The Azores archipelago ranks among Europe’s finest spots for dolphin watching, with Sao Miguel Island leading the pack. These waters host an impressive 25 species of dolphins and whales year-round. Tour boats depart daily from Vila Franca do Campo, offering both up-close encounters via zodiac boats and more comfortable catamaran experiences.
I’m particularly fond of the half-day tours with marine biologists (€89), which provide fascinating insights while maintaining a respectful distance from these magnificent creatures. The small-group zodiac tours, though pricier at $132, deliver the most intimate wildlife encounters you’ll find in these waters.
Let’s look at the top dolphin watching tours that make the most of your time and money in Sao Miguel.
Key Points
- The “Swim With Dolphins Atlantic Experience” in Vila Franca do Campo offers a 3-hour tour to snorkel with dolphins, limited to 8 participants at €89 per person.
- The “Whale and Dolphin Watching from Ponta Delgada” tour on a catamaran or Zodiac boat provides a 3-hour trip to spot over 25 cetacean species, with a 4.6/5 rating.
- The “Terceira: Zodiac Boat Whale and Dolphin Watching” tour offers a 2.5 to 4-hour experience with a 90% success rate for sightings and stunning coastline views.
- The “Terceira: Dolphin Swimming Tour” provides a 1.5-hour dolphin watching experience led by a marine biologist, with a group size limited to 8 participants at $132.23 per person.
- The “Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit” is an 8-hour excursion that includes whale and dolphin spotting, snorkeling, and a local restaurant lunch, rated 4.6/5.
Azores: Swim With Dolphins Atlantic Experience
One of the premier dolphin watching tours in the Azores is the “Azores: Swim with Dolphins Atlantic Experience“. Priced from €89 per person, this 3-hour tour takes visitors to swim with wild Atlantic dolphins, including common, bottlenose, striped, and Risso’s dolphins.
The tour is limited to 8 participants and offered in multiple languages. Highlights include snorkeling in clear waters and learning about marine life from biologists.
The tour departs from the marina in Vila Franca do Campo and may be modified or cancelled due to weather conditions. With high ratings for transportation and value for money, this is a top choice for those seeking an immersive dolphin encounter in the Azores.
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From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip
Frequently, travelers embark on the 3-hour “Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip” from Ponta Delgada, the largest city in the Azores. For £54 per person, participants can spot over 25 cetacean species, including minke whales, common dolphins, and sperm whales, accompanied by a marine biologist.
The trip offers options for either a catamaran or Zodiac boat, with the catamaran being more suitable for families and those with mobility issues. If no animals are sighted, a second tour is offered free of charge.
With a 4.6/5 rating based on 2,570 reviews, this tour provides an immersive experience to witness the diverse marine life of the Azores.
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Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat
Travelers seeking a more thrilling whale and dolphin watching experience can explore Terceira Island, where a 2.5 to 4-hour Zodiac boat tour offers unparalleled access to the region’s diverse marine life.
With a 90% sighting success rate, the tour provides the chance to spot whales and dolphins in their natural habitat, guided by an expert spotter. Guests can expect stunning views of Terceira’s coastline while learning about the marine creatures and their environment.
The tour includes a live guide, insurance, and hotel pickup and drop-off, though food and drinks aren’t provided.
With an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 157 reviews, this whale and dolphin watching excursion on Terceira is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
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Terceira: Boat Tour and Swimming With Dolphins
Terceira Island offers an exceptional opportunity for visitors to swim with dolphins in their natural habitat.
The 1.5-hour dolphin watching tour is a small group experience, limited to 8 participants, and available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Priced from $132.23 per person, the tour includes a boat ride, life vest, and a guided experience by a marine biologist who’ll share insights into dolphin behavior.
Participants can safely swim with the dolphins while connected to the boat and observe the diverse marine life during the excursion.
The tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 7 reviews, making it a must-try activity for those visiting Terceira Island.
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Whale and Dolphin Watching With Vila Franca Islet Visit
For those seeking a comprehensive marine wildlife experience on Sao Miguel Island, the Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit tour offers an exceptional opportunity.
Priced from $113.18 per person, this 8-hour excursion includes whale and dolphin spotting, a visit to the stunning Vila Franca Islet, and a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights include snorkeling in the islet’s crystal-clear waters, learning about local wildlife from marine biologists, and potentially encountering dolphins, whales, turtles, and seabirds.
With an overall rating of 4.6/5, this tour provides a well-rounded adventure for nature enthusiasts.
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Terceira: Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour
Though nestled in the remote Azores archipelago, Terceira Island offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the majesty of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat through the Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour.
This 3-hour excursion, priced from $63.47 per person, provides the chance to observe up to 27 species of cetaceans. Guided by expert skippers, biologists, and lookouts, the tour offers insights into the island’s geological formations and an impressive success rate of sightings.
With a comprehensive briefing, live commentary in multiple languages, and a team dedicated to ocean conservation, this tour promises an informative and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.
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Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat
Pico Island offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to witness the majestic whales and dolphins of the Azores on a thrilling Zodiac boat tour. Priced from $68.76 per person, the 3-hour experience allows guests to spot over 25 cetacean species, including whales and dolphins.
The tour includes a safety briefing, guided sightseeing, and an introduction to the marine wildlife’s natural habitats, communication, and behaviors. Catering to both Portuguese and English speakers, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for pregnant women, young children, or those with back problems.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 from 241 reviews, this whale and dolphin watching tour is a must-do activity for visitors to the Azores.
Read our full review: Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat Review
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Sum Up
The Azores offer excellent opportunities to spot dolphins and whales, especially on the islands of Sao Miguel, Terceira, and Pico. These tours provide the chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, whether it’s from a boat, a zodiac, or even by swimming alongside them. With a variety of options available, visitors can choose the experience that best suits their interests and budget.