Boat Trip along the North Coast in Capelas

A Clear Water Escape: Boat Trip along the North Coast in Capelas

Our review of this boat trip along São Miguel’s rugged north coast offers a glimpse into a journey filled with geological wonders, historic tales, and stunning views. While we haven’t personally taken this cruise, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-organized and authentic experience that appeals to nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone craving a scenic sea adventure.

What we love most about this tour is the way it combines geological marvels like the Buraco de São Pedro with the chance to relax by the water and learn about the island’s past. The small-group size ensures a personal touch, with guides who seem genuinely passionate and friendly. The second perk is the opportunity to see São Miguel’s coastline from an entirely new perspective, sailing past beaches and cliffs that are often hidden from land.

A potential downside? The tour is weather-dependent, like most boat trips, so poor conditions could mean cancellations or a less enjoyable experience. It’s also a relatively short trip—about two and a half hours—so if you’re looking for an extended adventure, this might feel a bit brief.

This trip is perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxing sea views—especially those who prefer small groups and informative guides. It’s ideal for visitors who enjoy scenic outings but don’t want to commit to a full-day tour.

Key Points

• Beautiful Geological Formations: See tuff cones and arches formed by submarine eruptions that tell stories of the island’s volcanic past.
• Authentic Coastal Experience: Explore historic whaling sites and learn about the island’s maritime history.
• Stunning Coastal Views: Sail past beaches like Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde, with plenty of photo-worthy moments.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Max 10 travelers, making the experience intimate and friendly.
• Relaxing Breaks: Opportunities to swim in the blue waters of the bay and enjoy the scenery.
• Excellent Value: At $75.19 per person, the tour provides geological, historical, and scenic insights in a compact, well-organized package.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Rabo de Peixe: The Starting Point and Safety Briefing

The adventure begins at Rabo de Peixe, a vibrant fishing village with a character all its own. The meeting point at R. da Cruz 46 is accessible, and the guides start with a thorough briefing, covering safety instructions and what to expect. This initial orientation helps set a comfortable tone, especially for first-time boaters or those wary of open sea adventures.

Here, the guide’s professionalism shines through, helping everyone feel prepared and cared for before setting sail at approximately 9:30 am. The small group size ensures individual attention, and the free water or tea and cookies make waiting more pleasant—simple touches that enhance the overall experience.

São Vicente Ferreira: Geological Wonders and Coastal Caves

The first stop takes us toward Capelas, a village with a coast full of visual delights. The highlight here is the Morro das Capelas, a cone of tuffs created by a submarine eruption, similar to an islet near Vila Franca do Campo. You’ll see arches and caves carved into volcanic rock, which make for impressive photo ops and give a tangible sense of the island’s fiery past.

This part of the tour is an excellent opportunity to learn about the volcanic activity that shaped the landscape. The reviews praise the guides for their interesting and informative commentary, which adds depth to this scenic outing. One traveler said, “Paulo provided interesting and informative information about the island, life on the island and the local people,” which shows the tour isn’t just about looking at rocks but understanding how they fit into the island’s story.

Capelas: A Historic Village and Water Break

Next, the boat pauses at Capelas itself—famous for its history of whaling. The visit includes a chance to dive into the bay’s blue waters and see the historic sites linked to the once-flourishing whaling industry. This stop combines natural beauty with cultural history, giving visitors a sense of the village’s prosperous past.

The 15-minute stop allows you to relax, take photos, or even take a quick swim. As one reviewer noted, the experience is very well organized, with “everything very professionally handled,” making this a smooth part of the trip.

Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara: Open Sea and Marine Life

The journey continues across the open sea to the beaches near Ribeira Grande, including Santa Bárbara and Monte Verde. During this leg, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the coastline and potential marine sightings—perhaps seabirds, dolphins, or the crashing surf. The tour also offers insights into recent geological phenomena, adding educational value to the scenic ride.

This segment lasts about 30 minutes and is appreciated as a highlight by travelers who enjoy viewing the island from the water—a perspective that often reveals details missed from land.

Return Along the Coastline: Hidden Beaches and Scenic Promontories

On the way back to Rabo de Peixe, the boat passes along the coastline, giving you a different view of the cliffs, beaches, and hidden coves like Santana’s secret beach. The return leg is a gentle cruise, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery and reflect on the trip. The guides often do a debrief, ensuring everyone departs feeling satisfied and informed.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $75.19 per person, this boat trip packs in natural beauty, geological insights, and cultural stories into a manageable half-day. The price includes safety gear, insurance, water, and snacks, which adds to its appeal. The small-group size means you’ll get more personalized attention, making it feel less like a touristy rush and more like a friendly outing.

The tour’s focus on geological formations like the Buraco de São Pedro provides a tangible connection to the island’s volcanic past, which is fascinating even for those not usually interested in geology. The inclusion of historic whaling sites offers a cultural layer that enriches the scenic experience.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This trip suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides in intimate groups, especially those who enjoy learning about natural formations and local history. It’s also ideal for visitors who want a short, relaxing excursion without the commitment of a full-day tour. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want an authentic experience that’s both educational and fun, this is an excellent choice.

It’s particularly appealing for those who appreciate stunning views of the coast, caves, and beaches, as well as anyone interested in the volcanic stories that shape São Miguel. Be aware that, like most boat trips, weather plays a role—so check forecasts and be prepared for possible cancellations.

The Sum Up

This boat trip along São Miguel’s north coast offers a balanced mix of geological marvels, scenic beauty, and historical insights. The small-group format encourages a personal touch, and guides seem genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. For those craving a relaxed, scenic sea outing that combines nature, history, and local flavor, this experience delivers good value and memorable moments.

While it’s not a full-day extravaganza, it’s perfect for travelers seeking a compact, authentic adventure. The stunning coastlines, caves, and volcanic formations make it a highlight that complements land-based explorations. If you love breathtaking views and a chance to learn while floating on gentle waters, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQs

How long is the boat trip?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including stops and cruising time.

What is included in the price?
The price covers safety and activity briefing, life jacket, insurance (personal accidents and civil liability), water or tea, and cookies.

Are there any additional costs?
Snacks are not included, so if you want extra treats or food, you’ll need to bring or buy them separately.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at R. da Cruz 46 in Rabo de Peixe, Portugal.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and given the small group size and safety measures, it’s generally family-friendly.

How many people are in each boat?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personal experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 88 days in advance, which suggests the tour is popular and well-organized.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, there is a break to swim in the bay’s clear waters, which many travelers find to be a refreshing highlight.

In summary, this boat trip along São Miguel’s coast offers a delightful mix of geology, history, and scenery in a cozy, well-run package. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want a relaxed sea adventure that enriches their understanding of the island’s volcanic origin and maritime past—plus, the views are simply stunning.