Guided Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling in São Miguel

Guided glass-bottom boat tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Glass Bottom Boat Tour, a guided tour that takes you on an immersive and educational journey through the Azores Sea. Your adventure begins at Vila Franca do Campo Marina, where a biologist will brief you on the itinerary and provide insight into the marine life, nature, and historical curiosities of the area. Learn about the volcanic past of the Azores, and how it has shaped the marine environment that surrounds the islands.

Explore the marine life

Discover the unique species that call the Azores Sea home, and gain a greater understanding of the importance of protecting this delicate ecosystem. The tour provides a complete and unforgettable adventure experience, with the opportunity to take a refreshing swim or snorkel in the sea and get up close with the wildlife you've been spotting throughout the journey.

Guided Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling in São Miguel

Discover the underwater wonders of the Azores Sea on this 2-hour guided tour that includes a glass-bottom boat ride and snorkeling session. Embark from Vila Franca do Campo Marina, where you will be briefed by a marine biologist about the itinerary and learn about the rich marine life, nature, and history of the region. The tour covers areas such as the islets near São Miguel Island, providing an immersive educational experience with opportunities to see seabirds, crustaceans, colorful fish, starfish, and underwater volcanic activity. This sightseeing adventure includes audio guidance in multiple languages, making it accessible for a wide range of visitors. With stops at key landmarks like Vila Franca do Campo Marina and the protected marine areas around São Miguel Island, this tour offers an unforgettable journey into the Azores' unique ecosystem. The tour is perfect for nature enthusiasts, families with children, and anyone interested in learning about marine biology and geology.

Explore Vila Franca do Campo Marina

Your tour starts at Vila Franca do Campo Marina where you will receive a briefing from a marine biologist about the day's itinerary. Established in 1957, this marina is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the Azores, covering an area of approximately 20 acres. Guests can observe various boats and yachts docked here, including those used for fishing and leisure activities. The marina serves as a hub for marine tourism and research, offering visitors a glimpse into the local maritime culture and the importance of sustainable practices in preserving the Azores' marine environment. With its strategic location near São Miguel Island's coast, Vila Franca do Campo Marina provides easy access to protected marine areas where you can spot diverse species of fish, crustaceans, and seabirds. The marina's facilities include a restaurant and souvenir shops, adding to the overall experience for tourists.

Witness Underwater Volcanic Activity

Your tour stops at several locations around São Miguel Island where you can witness underwater volcanic activity, a unique feature of this region. One such spot is near the coast of Vila Franca do Campo, where hot springs and geysers are visible from the glass-bottom boat. This area was formed during volcanic eruptions that occurred in 1522, significantly altering the landscape and creating new marine habitats. The underwater volcanoes here are part of a larger system of seamounts and hydrothermal vents, contributing to the biodiversity of the Azores Sea. Guests can spend up to 30 minutes observing these geological wonders from the comfort of their glass-bottom boat, providing an educational and awe-inspiring experience unlike any other in the world.

Snorkel with Marine Life

In addition to the glass-bottom boat ride, your tour includes a snorkeling session where you can get up close with marine life. The snorkeling area is located near the coast of São Miguel Island and offers clear waters teeming with colorful fish, starfish, sea urchins, and other fascinating creatures. This part of the tour lasts approximately one hour, giving guests ample time to explore the underwater world while being guided by experienced instructors who provide safety equipment and instructions in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, and Spanish. The snorkeling experience is tailored for all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this unique opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of marine life.

Tour Highlights

• Embark on a 2-hour guided tour at Vila Franca do Campo Marina
• Witness underwater volcanic activity near São Miguel Island coast
• Snorkel with colorful fish, starfish, and sea urchins in clear waters
• Receive marine biology briefing by expert biologist before departure
• Explore protected marine areas filled with diverse species of seabirds
• Enjoy audio guidance in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish
• Observe hot springs and geysers visible from glass-bottom boat ride
• Learn about sustainable practices at Vila Franca do Campo Marina

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, families with children, and marine biology aficionados, this guided tour provides an educational journey through the Azores Sea's unique ecosystem. Guests will embark on a 2-hour voyage from Vila Franca do Campo Marina where they can witness underwater volcanic activity near São Miguel Island coast, snorkel in clear waters teeming with colorful fish and starfish, receive marine biology briefings by expert biologists, explore protected marine areas filled with diverse seabird species, enjoy audio guidance in multiple languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, observe hot springs and geysers visible from the glass-bottom boat ride, and learn about sustainable practices at Vila Franca do Campo Marina.