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Portugal
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Azores
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Ponta Delgada
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Tours & Activities
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Full-Day Whales & The Princess Ring Islet
1 day
Full Day
Instant confirmation
About this activity
You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at 08:30.
The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing you to Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.
Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to board their designated boat, and go out to sea. Our lookout high inland will then locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel - initially at high speed, so hold on and enjoy the ride!
While approaching our friends slowly, and very carefully, your Guide will keep you informed on what you are observing, and is always available throughout the expedition to provide answers to any specific questions - please feel free to ask anything at any time.
Upon return to the Marina, the boat will tour outside the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for a first look at the volcanic marvel and resident wildlife.
At 12:00 it is time to return to the Marina for lunch local food at a local village restaurant - at walking distance from our Marina.
At 13:30 you will meet us back at the Marina, when you will be provided with your snorkeling gear, and a ticket to travel 10 minutes on a converted traditional fishing boat to the islet’s inside, now self-guided and free to explore the natural reserve Princess Ring, just outside the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo. A volcanic crater & natural pool with views to the open Atlantic, perfect for bathing, swimming and snorkeling.
From then, boats departure the Islet back to the Marina on every hour until 17:30 - be sure not to miss it! We’ll be waiting for you at our Base for check-out and returning your snorkeling gear.
Know before you go:
• Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, swimsuit, towel, and warm clothing, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - please protect any electronics and personal equipment.
• Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
• This tour is inappropriate and inadvisable for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, or in delicate health condition.
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The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing you to Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, their natural habitat, communication, migration, behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.
Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to board their designated boat, and go out to sea. Our lookout high inland will then locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel - initially at high speed, so hold on and enjoy the ride!
While approaching our friends slowly, and very carefully, your Guide will keep you informed on what you are observing, and is always available throughout the expedition to provide answers to any specific questions - please feel free to ask anything at any time.
Upon return to the Marina, the boat will tour outside the Princess Ring Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, for a first look at the volcanic marvel and resident wildlife.
At 12:00 it is time to return to the Marina for lunch local food at a local village restaurant - at walking distance from our Marina.
At 13:30 you will meet us back at the Marina, when you will be provided with your snorkeling gear, and a ticket to travel 10 minutes on a converted traditional fishing boat to the islet’s inside, now self-guided and free to explore the natural reserve Princess Ring, just outside the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo. A volcanic crater & natural pool with views to the open Atlantic, perfect for bathing, swimming and snorkeling.
From then, boats departure the Islet back to the Marina on every hour until 17:30 - be sure not to miss it! We’ll be waiting for you at our Base for check-out and returning your snorkeling gear.
Know before you go:
• Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, swimsuit, towel, and warm clothing, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - please protect any electronics and personal equipment.
• Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.
• This tour is inappropriate and inadvisable for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, or in delicate health condition.
Included
- Whale Watching Tour
- Lunch with local food, inclusive of entree, main, complimentary drinks and dessert
- Snorkeling Mask and Tube
- Insurance
- Lunch
Not included
- Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
- Personal Water supply
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- At the Islet, all individuals are responsible to comply with the natural reserve’s rules.
- IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT: Although our data shows 98% spotting chance for cetaceans in an average of 3 species per tour, 4 resident species (including Sperm Whales) from up to 28 sighted in a year, and even though we only go out by indication from an inland high lookout, it is not possible to control their behavior, or to guarantee that you will see specifically Whales, or any other species at a specific time frame.
- Reservations are at all times subject to rescheduling to availability requirements, safety, and weather conditions.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Features
Tourism
45%
Cultural
45%
Sport
20%
Adrenaline
20%
Reviews
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The whole experience was magnificent. We could not be anymore pleased with this experience. It was beyond our expectations. Thank you!
This trip was extraordinary. We arranged for a pick up and drop off with the company which was great! Upon arrival every single staff member we encountered was amazing. Everyone was very friendly and so enthusiastic. During the whale watching portion we saw sperm whales, two different types of dolphins and even a sea turtle! At one point spotted dolphins were swimming alongside our boat and it was truly exhilarating! After the whale watching portion we had the lunch that was included. The only criticism I have is with the restaurant we went to. The service wasn't that great and the servers were a bit rude and looked after a large party that came in with much more attention than my wife and I. After lunch we took a ferry to the Princess Ring and it is SO WORTH it! There are beautiful tropical fish that you can see when you snorkel and the small crater is just something to be seen. Many people we encountered said the ferry tickets to the Islet sell out very fast as only 400 people a day are allowed to go so it was a true privilege and delight to be able to spend the afternoon there.