Ponta Delgada

Water Sports

Our most recommended Ponta Delgada Water Sports

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  1. From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

  Set off on a 3-hour whale-watching excursion to see some of the most magnificent marine mammals in the Azores. You’ll be on the lookout for mink whales, dolphins, turtles and more. The marine biologist on board will provide historical information and commentary. Begin with a briefing by a biologist, who will explain how local people have converted whale hunting to whale watching in the Azores. You’ll also receive information about safety, rules of observation and respect for the animals and an overview of what may be sighted during the tour. Leaving from the Ponta Delgada harbor, you’ll sail in style out onto the Atlantic. Qualified biologists and nature guides will provide detailed explanations and collect scientific data during the tour. Situated in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and North America, the Azores are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the...

  All the setting were ready, boat, crew, safety guidelines once on board. Only downside was the fact we did not spot any whales. If you have the tendency to get sea sick, go prepared!

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 8/10/2021
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  2. Sao Miguel: Swimming with Dolphins

  Join the ultimate swimming experience on an encounter with wild dolphins in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Head out from the Azores in a Zodiac boat for an unforgettable adventure. This 2-hour activity is carried out in small groups and led by a qualified biologists or nature guides. Each swimming tour is preceded by a briefing in which one of the biologists explains how to swim with wild dolphins while respecting them. You’ll also learn how to enter the water and behave around the dolphins, how to use the mask and snorkel and how to get the most out of your swimming experience. Masks, snorkels and wet-suits are provided.

  The staff was very professional, knowledgeable and easy going, always concerned about the customer´s wellbeing and safety, they did their best to ensure that groups of dolphins were found and created the best conditions to ensure the customers had the opportunity to swim with them. Even if took the trip beyond the set scheduled time. Boat was clean, geared with all the safety equipment and fit for the purpose.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 8/10/2021
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  3. Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit

  Take the opportunity to see some of the sea life found in the Azores including dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds. Before the boat trip, listen to biologists explaining the safety measures aboard, the history of the area, the local wildlife and how to respect them. Then set off! After the 3-hour whale watching tour, stop in Vila Franco do Campo to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Following lunch, board a converted traditional fishing boat and head to Vila Franca do Campo islet, a volcanic crater off the coast that encloses a natural lagoon. Take one of the provided snorkels and diving masks and see the numerous protected fish species in this natural reserve. Following the tour, transfer back to Ponta Delgada by boat or van.

  The whole day was fantastic. We saw several types of dolphins and also 4-5 sperm whales. The lunch was really fresh. Don't miss it!

  Reviewed by Dóra, 9/15/2021
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  4. Azores: São Miguel / Lagoa do Fogo Hiking Trip

  Explore the impressive landscapes and amazing panoramas on a hiking trip to São Miguel. Bathe in the natural pools in the stunning Lagoon of Lagoa do Fogo. Start your trail on a short dirt road, from where you will reach a small stream (about 2 km), reaching another relatively more open area, with several springs and wide declivities, that will lead you to Lagoa do Fogo. Bathe in the Natural Pools of Lagoa / Caloura, in the cozy Thermal Baths of Caldeira Velha, or in the Grandiose Waterfall of Salto do Cabrito. Get stunning panoramic views of Lago do Fogo (on one side) and the north coast of the island of Sao Miguel (on the other) while traveling along “Cumeeira Norte”. Pass through several small streams surrounded by incredibly green and untouched forests, before reaching the characteristic pumice-stone beach of the lagoon. Enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch of regional products. Return ...

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  5. Azores: Ribeira da Salga Canyoning Adventure

  Whether you're an experienced traveler or first-time adventurer, have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a canyoning adventure in Ribeira da Salga. Visit one of the most astonishing places in the northeast part of the island of Sao Miguel, located between Lomba de S.Pedro and Salga parishes. Start your adventure with a quick security briefing and equipment distribution.  Afterward take a half-hour hike towards the location where you'll be able to jump, slide, and rappel down gorgeous water streams into crystal-clear natural pools. The highest rappel can go up to 16 meters, and the highest jump up to around 8 meters. If you are uncomfortable about jumping other options are available.

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  6. Azores: Canyoning in Salto do Cabrito

  Relax and disconnect in a beautiful setting in this morning canyoning adventure in Salto do Cabrito. Explore the natural side of São Miguel Island hiking and canyoning through lush forests and cool streams.  Meet the guide in central Ponta Delgada or arrange pick up from your accommodation and travel in an air-conditioned van 20 minutes to Salto do Cabrito. Hike 30 minutes to the stream where an experienced guide will give a security briefing and distribute all the equipment needed for the activity. Once suited and ready to go, spend a few hours exploring the pools and waterfalls. For those who dare, there will be an opportunity to finish the tour with a 4-meter jump. A zipline is also available for those who'd prefer flying to jumping.

  I am a little scared of heights and the guides were so helpful and caring that i had no problem completing the whole tour. I think the girl guide was Americas and there were 2 guys. One guide had a great sense of humor. The scenery was so beautiful and I would highly recommend it!

  Reviewed by Suzanne, Bermuda, 8/19/2021
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  7. São Miguel Island: Sete Cidades Kayak Rental

  Venture onto the Lake of Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Savor breathtaking natural scenery aboard your canoe on a lake embedded in the crater of an amazing volcano. According to an ancient legend, this stunning lake was the result of a failed love story between a shepherd and a princess who were not meant to be together. The last time they met, the princess, who had blue eyes, cried so much that the Blue Lake was formed, while the shepherd's tears gave birth to the Green Lake. Admire the mystical colors of the 2 lakes located on the western part of São Miguel Island, and paddle your canoe out on the Blue Lake. Have fun canoeing for 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 2 hours, depending on the option selected.

  Really wonderful kayaking in an incredible setting. Highly professional operation and extremely accommodating when we arrived late due to some poor navigation!

  Reviewed by owen, 11/9/2020
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  8. Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch

  Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation in Ponta Delgada, and then explore the coastline of the Azores by boat. Spend 3 hours looking for majestic whales and playful dolphins in their natural environment.  Reconnect with the natural world as you go in search of the sperm whales, blue whales, humpback whales and orcas that make the archipelago one of the best places in the world to see different marine mammals. Keep a look out for turtles, flying fish, sea birds and jumping dolphins along the way.  Disembark the boat and enjoy a tasty lunch, and then make your way to the volcanic landscapes of Lagoa do Fogo and Caldeira Velha. See one of the most beautiful lakes in São Miguel and experience the amazing interior of the island up close. Learn about the many uses the volcanic landscape gives to the island, from its medicinal mud to its energy source. 

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  9. Ponta Delgada: 4-hour Half-Day Sport Fishing Adventure

  The spectacular coastline of São Miguel Island is lined with reminders of his volcanic past, including caves and stunning rocky formations. As you cruise along the coast, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales as you learn about local fish species or work on improving your fishing skills. This half-day fishing program was created so that participants can learn different techniques and learn about fish species that live in the waters off the island. Several types of fishing are on offer, including deep-sea fishing, jigging, and trolling. There are many classes of fish in the area, such as barracuda, bluefish, greater amberjack, blacktail comber, red sea bream, chub mackerel, grouper, Atlantic bonito, and others. Before heading out your skipper will tell you a bit about the area where you’ll be fishing and about the various species you may find there. All are welcome on this fishing t...

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  10. Sete Cidades Azores 4x4 Day Tour from Ponta Delgada

  On this full-day tour, visit the Sete Cidades Massif, a field of alkali-basalt cinder cones and lava flows, and an area very popular for its lakes and surrounding hills. Departing from Ponta Delgada, travel up the mountain top that forms the caldera of a volcano where the lakes are located. Additionally, you will visit Empadadas and Carvão lakes, which will give you the opportunity to admire the beauty of untouched nature. Learn more about how volcanic activity formed the landscape. At lunchtime, stop off at a typical restaurant in the village of Sete CIdades, where you will eat a traditional meal. Then continue on, passing Vista do Rei, one of the island's top tourist destinations. Next, head to the Mosteiros, famous for its natural swimming pools, fishing harbor, and sandy beach of black basalt. On the way back to Ponta Delgada, you will also see the hot bathing spots caused by fuma...

  Phillip (Felipe) was very knowledgeable with respect to driving us to remote areas, providing insight re: various flora (trees, shrubs, etc.) imported to Sao Miguel, and info about various towns and locations we visited, e.g. Misteiros, Sete Cidades, and crests of mountains. We had a GREAT TIME!!

  Reviewed by Robert, 3/12/2020