Vila Franca Islet Tour

Sail from São Miguel to Vila Franca and enjoy a hiking tour of this tiny volcanic islet in the Azores, where you'll discover incredible bird-watching opportunities.

Vila Franca Islet Tour

We will meet at the port in Vila Franca do Campo at the designated time. After a brief introduction to the wildlife and plants, we will travel by zodiac to the islet of Vila Franca Nature Reserve, with a crossing time of 10 minutes.

Upon arrival at this uninhabited islet, we will begin a hiking route lasting approximately 1.5 hours, featuring notable bird watching opportunities. This area of the North Atlantic hosts a diverse range of birds, including buzzards, sandpipers, little egrets, and curlews, along with colonies of canaries and wagtails. Sea currents may allow us to observe crabs and small fish as well.

Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will learn about the endemic plants of the islet and enjoy views of the south coast of São Miguel from Vila Franca's caldera. After the hike, we will return to the port in Vila Franca do Campo, completing a total duration of 3 hours.

Summer Tour

Between April 15th and October 14th, disembarking on the islet is not allowed, and instead, a 45-minute boat trip around the islet will be conducted.

We will depart from the port of Vila Franca do Campo. During this trip, you will view the submerged volcano and its structure shaped by marine activity. The boat trip will highlight geological aspects and marine life, particularly from autumn to spring when biodiversity peaks.

While sailing, you will learn about the history of the volcano's impact on Vila Franca do Campo. After the boat trip, we will return to the marina to conclude the 45-minute tour.

Bird Watching

The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the best places in the Azores for bird watching. The visibility of birds will vary based on weather conditions and the breeding seasons of different species.