7 Ratings
Islands

Get a closer look at the volcanic wonder that is the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a protected nature reserve located off the coast. Gain insights into its geological features as well as its diverse fauna and flora!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.

  • 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.

What's Included
  • Guidance from a knowledgeable wildlife guide and an experienced skipper
  • Provision of impermeable full suits and life vests for safety
  • Inclusive of all fees and applicable taxes
  • Insurance coverage included
  • Excursion on a Zodiac RIB boat suitable for 12 to 28 passengers
What's Not Included
  • Personal Water supply
Location
Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL
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.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(7 Ratings)
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Global22941269767
Mar 19, 2024
Pleasant - Very pleasant and friendly tour guide. Process and content communicated, friendly atmosphere! Nice tour, with lots of explanations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q9545soritab
Nov 21, 2023
to redo. - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
William_h
Nov 15, 2023
This tour was amazing.... - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Quest50811583824
Nov 8, 2023
Great experience! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karleighmeadow_l
Oct 28, 2023
Amazing Experience! - 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.
Review provided by Viator
M912snsonjak
Jan 28, 2024
Have to come back in summer - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W2945rlkimb
Nov 1, 2023
Tour did not go! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor