Vila Franca islet: boat, zodiac and kayak
To see the Vila Franca do Campo islet, choose between four trips from the harbour: a zodiac ride of 50 min to 1 h, whale watching plus the islet in 3 h, a glass-bottom boat in 2 h or a kayak trip of 2 to 3 h. On all of them the listing states an English-speaking guide, and only the glass-bottom boat adds Portuguese.
Tours for your route
São MiguelWhale watching and the Vila Franca islet
Zodiac trip to spot cetaceans and sail alongside the islet.
Details and link
São MiguelKayaking in Vila Franca do Campo
Paddle out to the islet with snorkelling in its waters.
Details and link
São MiguelBoat trip around the Vila Franca islet
One hour by zodiac around the islet.
Details and link
São MiguelGlass-bottom boat in Vila Franca
Two-hour trip with snorkelling gear.
Details and link
Which of the four trips suits you?
The zodiac ride is the shortest plan and circles the islet with an explanation of its volcanic origin. The whale watching trip adds the search for whales and dolphins before reaching the islet. The glass-bottom boat lets you see fish, crustaceans and algae, with a pause for snorkelling. According to the listing, the kayak goes around the islet on a route of about five kilometres with a stop to swim.
What changes depending on the time of year?
For the kayak, the listing explains that access to the islet is regulated and depends on availability, local rules and sea conditions. When it is open, normally from mid-June to early October, the trip lasts three hours. Outside that period it lasts two hours, and the dates may vary each year.
What should you check before booking?
Compare the minimum age: 2 years on the glass-bottom boat, 4 on the zodiac and whale watching, 6 on the kayak. The zodiac trips include waterproof suits. The glass-bottom boat is the only one of the four the listing marks as wheelchair accessible, with a companion and advance notice when booking. Free cancellation runs from 48 hours to 3 days before, depending on the trip.
What if you want to get underwater?
The islet is also the departure point for snorkelling and diving activities. If you want an introductory dive, see the São Miguel diving page. If dolphins are your thing, the swimming with dolphins page explains another trip.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the trips to the Vila Franca islet leave from?
From the harbour or marina of Vila Franca do Campo, on the south of São Miguel, according to each trip's listing.
Which is the shortest trip?
The zodiac ride around the islet, of about 50 to 60 minutes.
Which trips have an English-speaking guide?
All four. The listings of these trips state an English-speaking guide, and the glass-bottom boat adds Portuguese.
Is the islet always open?
Access is regulated. According to the kayak listing, it is normally open from mid-June to early October, and the dates may vary.
Is it suitable for children?
It depends on the trip: the minimum age is 2 years on the glass-bottom boat, 4 on the zodiac and 6 on the kayak.