Private Seafari Boat Trip : Full Day

Planning a day at sea around Faial Island? This private full-day Seafari promises a personalized adventure, combining marine encounters, breathtaking views, and a taste of local flavors. While it’s a premium experience in terms of price, the exclusivity and rich itinerary make it a compelling choice for those eager to explore the Azores’ underwater and coastal beauty.

We particularly enjoy the intimacy of the private tour — it feels tailored, with flexible schedules and the chance to witness unique marine events. The opportunity to snorkel or free-dive with sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins is a definite highlight, as is the chance for photography lovers to capture untouched landscapes from the water.

One potential consideration: the cost is on the higher side, which might not suit all travelers. However, if the value of a custom, wildlife-focused day at sea aligns with your vacation priorities, this trip could be well worth it. It’s especially ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for a more exclusive, immersive experience.

Who should consider this experience?

This tour is best suited for small groups—up to six people—who value personalized attention and are eager to encounter marine life in a pristine setting. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers eager to capture both undersea scenes and coastal vistas.

Key Points

• Exclusive Private Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: You can customize the schedule to focus on wildlife, snorkeling, or specific marine events.
• Rich Marine Encounters: Opportunities to see sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and seabirds.
• Stunning Views: Panoramic landscapes of Faial, Pico, and São Jorge Islands from the sea.
• Organic Local Lunch: Enjoy fresh, locally sourced food and drinks in a quiet, secret bay.
• Expert Guidance: Led by a marine biologist, ensuring insightful spotting and safe snorkeling.

A Closer Look at the Seafari Experience

Starting at PicoBicadas in Madalena, the tour kicks off with a personalized briefing from Silvio, a marine biologist and experienced skipper. This is where the adventure begins to take shape—whether you’re eager to chase feeding events, seek out specific wildlife, or just relax and soak in the scenery.

The Check Dive: Warming Up in Pristine Coastal Waters

Soon after boarding, the group practices snorkeling skills during a 15-minute check dive. This refreshes everyone’s confidence and prepares you for the main event—wildlife spotting and underwater exploration. The coastal waters are described as pristine, promising clear visibility and abundant marine life.

Wildlife Watching: The Heart of the Trip

What sets this tour apart is the flexibility to tailor the day to your wildlife interests. If you’re an early riser, you can set out at 5:30 AM to try and witness feeding behaviors and bait balls, which are spectacular natural displays of fish and marine predators. Alternatively, the focus can shift to spotting sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, or tunas, especially during prime seasons.

The review mentions a guest’s excitement about the possibility of swimming with whale sharks from mid-August to October, emphasizing the tour’s seasonal highlights and focus on marine biodiversity. The guide’s local expertise and flexibility mean you’re more likely to see the specific marine creatures that fascinate you.

Snorkeling & Free-Diving: Up Close and Personal

Once wildlife is located, you’ll have plenty of time to snorkel or even free-dive, with the chance to see sea turtles, coastal fishes, and even sharks. The experience is designed for marine lovers—whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, the guide ensures safety and enjoyment.

The Secret Bay and Organic Lunch

Midday brings a special treat: a picnic in a quiet, secret bay with fresh organic produce and local drinks. This isn’t just a meal, but an experience of enjoying organic, local flavors in a peaceful setting, away from tourist hotspots. The bay’s tranquility adds to the magic, and you’ll love the views to Pico, Faial, and São Jorge Islands while indulging in tasty, fresh fare.

Underwater Landscapes and Coastal Views

Throughout the day, the boat cruises past iconic landmarks like the Capelinhos volcano and Monte de Guia. The scenery from the sea is spectacular—craggy coastlines, volcanic formations, and dramatic cliffs. Observing these landscapes from the water offers a different appreciation of Faial’s volcanic origin and rugged beauty.

Flexibility and Personal Attention

One of the key benefits is the flexibility in scheduling and routes. If you’re in search of specific sea life or events, the guide is happy to adapt the plan, making your trip more tailored and engaging.

Authenticity and Local Touch

Guests have praised the crew’s friendliness and professionalism, with one noting how they appreciated the ability to speak in Catalan—highlighting the local, personal touch of this tour.

Analyzing the Value

While the price is around $1,796 for up to six people, the private nature of the tour justifies the cost. It’s not just a boat trip—it’s a personalized, wildlife-focused adventure that offers insider access to Faial’s marine environment. The inclusion of organic food and drinks adds to the experience’s appeal, turning it into a full-day indulgence rather than a simple outing.

For those who prioritize exclusive access, wildlife encounters, and scenic beauty, this experience delivers a lot of value. The fact that it is designed for small groups ensures you won’t be rushed or crowded, providing a relaxed atmosphere that allows for more meaningful interactions with nature.

Practical Details and Tips

• Booking in Advance: The tour is usually booked around 15 days ahead, so plan early if you want to secure a spot.
• Duration: Expect about 7 hours on the water, a full day designed for immersion and relaxation.
• Pick-Up: The tour offers pickup from your accommodation or meeting points, which is convenient.
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, snorkeling gear if you have your own, and a camera for those spectacular views and underwater shots.
• Weather Considerations: The trip relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, a different date or full refund is available.

The Experience in Summary

This private Seafari is not just about the sea—it’s about connecting intimately with Faial’s marine ecosystems and landscapes. The personalized approach lets you chase specific sights or relax with friends, all while soaking in the stunning coastlines and observing incredible marine wildlife.

The organic lunch and quiet bay stop are highlights that add a special touch, making this more than a typical boat tour. With the expert guidance of Silvio, you’re in safe hands to explore the waters confidently and responsibly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re traveling with a small group and want a flexible, wildlife-oriented day at sea, this tour offers an engaging, memorable experience. It’s particularly suited for adventurers, wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone craving a private, authentic encounter with the Azores’ marine life. Those who appreciate good food and peaceful scenery will find this trip especially rewarding.

FAQ

• What is included in the tour price? The price covers the full-day private boat trip for up to 6 people, including a fresh organic lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment if needed, and expert guidance from a marine biologist.
• Can I customize the trip? Yes, the itinerary is flexible. You can choose to focus on wildlife spotting, snorkeling, or specific marine events like feeding behaviors.
• What if the weather is bad? The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Is this suitable for children? Yes, most travelers can participate, and the small group setting makes it family-friendly, especially if children are comfortable in the water.
• How long is the trip? Expect approximately 7 hours at sea, from departure to return.
• What should I bring? Bring sunscreen, comfortable clothing, possibly your own snorkeling gear, and a camera or smartphone for photos.
• Is transportation provided? Pickup is offered from your accommodation or designated meeting points, making logistics easier.

Final Thoughts

This private Seafari in Faial offers a splendid blend of adventure, relaxation, and discovery. The chance to see diverse marine life, coupled with stunning sea views and a delicious organic lunch, makes it a top-tier choice for those looking to experience the Azores from a different perspective.

While it’s a premium experience, the exclusivity and tailored itinerary ensure you get a truly personal and memorable day at sea. Perfect for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and anyone eager for a peaceful, scenic adventure with a knowledgeable guide.

If you’re seeking a unique, immersive encounter with Faial’s marine world, this trip could be one of the most rewarding parts of your Azores journey.