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 bird-watching opportunities.

Vila Franca Islet Tour

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

Upon arrival at this uninhabited islet, we will begin a hiking route. The hike lasts approximately 1.5 hours, offering bird-watching opportunities in this area of the North Atlantic. Key species include buzzards, sandpipers, little egrets, and curlews, along with colonies of canaries and wagtails.

Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will learn about the endemic plants. Views of the south coast of São Miguel will also be visible from the islet's caldera.

At the end of the hike, we will return to the port in Vila Franca do Campo, expected to complete the tour in around 3 hours.

Summer Tour

Between April 15th and October 14th, disembarking on the islet of Vila Franca is not allowed. Instead, a 45-minute boat trip around the islet will be provided.

We will depart from the port of Vila Franca do Campo. This boat trip features views of the submerged volcano and its structural details, along with discussions on the area's marine life and biodiversity.

During the sailing, we'll share the history of how the volcano influenced the life of Vila Franca do Campo. After enjoying the views, we will return to the marina to conclude the trip.

Bird Watching

The islet of Vila Franca do Campo is one of the best places in the Azores for bird watching. The presence of birds will depend on weather and seasonal factors.