7 Boat Tours in the Azores to Build a Day Around

1.Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,146 reviews · from $70Our pick

From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, join Terra Azul’s biologist-led search for whales, dolphins, turtles, birds, and fish. Guides such as Frida, Sanne, and Alexandra explain local species while the RIB covers open water, then circles the volcanic Princess Ring Islet. Bring water, sunscreen, and seasickness tablets.

“Fantastic. Knowledgeable guides who follow an ethical approach. Lots of fun, exhilarating and educational. Was perfect for the whole family.”

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2.Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,059 reviews · from $71

Set out from Vila Franca do Campo with a marine biologist and skipper on a 12 or 28-seat RIB. After a safety and species briefing, search for sperm and pilot whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life, then circle the volcanic Princess Ring Islet.

“It was a beautiful day out on the oceans, great crew! We saw also a rare species Pilot whale, beautiful sights 😍💙”

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3.Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, you’ll circle the volcanic islet with a biologist such as Alex, Erica, or João, spot fish and seabirds through the glass bottom, then snorkel beside starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and moray eels.

“We had a lot of fun, first we thought the snorkeling might be a bit short, cuz the Guide talked alot about Fish & Vegetation, but we had a long time in the Water und even beyond the 2hours we were busy close up to 3 hours. The guide kept us as a group during the trip in the water and frequently asked if anybody wants ro go back to the boat. The Captain was also quite funny and very friendly. Totaly recommend that tour!”

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4.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

Meet Aqua Açores at Lajes do Pico harbor for a 2.5-hour Zodiac trip along Pico’s coast. Your Portuguese or English-speaking guide introduces you to cetaceans, while the skipper searches for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. Bring sun protection and expect possible spray, rough water, and memorable views of Pico Mountain.

“It was a great activity, we did it twice to have even more chance to seeing more wildlife. It felt safe and well organised, we even got a little card at the end to confirm what we saw!”

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5.Horta: University Startup Whale and Dolphin RIB Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 225 reviews · 3 hours · from $101Top rated

Join a 16-passenger RIB from Horta Marina for a three-hour search for sperm whales, dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and seasonal whales. A marine researcher from the University of Lisbon and the Azores explains the animals and collects data. Tours run in English or Portuguese.

“Excellent! We were lucky enough to see sperm whales and other marine animals. The guide has very deep knowledge about the topic which makes it even more interesting. I also like the fact that some of the money goes for research preposes.”

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6.Boat Trip to Corvo and Island Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 141 reviews · from $49Best value

Join skipper Hugo Costa aboard the black MERO from Santa Cruz to Corvo. The day includes Flores coast views, caves, cascades, an Atlantic crossing, the Caldeirão crater, and time in Corvo village. Bring cash for the crater taxi and good shoes for the trail.

“We had a great time! Hugo the captain was amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and got us safely there and back. 100% recommend! Corvo is definitely worth a trip. Our tour had to be rescheduled for the next day because of bad weather, so don’t leave it for your last day.”

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7.Faial Island: Unique boat tour to the Capelinhos volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 50 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

From Horta Marina, Kamila and Chris take you along Faial’s volcanic coast to Capelinhos, Elephant Rock, sea caves, bays, and Morro de Castelo Branco. Expect a 30 to 45 minute safety and geology briefing, three hours on the water, and possible dolphin or whale sightings.

“Incredible experience to see and understand the island of faial from the sea side. Highly recommended !!”

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