Caves Snorkel Tour by boat

Discover São Jorge’s Underwater Secrets with a Snorkeling Adventure

The Caves Snorkel Tour by boat offers an engaging way to experience the natural beauty and history of São Jorge Island, part of the Azores archipelago in Portugal. Priced at $142 per person and lasting approximately 3 hours, this tour combines snorkeling in crystal-clear Atlantic waters with scenic boat rides and visits to volcanic caves. Guided by a local Certified Guide, it presents options for snorkeling from land or from a boat, making it accessible for a variety of preferences and fitness levels.

This tour is ideal for those who enjoy swimming, marine life, and geological features like volcanic cavities. Its highlights include the chance to see the remains of the English ship “Iriskay,” sunk in 1945, and to swim inside volcanic caves. While the activity is straightforward and suitable for all skill levels, it requires some basic swimming ability and a willingness to explore shallow waters, typically at depths of 2 to 3 meters.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: $142 per person for a 3-hour experience, with flexible starting times.
• Multiple Options: Snorkel from land with wetsuit or from a boat passing through scenic landscapes.
• Unique Highlights: Shipwreck remains at Baía do Negro and volcanic cave swims.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 4 participants for a more personalized outing.
• Includes: Transfers, diving masks, fins, wetsuits (for land option), boat trip, insurance, and visits to the Iriskay shipwreck.
• Not Included: Food and drinks.
• Easy for All Skill Levels: No prior experience needed; just relax and enjoy contact with marine life.

Scenic Starts from Central Locations in São Jorge

The tour departs from three main pick-up points: Hotel São Jorge Garden, Velas, and Aeroporto da Ilha de São Jorge. After a short 5-minute van transfer, the adventure begins with a boat cruise from Velas that lasts about 1.5 hours. This scenic boat ride offers stunning views of the island’s landscapes, volcanic cavities, and coastline.

This part of the tour is a highlight for nature lovers, providing excellent photo opportunities of the island’s volcanic slopes and sea caves. The boat journey sets the scene for the snorkeling activity, with the possibility to stop and swim inside volcanic cavities or caves, which are part of the unique geological features of São Jorge.

Snorkeling at Baía do Negro and the Iriskay Shipwreck

The main snorkeling activity takes place at Baía do Negro in Manadas, an accessible spot where the shipwreck of the Iriskay remains visible close to the coast. The wreck is at a shallow depth of 2 to 3 meters, making it easy to observe with a mask and fins. The structure is partly scattered across the seabed, offering an intriguing glimpse into mid-20th-century maritime history.

For those choosing the land-based option, a wetsuit is provided to help with comfort during the 150-meter swim from the port of Manadas. The boat option allows for a more relaxed experience with the chance to visit different caves and snorkeling sites along the coast, all under the guidance of the local expert.

The Experience Inside Volcanic Caves

One of the distinctive features of this tour is the opportunity to swim inside volcanic cavities, a highlight for geology and nature enthusiasts. These caves are part of the island’s volcanic landscape, formed over millennia, and provide a unique setting for snorkeling. The caves are easily accessible thanks to the boat trip, which offers stops inside these natural formations.

The volcanic cavities offer a different perspective on the island’s geological history, with the clear waters revealing rock formations and volcanic textures. Because the caves are shallow, anyone with basic swimming skills can enjoy this part of the tour, making it suitable for families or less experienced swimmers.

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Flexible Snorkeling Options for All Comfort Levels

The tour provides two main snorkeling options: from the shore or by boat. The shore option involves swimming from the port of Manadas with a wetsuit, which is more physically demanding but allows for a more immersive experience. The boat option is more relaxed, with the guide leading a trip through scenic scenery and stopping at various caves and wreck sites.

Both options include equipment like masks and fins, and wetsuits are supplied for land-based snorkeling. The inclusive nature of the equipment and small group size (limited to 4 participants) helps ensure personalized attention and a smooth experience, regardless of skill level.

Scenic Boat Ride Through the Island’s Coastline

The boat trip that accompanies the snorkeling activity is a key part of this tour. Passing through Queimada and Urzelina, the boat ride offers panoramic views of São Jorge’s volcanic slopes and sea caves. Travelers enjoy observing volcanic cavities and stopping at some caves for swimming.

This 3-hour boat trip allows for an appreciation of the island’s natural landscape from the sea, making it a picturesque journey. The boat trip complements the snorkeling, giving a full sense of the geological and marine environment of São Jorge.

The Shipwreck of Iriskay: An Underwater Historical Site

The remains of the English ship “Iriskay”, sunk in 1945, present a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. Located at Baía do Negro, the wreck is easy to spot due to its shallow depth and scattered pieces across the seabed. Locals have cleaned the site, transforming it into an accessible underwater relic for snorkelers.

This site offers a visual connection to the island’s past and is one of the most notable features of the snorkeling experience. Because of its shallow depth, this site is suitable for all skill levels and provides a memorable underwater encounter.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Participants should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, and wetsuits if they opt for the shore snorkeling. The tour includes transfers and insurance for peace of mind. The activity is suitable for all skill levels, emphasizing relaxation and enjoyment of marine life rather than strenuous physical effort.

There are no food or drinks included in the tour, so bringing some snacks for after the activity is recommended. Since touching marine life is not allowed, visitors are encouraged to observe responsibly and respect the underwater environment.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This experience suits adventurers who love swimming and exploring natural and historical features of São Jorge. It’s perfect for those interested in marine life, shipwrecks, or volcanic geology. The small group size ensures a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for families, couples, or small groups.

Because the activities are easy enough for beginners, this tour is accessible to most visitors, though some swimming ability is necessary for the shore snorkeling. The scenic boat trip combined with the underwater exploration offers a well-rounded adventure for those seeking a leisurely yet engaging experience.

Final Thoughts on the Caves Snorkel Tour by boat

The Caves Snorkel Tour by boat provides a balanced mix of marine exploration and scenic cruising around São Jorge Island. Its affordable price and small group format make it a personalized way to discover the island’s underwater treasures, including the shipwreck and volcanic caves.

While it’s not a deep dive or dive-focused tour, it offers enough visuals and experiences to satisfy most sea-loving visitors. The scenic boat ride and easy snorkeling make it a great choice for those looking to combine nature, history, and leisure in a single outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all skill levels, including children, especially when snorkeling from the boat, where the activity remains safe and easy.

What should I bring for the snorkeling activity?
Participants should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, water, snacks, and wetsuits if snorkeling from land. All equipment like masks and fins are provided.

Can I choose between land and boat snorkeling?
Yes, you can opt for snorkeling from the shore or by boat, depending on your preference or physical comfort.

How long does the boat trip last?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, passing scenic landscapes and stopping at caves.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes transfers, diving masks and fins, wetsuits (for land option), boat trip, visit to the Iriskay shipwreck, swimming inside volcanic caves, and insurance.

Are there any physical limitations?
The activity is suitable for all skill levels, but basic swimming ability is needed, especially for the shore snorkeling option.

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