![Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Reserve Tour [Oct-Apr] | Azores](https://kodama-listing-image.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Azore+whale+watching/vila+franca/1.jpg)
![Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Reserve Tour [Oct-Apr] | Azores](https://kodama-listing-image.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Azore+whale+watching/vila+franca/2.jpg)
![Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Reserve Tour [Oct-Apr] | Azores](https://kodama-listing-image.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Azore+whale+watching/vila+franca/3.jpg)
![Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Reserve Tour [Oct-Apr] | Azores](https://kodama-listing-image.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Azore+whale+watching/vila+franca/4.jpg)
![Vila Franca Islet Off-coast Reserve Tour [Oct-Apr] | Azores](https://kodama-listing-image.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/Azore+whale+watching/vila+franca/5.jpg)
Overview
See up close a beautiful volcanic marvel - the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, which is an off-coast protected natural reserve. Learn more about its geoforming and living fauna and flora! It is teeming with life all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout to answer any questions.
What you will be doing
The tour starts with a short briefing introducing you to the volcanic islet's geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve's rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet
You will disembark at the islet's harbour, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies!
Time to be back to the Marina for check-out.
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: São Miguel - Azores Islands, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
🗺️ Instructions: You will meet us 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 ✅
Entrance ticket
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.