Passeios Turísticos: Trip to Corvo by Boat

Key Points

• Affordable price at $41 per person for a full-day sea adventure
• 7.5-hour tour departing from Santa Cruz das Flores with small groups limited to 10 participants
• Visit to Corvo Island, with 5 hours on the island and optional taxi to the Caldeirão
• Highlights include cave explorations and marine species sightings, such as whales and dolphins
• Expert guides speak multiple languages including English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and German
• Includes passage along Flores’ northeast coast with chances to see waterfalls and caves during the boat trip

This 7.5-hour boat tour departs from Santa Cruz das Flores and offers a comprehensive experience of the Azores’ stunning maritime scenery. For $41 per person, travelers get to explore Corvo Island—the smallest in the archipelago—and enjoy the natural beauty of Flores Island along the way. The tour features a visit to caves, marine wildlife sightings, and a walk around Corvo, making it ideal for those eager to experience the Azores from the water.

While the trip is packed with highlights, it also has practical features like small group sizes—limited to 10 participants—which ensure personalized attention and a more relaxed pace. The tour begins at Porto das Poças in Santa Cruz das Flores, where boats named Nemo 1 and Avó João await under the guidance of skipper Elisiário Cristino Serpa. It’s an experience that combines adventure, nature, and local expertise in a single day.

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From Santa Cruz das Flores to Corvo Island by Boat

The journey starts early at 9:30 AM, with guests advised to arrive at Porto das Poças by 9:00 AM. The trip covers the north-east coast of Flores, offering scenic views of waterfalls and caves along the way. The crossing from Flores to Corvo involves navigating the immense Atlantic waters, with an excellent chance to spot marine species, including whales, dolphins, and seabirds during the voyage.

Upon arrival at Corvo Island, the group spends five hours on the island, allowing ample time for exploration. Visitors are encouraged to take the taxi (optional, costing around 10 euros) to the Caldeirão, a notable crater, or enjoy some free time at the local restaurant and bars. The guide helps coordinate the island visit, ensuring that everyone gets the most out of their stay.

Visiting the Caves Along Flores’ Northeast Coast

One of the tour’s highlights is exploring caves along Flores Island. After departing Corvo around 4:00 PM, the boat heads back along the coast of Flores, giving the group a chance to admire caves and waterfalls from the water. These caves are notable for their natural formations and are often accompanied by sightings of marine species during the ride.

The coastal journey offers a different perspective of Flores, revealing rugged cliffs, waterfalls cascading into the ocean, and hidden coves. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, providing context to the geological features and marine life observed during this scenic cruise.

Marine Life Encounters and Natural Surprises

This trip is particularly praised for marine species sightings. During the voyage, passengers have a good chance of seeing whales, dolphins, and seabirds, thanks to the guides’ attention and the rich waters of the Atlantic. Several reviews highlight whale sightings as a memorable part of the experience, along with dolphins swimming alongside the boat.

Plus, the tour offers the chance to observe Cagarros, or Cory’s shearwaters, and other seabirds flying over the cliffs. The marine wildlife, combined with the stunning coastlines, makes this trip a favorite for nature lovers.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The tour departs from Porto das Poças in Santa Cruz das Flores, with small groups limited to 10 participants. This setup ensures a more intimate experience and allows guides to give personalized attention. The guides speak multiple languages, including English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and German, making communication easy for international visitors.

Check-in is at 9:00 AM, with the boat leaving promptly at 9:30 AM. The return to Flores occurs around 5:00 PM, arriving back at Porto das Poças. The trip includes passage along the northeast coast of Flores, with opportunities to enjoy the scenery during the crossing and exploration.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The trip includes transportation on Nemo 1 or Avó João, a visit to Corvo Island, and passage along Flores’ coastline. The guide assists with island visits and helps coordinate the optional taxi to the Caldeirão crater. Marine species sightings are common, adding to the thrill of the journey.

What’s not included is the taxi ride to the Caldeirão (about 10 euros), which is optional and paid directly. There are restaurants and bars on Corvo for those who want to eat or drink during their free time. Travelers should bring something to eat if they prefer a picnic or want to avoid limited options on the island.

The Experience of Crossing the Atlantic by Boat

Traveling between Flores and Corvo involves crossing an immense sea, which can be rough at times. Some reviews mention sea conditions similar to a rollercoaster ride, so visitors prone to seasickness should prepare accordingly. The guide’s expertise and the quality of the boat help make this crossing as comfortable as possible.

Despite the sometimes choppy waters, the scenic views and marine surprises make this part of the trip memorable. The boat ride itself is an adventure, with ample opportunities to spot marine wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking Atlantic scenery.

The Corvo Island Visit: What to Expect

Spending five hours on Corvo gives enough time to see the main sights, including the Caldeirão crater, which is a highlight for many visitors. The taxi ride up to the crater offers panoramic views of the island’s volcanic landscape, and the local restaurants and bars provide a chance to relax and refresh.

Corvo’s small size means visitors can enjoy a relaxed exploration of the island’s natural beauty and unique landscapes. The guide’s assistance ensures a smooth visit, whether you choose to venture to the crater or explore other parts of the island.

Return Journey and Afternoon Coastline Cruise

Leaving Corvo around 4:00 PM, the boat heads back toward Flores, retracing part of the coastline. During this return trip, the boat passes by caves and waterfalls, which enhance the scenic value of the journey. The guides provide informative commentary about the geological formations and marine life, enriching the experience.

The return to Santa Cruz das Flores arrives approximately 10 minutes after 5:00 PM, wrapping up a day filled with natural wonders and marine encounters. The trip’s pacing allows travelers to enjoy both the island visit and the coastal cruise without feeling rushed.

Overall Value and Suitability

This Corvo boat trip offers a well-rounded experience at a very reasonable price, considering the full-day duration and diverse activities. The small group sizes and multilingual guides contribute to a personalized and accessible adventure.

The tour is especially suitable for those interested in marine wildlife, geological features, and coastal scenery. Its moderate physical demands make it accessible for most, though those sensitive to seasickness should consider the sometimes rough waters.

Final Thoughts on the Corvo Boat Tour

This 7.5-hour expedition combines marine wildlife sightings, cave exploration, and island discovery in a single trip. The expert guides and well-organized logistics make it a reliable choice for experiencing the Azores’ maritime environment.

While the sea crossing can be challenging in rough waters, the scenic beauty and marine encounters more than compensate. For adventurers and nature lovers, this tour provides an authentic glimpse of Azores’ unique islands and seas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any food included in the tour?
No, food is not included. Guests can bring their own or buy at the restaurants and bars on Corvo.

How long do we stay on Corvo?
You stay on the island for five hours, enough time for visits and exploring.

What languages do guides speak?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, French, Spanish, and German.

Is the boat suitable for everyone?
The boats are suitable for most, but seasickness can be an issue during the rough crossing. Prepare accordingly.

What is the cost to visit the Caldeirão crater?
The taxi to the crater costs about 10 euros, paid directly to the driver.

How early should I arrive for the tour?
Arrive by 9:00 AM at Porto das Poças; the trip departs at 9:30 AM.

Can I see marine animals during the trip?
Yes, sightings of whales, dolphins, and seabirds are common and highly praised.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 10 participants for a more intimate experience.

Is this tour good value for money?
Absolutely, given the full-day itinerary, marine sightings, and personalized attention.

How can I book this tour?
Booking is available through platforms like GetYourGuide, with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

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