Vila Franca do Campo: Snorkeling Tour

Discover the Snorkeling Adventure at Vila Franca do Campo Marine Reserve

The Vila Franca do Campo: Snorkeling Tour offers an engaging water experience in the stunning Azores, Portugal, for $63 per person. With a typical duration of 2 hours, this guided activity takes you into the Marine Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Islet, a protected area known for its clear waters and abundant marine life. The tour is suitable for travelers seeking a manageable, well-organized snorkeling outing with professional guidance, though it’s not recommended for non-swimmers or those with certain medical conditions.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of marine exploration and the historic wreck of XVII-century cannons. The activity includes all necessary equipment and a small group experience limited to 6 participants, allowing for attentive guidance and personalized attention. Keep in mind, the activity involves a short boat ride in a speedboat from Vila Franca do Campo Marina, making it quick and convenient to access the vibrant underwater world.

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Key Points

• Guided snorkeling experience in the Marine Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Islet
• Includes all snorkeling gear: neoprene suit, mask, fins, and a professional instructor
• Boat transfer from Vila Franca do Campo Marina in a speedboat
• Opportunity to observe marine species like parrot fish, octopus, sting rays, and barracudas
• Historic sunken cannons from the XVII century visible underwater
• Duration of about 2 hours, with 1 hour in water

Start Point at Vila Franca do Campo Marina

The tour begins at the Espírito Azul Dive Center, a well-known meeting point located at the Vila Franca do Campo Marina. Guests are required to meet at the scheduled time for a briefing before embarking on the boat trip. The activity ends back at the same starting point, making logistics simple and straightforward.

No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers should arrange their transportation to the marina in advance. The tour’s timing varies based on availability, so checking the schedule ahead of time ensures smooth planning.

Snorkeling in the Marine Reserve of Vila Franca do Campo Islet

The marine reserve is renowned for its ideal water conditions, including suitable depth and visibility, which make for an enjoyable snorkeling experience. The guided water session lasts about an hour, during which experts lead guests to observe various marine animals and explore the submerged XVII-century cannons. These historic relics add a fascinating element to the underwater scenery.

The waters outside the island are specifically used for snorkeling, not inside the crater itself. This distinction is important for those concerned with water temperature, currents, or open-sea conditions. The marine environment is lively and vibrant, offering a glimpse into the diverse species living beneath the surface.

The Boat Ride from Vila Franca do Campo Marina

The speedboat trip from the marina to the snorkel site takes approximately 5 minutes, providing a quick and exciting start to the excursion. The boat ride is part of the adventure, giving travelers a chance to enjoy the breeze and scenic views of the coast before entering the water.

This transfer is included in the activity price, and small groups ensure that the boat ride remains comfortable and personalized. The speedboat provides a fast connection to the protected waters, where the marine life flourishes.

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What’s Included in the Snorkeling Tour

Booking this tour includes everything needed for an enjoyable experience: all snorkeling equipment—such as neoprene suits, masks, fins—and a qualified snorkeling instructor guiding you throughout the water session. The activity also offers insurance, taxes, and fees included in the price, simplifying planning and budgeting.

Post-snorkeling, travelers can freshen up with a hot shower at the Dive Center facilities. The organized approach ensures a smooth and safe adventure for all participants.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This activity is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or individuals with medical conditions such as heart problems, respiratory issues, epilepsy, or mobility challenges. Non-swimmers should note that this tour requires the ability to stay afloat and comfortable in open water.

Participants should bring a towel for after the activity. Since the tour involves a boat ride and water immersion, travelers should be prepared for potential water temperature and sea conditions outside the enclosed crater.

The Historic Sunken Cannons and Marine Life

One of the most compelling features of this snorkeling tour is the chance to observe XVII-century cannons that are currently sunken in the waters of the marine reserve. These relics provide an intriguing historic backdrop to the lively aquatic environment, which teems with fish like parrot fish, barracudas, and guilly jacks.

Guests are also likely to see octopus, sting rays, and morays, adding to the richness of the marine biodiversity. The clarity of the water enhances visibility, making it easier to spot the variety of species and the historic artifacts lying beneath the surface.

Comparing Similar Tours in the Azores

This snorkeling tour is offered by Espírito Azul, with other similar options available, such as scuba diving, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. Each alternative provides different ways to experience the Vila Franca do Campo islet and its waters, but this tour is particularly well-suited for those wanting a guided, all-inclusive snorkeling outing.

Pricing for comparable experiences generally hovers around the $63 mark, with variations depending on inclusions and duration. The small group size ensures personalized attention, setting it apart from larger, less intimate excursions.

Final Thoughts on the Vila Franca do Campo Snorkeling Tour

The $63 snorkeling experience at Vila Franca do Campo offers a balanced blend of marine exploration and historic discovery. The professional guidance, comprehensive equipment, and short boat transfer make it accessible and enjoyable. The highlight of viewing XVII-century cannons alongside vibrant marine life creates a memorable underwater scene.

Though the tour is not suitable for non-swimmers or those with specific health issues**, it remains an excellent choice for those comfortable with open water activities and eager to discover the marine biodiversity of the Azores. The small-group format ensures attention from guides and a more personal experience.

For travelers seeking an accessible, guided snorkeling trip with unique underwater artifacts and plentiful marine life, this tour provides good value and a well-organized adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the snorkeling done inside the crater of the island?
No, the snorkeling takes place in the waters outside the island, not inside the crater itself.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a boat ride, snorkeling equipment, a snorkeling instructor, all taxes and fees, and a hot shower afterward.

How long does the snorkeling activity last?
The water session lasts approximately 1 hour, within a total activity duration of about 2 hours.

What should I bring for the tour?
A towel is recommended for after the activity; all snorkeling gear is provided.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is not suitable for children under 4 years or individuals with certain medical conditions or non-swimmers.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour begins at the Espírito Azul Dive Center in Vila Franca do Campo Marina. No transport is included, so plan how to arrive there.

What marine species might I see?
Expect to see parrot fish, octopus, sting rays, morays, barracudas, amber jacks, and guilly jacks.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any restrictions for participation?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or those with certain health issues.

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