Private Seafari Boat Trip : Full Day

Discover the Unique Private Seafari Boat Trip on Faial Island

For those seeking an adventurous day at sea in the Azores, the Private Seafari Boat Trip offers an intimate experience designed for small groups of up to 6 people. Priced at $1,795.94 per group, this 7-hour excursion is perfect for explorers eager to see marine life, breathtaking island vistas, and enjoy a personalized itinerary. Led by Silvio, a knowledgeable marine biologist and skipper, this tour promises a flexible schedule tailored to your interests—whether spotting sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, or even whale sharks (from mid-August to October).

The activity begins at PicoBicadas in Madalena, where your group can select and try out snorkeling equipment before heading out on the boat. One of the tour’s standout features is the private setting, ensuring you and your companions have the space and flexibility to explore without crowds, making it ideal for adventurers, photographers, and marine life lovers. The tour also includes a delicious organic lunch in a tranquil, secret beach bay, adding a special culinary touch to this marine adventure.

Key Points

• Intimate private tour for groups of up to 6 people, ensuring personalized attention
• Flexible itinerary with options to witness feeding events, bait balls, sea turtles, sharks, and whale sharks
• 7-hour full-day experience departing from PicoBicadas, Madalena
• Includes snorkeling check dive, with guidance from a marine biologist
• Organic lunch and drinks served in a secluded bay with stunning coastal views
• Pickup offered, and the tour is booked an average of 15 days in advance

Starting Point at PicoBicadas in Madalena

The tour begins at PicoBicadas, a convenient meeting point in Madalena, Portugal. After arrival, your group can try out snorkeling gear and receive a briefing from Silvio, who explains the day’s activities and safety tips. This initial step ensures everyone is comfortable and prepared for the adventure ahead.

The meeting point’s location near public transportation makes it accessible for most travelers, and the private nature of the tour means only your group participates, providing a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

Personalized Guidance from Marine Biologist Silvio

Silvio leads this trip with expert knowledge and a friendly approach. He guides your exploration of the waters surrounding Faial, offering insights about marine species and the island’s underwater landscapes. His flexibility allows for customized schedules—whether you want to focus on wildlife sightings, photography, or simply enjoy the scenery.

Before heading out, there’s a 15-minute check dive to refresh snorkeling skills and familiarize everyone with the equipment. Throughout the day, Silvio’s guidance enhances the experience, especially when attempting to spot elusive creatures like sharks or whale sharks.

Exploring Faial’s Coastal and Underwater Landscapes

The tour emphasizes the remarkable coastlines of Faial, offering views of Pico, the Capelinhos volcano, and Monte de Guia. From the sea, you get spectacular vistas of these volcanic formations against the sky, creating perfect photo opportunities.

Underwater, the landscape is equally impressive—coral formations and clear waters provide an engaging environment for snorkeling. You may encounter coastal fishes, sea turtles, and even playful dolphins. The flexibility of the schedule allows the guide to seek out feeding events or bait balls if desired, promising rewarding encounters with marine wildlife.

Lunch in a Secluded Bay with Organic Food

A highlight of this private tour is the lunch served in a quiet bay, a secret desert beach known only to the tour operators. The meal features fresh local and organic foods, offering a taste of Azorean cuisine in a peaceful setting. Drinks are included, making it a perfect break to relax and enjoy the scenery while savoring quality food away from crowded spots.

This tranquil bay provides an ideal backdrop for resting, taking photos, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Faial’s coast. The inclusion of a gourmet lunch elevates the experience beyond just wildlife encounters, adding a culinary dimension to the day out at sea.

Flexibility in Searching for Marine Life and Events

The tour’s flexible schedule is one of its best features. If your group is interested, you can opt to set out early at 5:30 AM to try witnessing feeding events or seek bait balls. This timing increases the chance of observing sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, or other marine predators.

For those keen on swimming with large species like whale sharks, the tour operates during the mid-August to October window. Silvio’s knowledge allows your group to pursue specific marine phenomena, making each trip unique and tailored to current conditions and wildlife activity.

Equipment and Safety Measures

Prior to departure, you get the opportunity to try out snorkeling gear and receive a briefing from Silvio. The check dive helps refresh basic skills and ensures everyone is comfortable before exploring the waters. Safety is a priority, and the boat’s crew is experienced in marine activities.

Since the tour is private, it allows for personalized attention, and any special needs or preferences can be accommodated. This setup is especially suitable for families or groups with varying experience levels.

Weather Considerations and Cancellation Policy

The tour relies on good weather conditions for safety and enjoyment. If weather worsens, the trip may be canceled, with options for a full refund or rescheduling. Cancellation is free if made more than 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Given the flexible nature of the trip, the captain and guide can adapt the itinerary to current conditions, ensuring a safe and satisfying experience even if some wildlife sightings are affected.

Pricing and Booking Considerations

At $1,795.94 per group, the price covers all participants, making it a worthwhile investment for an exclusive, personalized marine adventure. Booking typically occurs about 15 days in advance, emphasizing the tour’s popularity and limited availability.

Included in the cost are the snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and the guidance of a marine biologist. The tour’s private status makes it ideal for special occasions or small groups seeking a tailored experience at sea.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This full-day private boat trip appeals most to adventurers, photography enthusiasts, and marine life lovers who want an intimate, flexible, and engaging experience. It’s especially suitable for those interested in wildlife sightings, underwater landscapes, and breathtaking coastal views.

Families or groups celebrating special occasions will appreciate the personalized service, organic lunch, and the chance to explore Faial’s waters with expert guidance. The tour’s flexibility allows for a customized day based on wildlife activity and weather, ensuring every trip is unique.

Final Thoughts on the Faial Seafari Adventure

The Private Seafari Boat Trip offers a well-rounded, personalized experience centered on wildlife encounters, stunning scenery, and excellent service. The expert guidance from Silvio enhances the adventure, making wildlife spotting and underwater exploration more rewarding.

The inclusion of lunch in a secret bay, the flexible schedule, and the small group size set this tour apart from larger, less personalized options. While the price is higher, the exclusivity and tailored nature justify the cost for those seeking a special day at sea.

This tour is perfect for small groups who want to maximize their chances of seeing marine animals, enjoy beautiful views, and relax in a quiet, natural setting. For anyone wanting a customized, eco-friendly adventure on Faial Island, this private seafari delivers a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers the full-day boat trip, snorkeling equipment, organic lunch, drinks, and the guidance of Silvio.

How flexible is the itinerary?
Very flexible; you can choose to focus on wildlife sightings, feeding events, or specific marine animals like sea turtles or sharks. Early departures are available for dedicated wildlife watching.

What should I bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing, bring sunscreen, and personal identification. Snorkeling gear is provided but can be tried out beforehand.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the private setting makes it suitable for families or small groups with children.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour requires good weather for safety. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Can I see whale sharks on this tour?
Yes, whale sharks can be observed from mid-August to October, with opportunities to swim with them as much as possible.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup is offered, and the meeting point is at PicoBicadas in Madalena.

How long in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 15 days in advance, reflecting its popularity and limited private availability.