Terceira Island: Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling

Exploring the Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling on Terceira Island

If you’re looking for a way to add some aquatic adventure to your trip in the Azores, this Ilhéu das Cabras boat tour with snorkeling might just be the highlight. Offered by Scubazores Divers, this experience promises stunning views of volcanic islets and vibrant marine life, all within a relaxed, guided setting.

What we love about this tour is how it combines easy access to one of the Azores’ most protected and scenic marine areas with expert guidance, ensuring a safe and informative encounter with sea creatures. Plus, the roughly 1.5-hour duration makes it suitable for travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer a shorter, impactful adventure.

However, a possible drawback is that the water temperature might be chilly, even with wetsuits, which could be uncomfortable for some. It’s worth packing a towel and perhaps layering up afterward. This tour suits nature enthusiasts, first-time snorkelers, or anyone eager to experience the Azores’ underwater world in an approachable, well-organized way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Underwater Exploration: Enjoy a guided snorkeling experience in a protected marine zone.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable instructors help you understand marine species and snorkeling basics.
• Scenic Journey: Sail across the Atlantic and witness beautiful volcanic islets and abundant birdlife.
• Authentic Experience: Small group sizes enhance safety, comfort, and personal attention.
• Value for Money: All necessary equipment is included, making it a hassle-free adventure.
• Memorable Encounters: Chances to see jellyfish, rays, groupers, and many other marine species.

What You Can Expect from the Ilhéu das Cabras Snorkeling Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and education, perfect for travelers wanting to see the Azores’ marine environment without needing prior experience. Starting at the Marina de Angra do Heroísmo, you’ll meet your guides, who are fluent in both English and Portuguese, ensuring clear communication.

The trip begins with a 30-minute speedboat ride across the Atlantic, providing stunning views of the coast and a sense of anticipation. As you approach Ilhéu das Cabras, the guides will give a brief explanation of basic snorkeling techniques and safety tips, so even those new to snorkeling can feel confident.

Once at the islet, you’ll have about 30 minutes for activities—which includes photo opportunities, guided tours, swimming, and marine life viewing. It’s worth noting that reviews highlight the guides’ sharp eyes and knowledge, which greatly enhance the experience—spotting everything from jellyfish to parrotfish. The environment is carefully supervised, so you can relax and focus on the wonders beneath the water’s surface.

Afterward, you’ll return to the marina, completing a compact but rewarding trip that leaves many travelers eager for more.

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Marina de Angra do Heroísmo

This lively marina is the hub for your adventure. Its location offers easy access from nearby accommodations, and the check-in process is straightforward, with equipment and briefings handled efficiently.

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Speedboat Ride (30 Minutes)

The boat ride itself becomes part of the fun, with scenic views of the coast, volcanic formations, and the bird-filled islets. The speedboat ensures a quick, exciting transit that gets you to the marine reserve comfortably.

Ilhéus das Cabras

This small volcanic islet is declared a Special Protection Zone, making it a prime spot for observing native birdlife and marine animals. The photo stop allows you to capture the rugged scenery, while the guided tour provides background on the area’s ecological significance.

Snorkeling and Marine Life

The real star of the trip is the underwater experience. Equipped with masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, you’ll be able to see a variety of species such as urchins, starfish, groupers, parrotfish, and even jellyfish or rays—as some reviews mention. The wetsuits are praised for their warmth and comfort, especially helpful considering the water might be cooler than expected.

Return to Marina

After your 30-minute snorkeling session, the boat heads back, giving you time to soak in the scenery and share impressions with fellow travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides snorkel instructors, insurance, and all necessary equipment, which means you won’t need to worry about bringing your own gear or extra costs. The included wetsuits and fins are particularly valuable, as they make chilly waters more comfortable.

Not included are food and drinks, so consider bringing a bottle of water and perhaps a snack if you plan to extend your day in Angra do Heroísmo.

Authentic Experiences from Past Travelers

Many reviewers emphasize the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. Davey highlights, “Thanks to the sharp eyes of Tomás,” they saw stingrays, jellyfish, and many fish species. The small group size—often just six people—creates a relaxed atmosphere, enabling personalized attention and a better chance of spotting wildlife.

Daisy mentions, “The views were obviously, absolutely stunning,” and notes that the trip lasts about 2.5 hours including the briefing and snorkeling. She also recommends bringing a towel because the wind can cool you off after the water.

Renee found the experience “lots of fun,” especially for her first time snorkeling. She appreciated the beautiful scenery and the variety of marine life, including jellyfish and rays. Her glowing review underscores how approachable and enjoyable this experience can be—even for newcomers.

The Value of the Experience

For roughly 1.5 hours of active time, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the Azores’ marine environment. The inclusion of all equipment and expert guidance means you’re getting good value—especially since many reviews highlight how much they saw and learned during such a short trip.

Compared to other activities, this snorkeling tour is reasonably priced considering the small group size, expert guides, and marine reserve access. It’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a short, impactful experience that combines scenic boating with underwater discovery.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is perfect for first-time snorkelers or those who enjoy light outdoor adventures. Since it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, make sure you’re comfortable in the water before booking.

It’s also suited for nature lovers eager to see Azores’ birdlife and marine species, and for travelers wanting a short, guided outdoor activity that combines scenic views with wildlife encounters.

If you’re curious about the underwater world but prefer a relaxed, guided approach rather than a strenuous dive, this tour offers an excellent balance of safety, education, and fun.

The Sum Up

The Ilhéu das Cabras boat tour with snorkeling offers an authentic and visually stunning way to experience the Azores’ marine environment. With knowledgeable guides, well-chosen equipment, and the chance to see a variety of marine creatures, it’s a valuable addition to any trip to Terceira Island for those who appreciate nature and light adventure.

While water temperatures may challenge some, the overall experience compensates through its beautiful scenery, friendly guides, and intimate setting. Perfect for first-timers, small groups, and those with limited time but big interest in marine life.

For travelers eager to add an underwater twist to their Azores itinerary, this tour is a smart, enjoyable choice—delivering memorable moments and the chance to see the islands’ vibrant marine ecosystem up close.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, this snorkeling experience is not suitable for non-swimmers because it requires swimming in open water.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel. The tour provides wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

How long does the entire experience last?
Including the briefing, boat ride, snorkeling, and return, the trip lasts about 1.5 hours.

What is the group size?
While not explicitly stated, reviews suggest small groups of around six people, which helps with personalized attention.

Is the water cold?
The water may feel chilly, but wetsuits do a good job of keeping you warm. Some travelers recommend bringing a towel for after the activity.

Are there wildlife sightings?
Yes, reports include seeing jellyfish, rays, groupers, parrotfish, and starfish, thanks to guides’ sharp eyes and knowledge.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Portuguese.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is food or drinks included?
No, you’ll need to bring your own snacks or drinks if desired, as they are not provided.

What’s the best time to do this tour?
Availability varies, so check the schedule. Clear, calm days will give you the best experience, but specific weather conditions are not detailed.

This snorkeling tour at Ilhéu das Cabras blends scenic boat rides, expert guidance, and vibrant marine life into a truly memorable Azores adventure. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers seeking a light, authentic, and engaging way to connect with the islands’ natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: