Overview
Join a marine wildlife expedition to explore hidden places and observe coastal colonies. We will look for the season's shorebirds and seabirds, observe their wild behaviour out to sea, and enjoy some incredible ocean views!
What you will be doing
The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing to species that can be observed locally, such as their migratory and behavioural patterns, and onboard safety
Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat and go out to sea. The boat will travel along the coast to observe the known coastal colonies, shorebirds, and life at the volcano islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and then head out to sea looking to for seabirds and other wildlife
Many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as on-route refuge - marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in Spring with the arrival of migratory species, and in Autumn with rare American vagrants.It is the largest known colonies of Cory's Shearwater and Roseate Terns. Commonly sighted species are Barolo Shearwater, Common Terns, and Yellow legged Gulls, occasionally Bulwer's Petrel, Grant's and Monteiro's Storm-petrel, unexpected surprises are Bridled and Sooty Terns. Migratory not breeding Great Shearwater and Leach's Storm-petrel can be regularly observed, as well as Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, and vagrant Arctic, Pomarine and Great Skuas, possibly Little Egret and Turnstones, Whimbrel, and surprise rarities
At 11:00 we will return to the Marina
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: São Miguel - Azores Islands, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
🗺️ Instructions: Meet at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at the specified time.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended - protect any personal equipment
Minimum age is 4
NOT FOR anyone with weak back or in delicate health condition.
Inclusion ✅
Spotting scope
Marine biologist
Tour guide
Exclusion ❌
Water
Pick up and drop off transport
About your host
Terra AzulBased at the Marina of the coastal village of Vila Franca do Campo, in São Miguel Island - Azores Islands, Portugal, we have 20+ years in operating marine ecotours such as whale watching, and interactive and educational tourism experiences. All equipment is professional graded and all our staff are accredited and experienced, and committed to actively contribute to wildlife conservation research & education. Every tour is accompanied by an experienced Skipper, and a Marine Biologist or Naturalist Guide, and data collected during outings contribute towards the Azores Islands’ Cetaceans Conservation & Research project. With deep rooting to the culture of the Azores Islands, TERRA AZUL applies the authentic azorean techniques used for Whaling until 1984, now to the service of culture and education in leisure, and an even better chance to see marine Wildlife. The Azores Islands are a unique place when it comes to wild marine animals. With 4 resident Cetacean species (including Sperm Whales) from total 28 sighted every year, we register a 98% chance of spotting Cetaceans in an average of 3 different species per outing.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.