Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Snorkeling in São Miguel, Azores

Discover the Unique Marine World of São Miguel with a Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

The Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour in São Miguel offers a compelling combination of scenic views, marine education, and active underwater exploration. For $58.14 per person, this two-hour adventure departs from Vila Franca do Campo, providing a distinctly comfortable and informative way to experience the island’s coastal waters.

Operated exclusively on the island by OceanEye Azores, this tour features boats equipped with glass bottoms—a rare and convenient way to observe marine life without getting in the water initially. The experienced guides, including a biologist, lead guests through the Natural Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo and along stretches of the coast, making it a well-organized and engaging experience suitable for a broad range of travelers.

While the tour’s primary focus is on sea life observation and snorkeling, it offers the added benefits of onboard facilities and all necessary snorkeling equipment. The combination of educational commentary, scenic views, and underwater activity makes this tour both fun and rewarding for those eager to explore São Miguel’s aquatic environment.

Convenient Location at Vila Franca do Campo Marina

The tour departs from the OceanEye Azores kiosk, situated on R. da Marina 11 in Vila Franca do Campo. This central location is easy to reach, especially for visitors staying nearby or arriving by public transport, as the activity is near public transportation options.

At the start, guests are provided with wetsuits—a thoughtful touch considering the water temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius—and an onboard briefing from the guide. This briefing covers safety rules and the trip itinerary, ensuring everyone feels prepared and comfortable before heading out.

The group size is limited to 20 travelers, creating an intimate environment that allows for personalized attention from the guide and skipper. Since the tour does not include transportation, visitors should plan to arrive at the meeting point independently and be prepared for the two-hour schedule.

Exploring the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo in Detail

The trip centers around the Natural Reserve of the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a protected marine area known for its volcanic origin and ecological importance. The boat first takes guests around this famous volcanic islet, offering stunning views and a chance to see the famous caldera from the water.

A key highlight is the opportunity to observe the underwater landscape through the glass bottom of the boat. This feature allows for marine species viewing without getting wet, with the guide pointing out typical Atlantic fish and protected species that inhabit the area.

This part of the tour is praised for its educational value and spectacular sights, with many reviews emphasizing how the glass floor enhances the experience by providing a unique perspective of the marine environment.

Snorkeling by the Islet and Coast of Praia da Pedreira

After the boat tour, guests are encouraged to snorkel in designated spots near the islet or along the coast of Praia da Pedreira. The snorkeling equipment—including masks, tubes, and fins—is supplied, and the biologist guide accompanies snorkelers, ensuring safety and providing insights into the marine life encountered beneath the surface.

The snorkeling experience is often highlighted as a major highlight, with many reviewers describing it as “awesome” and “epic”. The clear waters and abundant fish sightings, including species like a black eel, make it an engaging activity, suitable even for less experienced swimmers when using a life jacket.

The proximity to the islet and coastal formations offers a chance to see diverse marine fauna in their natural setting, making the snorkeling a worthwhile complement to the boat ride.

The Experience of the Guides and Crew

The guides on this tour, including a biologist, receive frequent praise for their knowledgeability, friendly demeanor, and willingness to share insights about the marine ecosystem, local history, and island environment. Reviews mention Joao and other staff members as kind, informative, and attentive, creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

The skipper ensures smooth navigation around the reserve and the coast, providing a safe experience while maximizing sightseeing opportunities. Many reviews note that the guides take the time to explain marine species and point out interesting features during the trip.

Practical Safety and Comfort Tips

Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the boat, along with waterproof coats in case of wind or spray. Packing a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and snacks or water is recommended to ensure comfort during the roughly two-hour experience.

Since seasickness can occur, the tour suggests taking seasick pills beforehand if prone to motion sickness. The onboard restroom adds convenience, allowing guests to freshen up during the cruise.

The tour does not include private transportation, so visitors should plan their arrival accordingly. The maximum group size of 20 helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, with flexibility for longer snorkeling sessions if desired.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

Booking is straightforward: confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexibility in planning. Weather conditions are a factor, and if the tour is canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

This policy ensures peace of mind for travelers, especially given the variable Atlantic weather. The limited group size and professional crew contribute to a safe and pleasant experience regardless of weather conditions.

Overall Value and Suitability

This tour offers excellent value for money given the educational component, scenic beauty, and active snorkeling. The experienced guides, especially the marine biologist, elevate the experience by sharing insights and enhancing understanding of the local marine life.

It stands out for its combination of glass-bottom observation and snorkeling, making it a comprehensive aquatic adventure in São Miguel. The two-hour duration strikes a good balance between sightseeing, learning, and active participation.

Travelers seeking a relaxed yet engaging marine experience will find this tour particularly rewarding. It is well-suited for families, couples, and solo travelers interested in nature and marine life.

Final Thoughts on the São Miguel Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

The Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour in São Miguel delivers a diverse marine experience with scenic views, educational comments, and active snorkeling opportunities. The expert guides and comfortable boats make it a trusted choice for those wanting to explore the island’s aquatic environment without the need for advanced swimming skills.

While the experience of the glass-bottom viewing can be described as “just fine” in some reviews, it is the snorkeling that steals the show, offering up-close encounters with local marine species. The small group size and friendly staff contribute to a personalized, safe adventure.

This tour is a highly recommended activity for anyone interested in natural beauty, marine wildlife, and a well-organized outing in São Miguel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most visitors, including children, especially since snorkeling can be done with a life jacket and the guides are attentive. The glass-bottom experience also provides marine viewing for those less comfortable in the water.

What should I bring for the snorkeling activity?
Guests are advised to bring comfortable clothing, a bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, snacks, and water. The snorkeling equipment is provided, but bringing your own mask or fins is optional.

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately two hours, including the boat ride, marine observation, and snorkeling.

Are there any physical requirements or restrictions?
The tour is designed to accommodate most travelers, but sea sickness pills are recommended if prone to motion sickness. The boat includes restroom facilities for convenience.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The tour may be canceled due to bad weather, with options for a full refund or rescheduling.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size is limited to 20 travelers, creating an intimate experience that allows for personal attention from guides.