Whales & Vila Franca Islet Reserve [Oct-Apr]

What you can Expect:

Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.

The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour.

At 11:30 it is time to return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.

At 13:15 meet us back at the Marina, for a short briefing introducing to the volcanic islet’s geology, plant and animal species that can be found, the nature reserve’s rules, and safety. Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat, for 10 minutes travelling by sea to the Islet.

You will disembark at the islet’s harbor, for a hour-and-half tour to explore the volcanic marvel and its notorious features. The islet crater is rocky with endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree and other flora species making this a beautiful living habitat for wildlife, and often birds can be observed, such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, Wagtails, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies!

It is life rich all year, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed on what you are observing and is available throughout your tour to provide answers to any specific questions - feel free to ask!

At 16:15 it is time to be back to the Marina for check-out.

Know before you go:

• Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and Chapstick for the Sun. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, especially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment.

• Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.

• NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair or delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.

• Bathing is not permitted at this time of the year.

Includes:

• Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
• Experienced Skipper
• Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax)
• Impermeable Full Suit and Life Vest
• Admission to Nature Reserve
• Insurance

Doe not include:

• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
• Personal Water supply

Eat light, your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted, and a Camera is essential, specially for photography lovers - protect any personal equipment!

Special Dietary Restrictions must be notified upon reservation for required adjustments.

NOT for anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health conditions, or under the age of 4.