Azores: Whale & Dolphin Wonders + Islet Full-Day Escape

We had such a wonderful time on this adventure, the staff of the company was amazing, and educational. They were very resourceful, and my friend and i really enjoyed the day! I would recommend to anyone who loves nature!

Really incredible day. We were lucky to see both dolphins and whales, the whales were pretty far away but I understand we don’t want to disturb their natural habitat. The true highlight for me was visiting the islet, it was a magical place. The water was crystal clear. It started raining lightly while we were there but it wasn’t cold and it just added to the experience. I will say some members of the group felt the day was a little long, but I thought they broke it up nicely with lunch and I truly enjoyed it all. I would maybe just recommend bringing dry clothes and don’t change into them until after the last boat ride to Ponta Delgada. Again, for us it was raining so it may be different for you. Also Bea, our guide, was lovely.

We got to see a lot we wouldn’t otherwise have seen. Dolphins and a whole view of the beautiful island. Visiting and swimming in Vila Franca was awesome too. Plus the guides were friendly and fun.

Seeing the wild dolphins was a fantastic experience. We enjoyed it! Our lunch was, unfortunately, a pack to go rather not great. And the trip to Vila Franca Islet could have been much better organised. You need to sit in the crowded local boat in the shining sun ( this is the only way you can get there).

We did the tour with Bea and Katharina. Both were excellent marine biologists and tour guides. We saw three different species of dolphins. Bea explained the differences very well. Also it was very animalfriendly. Once we saw the dolphins, the boat slowed down and the boat kept a distance to not disturb them. Some dolphins swam very close to the boat though. Also Bea mentioned an important point that those dolphins belong to the wild and not in an amusement or marine park!! Very well said! The stopover at that little island was very pleasant as well. Thank you☺️

A great tour! Our guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the the island of São Miguel and the whales / dolphins as a whole. She was able to answer all the questions we asked and was very considerate with my mother’s dietary restrictions (due to the lunch box). Getting to see the islet was amazing and the tour provided snorkel mask & tube. I really wish I remembered our guides names because they were amazing! I believe it was a J or M. They smiled the entire time and you could tell they really loved their jobs. They spoke multiple languages and the boat driver was safe but not sluggish. We will definitely do this tour (or another one with the same company) again! Notes: -if sandwiches are not something you like maybe bring your own lunch -I’d suggest bringing water shoes and an umbrella/hat/shade for the islet!

Very un organized! To much time driving for a couple Whales far away from boat. Dolphins was better. Vila Franca Islet, we had enough time for swimming and snorkeling.

Barley to no water provided. No access to a restroom for 4 hours. Lunches were edible. Tour guide nearly missed the boat.

Whales, dolphins and flying fish. Great day on the boat. Staff were attentive and knowledgeable. They took the time to explain the different species. Had a great lunch. It was better than expected. Thanks to the full day tour we were able to experience swimming at the Ilhéu de Vila Franca. Was able to bring my 8 and 12 year old. It was safe and they loved the experience.

I had great expectations for this tour and I am sorry to say I was disappointed. The crew was very nice and helpful but the tour was not what we were hoping for. We were able to see a glimpse of whales, from very far. There were just little bumps on the water, a mother and a baby, a couple of times. I assume that there are regulations that prevented us from coming closer and I respect that. Just don't expect to see whales right next to the boat, it won't happen. Then it was decided to go to the islet, and maybe we would see dolphins on the way. We did not. We were dropped off on the islet right before noon, with a packed lunch (a couple of sandwiches, an apple, juice and water). Apparently, the restaurant could not accommodate us. Not the tour's fault so it was ok. But then we were stranded on the islet until 3:30 pm when the boat would pick us up. More than 3 h and a half to wait. Basically in the sun (very little shade) on the big rocks, not very comfortable. There was a little beach which had disappeared with the tide by the time we finally left. Not much to do on the islet. Did a little snorkeling in the cool water. Did not do any canoeing, the water outside the islet seemed a little rough. We just couldn't wait to leave. I wish we had spent less time on the islet and more trying to see some dolphins. This is what we had come for and paid for. We envy the people who had a great tour and saw awesome things. We didn't. We wish we had bypass this tour and spent more time visiting the wonderful Saõ Miguel island.