Vila Franca Islet: 0% Carbon Biologist Guided e-Boat Tour

Recommended by 95% of travelers

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Sao Miguel, Portugal

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Booked 10+ times last week!

1 hour (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

The coast along São Miguel is home to notable birdlife, from petrels and terns to buzzards and gannets—a bird-watcher's dream, if you can get close enough. With this small-group tour, cruise out of the marina in Vila Franca do Campo with naturalists and biologists on a marine birding expedition gathering field data for research—approach bird colonies slowly and view them from a distance and through provided binoculars.

Join a marine birding expedition with a small group
View marine bird colonies through provided binoculars
Travel with biologists who know where to find bird colonies
Your zippy Zodiac boat can get up close to bird colonies

What's Included

Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
Experienced Skipper
0% Carbon 0% Noise HPDE e-Boat
All Necessary Equipment
Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest
Insurance

Personal Water supply
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off (available separately)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL
Marina de Vila Franca do Campo 4, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
From Ponta Delgada city center by auto, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the Marina where our Base and Yellow Boats are stationed, and Free Parking can be found.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

Vila Franca do Campo

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT it is not possible to control animals' behavior in the wild, or to guarantee that you will see a specific species at a specific time frame.
This is a high conservational risk activity - a qualified Guide will always be there to ensure the best environmental & conservation standards during tour.
English is the official language, but our team is multinational and will do their best to accommodate your preferred language (this is not guaranteed).
No Children under the age of 4
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Gordon_H

Our guide (Sona?) was incredibly knowledgeable and personable. Great views of the Cory’s Shearwater and a few other species.

Reviews

4.8

based on 38 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Gorgeous quiet ride with a fun expert

Lisa_A, Sep 2026

It feels wonderful to ride in a whisper quiet boat that glides across the water. Also you know that you are not destroying the area. The scientist was able to expertly describe the environment.

Not for birding.

Victor_C, Sep 2026

If birding is your 'thing', don't take this tour. Otherwise it is a nice ride on the water. The biologist was very nice and informative.

Trip to Vila Franca do Campo

Johnny_C, Aug 2026

I went to Vila Franca do Campo, and I had the pleasure of meeting Diane, our guide, and her coworker, who was the captain of their electronic boat. I am sorry I can’t remember the name of the gentleman, and I don’t want to write his name incorrectly, either. About the experience: They took us around the islet and it was magnificent. Diane was so well spoken, attentive and she went over the facts about the Vila Franca do campo islet. They let us record and take pictures, and we had a wonderful time. I would recommend this service to anyone that wants to enjoy this natural beauty.