Boat Tours in the Azores: 9 Good Ones, Priced

1.Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,146 reviews · from $70Our pick

Set out from Vila Franca do Campo with a marine biologist or naturalist, watching for sperm whales, dolphins, seabirds, turtles, and other sea life. A Zodiac RIB carries 12 to 28 people, with warm waterproof gear supplied. After nearly three hours offshore, circle the volcanic islet and return to the marina.

“Fantastic. Knowledgeable guides who follow an ethical approach. Lots of fun, exhilarating and educational. Was perfect for the whole family.”

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2.Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,059 reviews · from $71

Set out from Vila Franca do Campo in a Zodiac RIB with a marine biologist guide and skipper. After a safety and wildlife briefing, you search for sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life with help from an inland lookout. The three-hour trip ends with a close circuit of the Princess Ring Islet.

“It was a beautiful day out on the oceans, great crew! We saw also a rare species Pilot whale, beautiful sights 😍💙”

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3.São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat Tour with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 633 reviews · 2 hours · from $58

From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, join Captain Edmundo and a marine biologist such as Alex, Erica, or João for a two-hour glass-bottom boat trip around Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. Hear about local geology, history, birds, and sea life, then snorkel with a guide among fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and possible moray eels.

“Such an amazing experience, so glad I ended up going. Our tour guide was full of information. There ended up only being three of us on the tour so I felt like a private tour. Would go back again.”

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4.Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 408 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $53

From Lajes do Pico, you will receive a safety briefing, waterproof top, and life vest before heading offshore in a fast Zodiac. Guides such as Vania and Monica explain cetacean behavior while you search for sperm whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. The ride can be wet and bumpy, but the short format keeps this wildlife outing easy to fit into a Pico itinerary.

“Amazing and heartwarming experience! Me and my friend loved it”

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5.Terceira: Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $82

From Angra do Heroísmo, you’ll ride a Zodiac along Terceira’s coast for 2.5 hours, guided in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. A spotter on Monte Brasil helps the skipper locate cetaceans by radio. Expect dolphins, possible sperm or blue whales, sea turtles, and a fast, open-water ride. Victor and Viktor are praised for clear explanations and lively guiding.

“was a great Tour with great guides and a greater skipper”

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6.Horta: University Startup Whale and Dolphin RIB Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 225 reviews · 3 hours · from $101

From Horta Marina, you’ll board a 16-passenger RIB with a university marine researcher, receive a 10-minute safety briefing, then head offshore to seek whales and dolphins. Expect waterproof clothing, English or Portuguese guiding, and about three hours at sea. Sightings vary, but sperm whales and several dolphin species are present year-round.

“Wonderful in every way. Knowledgeable guide with a kind and caring manner. We traveled out from the harbor in a high-speed Zodiac boat; it carried about 12 of us - better than the best Disney ride! The captain brought us right alongside packs of Dolphins frolicking in the waves - you could almost see them smiling at us. Two loggerhead sea turtles were a plus - did you know they were born in Florida? Highly recommended.”

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7.Boat Trip to Corvo and Island Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 141 reviews · from $49Best value

Join skipper Hugo Costa aboard the black MERO for a seven-hour trip from Flores to Corvo. Cruise past caves and waterfalls, watch for dolphins and whales, then spend five hours exploring Corvo, including the Caldeirão crater and village. A local taxi to the crater costs extra.

“It was excellent. The boat was very fun, and he did a nice tour around the caves and waterfalls in Flores. He was very nice. We also enjoyed a lot in Corvo.”

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8.Faial Island: Unique boat tour to the Capelinhos volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 50 reviews · 3 hours · from $88

From Horta Marina, Kamila and Chris guide you along Faial’s volcanic coast, reaching sea-level views of Capelinhos, Elephant Rock, caves, cliffs, and bays. Allow 3.5 to 4 hours with the safety briefing. The boat has no toilet, and six participants are required for departure.

“Dit was de leukste ervaring sinds we op de Azoren zijn. De gids, Kamila is de meest enthousiaste en innemende gids die ik ooit heb gezien. Ze vertelde met zoveel plezier alles over het eiland Faial, de kust, vulkanen en bezienswaardigheden vanaf het water. Met de boot kom je op plekken waar je anders vanaf land nooit kan komen. Er absolute aanrader om deze tour te boeken!”

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9.Private Sailing Sunset Tour PDL

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 41 reviews · 3 hours Top rated

Set sail from Ponta Delgada with a private group and a two-person crew, often including Dominic, Matilde, or Francisco. Enjoy coastal views, a bottle of wine, swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and a summer sunset. The sailboat has a bathroom, fridge, cabin storage, and an indoor table.

“It was very cold but the two guys running the boat were amazing! We chose not to swim or paddle board but they let us drink, enjoy the view, and made sure we were comfortable in every way! Couldn’t have asked for more.”

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