2. Whale and Dolphin Watching
Whale and dolphin watching is super popular on São Miguel Island thanks to the high chances of spotting these beautiful creatures swimming freely near its shores. From the island's capital, Ponta Delgada, there are several companies offering this activity, but in this section, we'd like to recommend doing it from Vila Franca do Campo.
And why do we recommend doing it from Vila Franca do Campo? Well, for one, we think it's a less common option, so you'll likely do this activity with fewer people around. In fact, the activity in Vila Franca do Campo is done on a small boat rather than a big one, giving you the chance to get closer to these incredible animals. Plus, doing it in Vila Franca do Campo has an added appeal: you'll get a little tour around the Vila Franca Islet from the boat.
If you decide to do the Whale Watching + Vila Franca Islet activity, we recommend booking in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season. Additionally, there's also the option to book the same activity with transfers from Ponta Delgada.
>> Book the Whale Watching + Vila Franca Islet here.
>> Book the Whale Watching + Vila Franca Islet from Ponta Delgada here.
We assure you that this activity will not disappoint! In our case, we were lucky to see many dolphins swimming near our boat and even spotted humpback whales from a greater distance. Also, we really appreciated that the company offering this activity cares about respecting the animals and maintains recommended distances to not intrude on their habitat. In fact, before starting the activity, they show an explanatory video about the animals you might see and the necessary precautions for spotting them, as well as recommendations for protecting the environment and preserving nature.
Finally, it's important to note that when the boat is stopped, you'll feel the waves quite a bit, and it's easy to get seasick. If you're prone to seasickness on boats, this might not be the best option for you. And by the way, even if it's warm, bring layers. Out at sea and with the speed of the boat, it can get pretty chilly.