Wild dolphins underwater in the Azores, a highlight of the Swimming with Dolphins tour from São Miguel
Traveler photographing Lagoa do Fogo viewpoint on São Miguel, scenic van tour after swimming with dolphins
Cloudy panoramic view of Lagoa do Fogo crater lake and road, São Miguel van tour combo with dolphin swim

Ponta Delgada, São Miguel Island, Azores

Swim with Dolphins & Guided Tour to Lagoa do Fogo

7 a 8 horasMin 0 guests
Listing ID : 65728

Activity

Duration7 to 8 Hours
Group SizeUp to 8 (Swimming) | 8–16 (Lagoa do Fogo Tour)
Starts AtMarina Pêro de Teive, Ponta Delgada
LanguagesEnglish
São Miguel Island, Azores

Swimming with Dolphins and Lagoa do Fogo Tour in São Miguel

One unforgettable day — wild dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean, then the volcanic heart of São Miguel Island.


This full-day adventure from Ponta Delgada pairs a guided swimming with dolphins in the Azores session led by certified marine biologists with an afternoon jeep tour to the breathtaking Lagoa do Fogo crater lake, all with lunch included.

The morning begins on the open Atlantic Ocean aboard a semi-rigid vessel. After a thorough safety briefing and snorkel equipment orientation, participants enter the water alongside wild dolphin pods in their natural habitat, supervised throughout by the Picos de Aventura professional team.

Following a warm shower on shore, guests enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local Ponta Delgada restaurant before departing for the island interior. The afternoon route winds through volcanic uplands, pausing at the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint and the historic town of Ribeira Grande before returning to Ponta Delgada.

Both activities are guided by specialists who share insight into the Azores' marine ecosystems, volcanic geology, and endemic flora, making this itinerary as informative as it is visually spectacular.

Tour Highlights

Swim alongside wild dolphins in the open Atlantic Ocean with guidance from certified marine biologists.

Pause at the Pico da Barrosa viewpoint for panoramic views across São Miguel's volcanic landscape.

All water activities are conducted with lifejackets, waterproof jackets, and certified safety monitors.

A full lunch at a local restaurant is included, bridging the ocean morning and mountain afternoon.

Discover the protected natural reserve of Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most pristine crater lakes in the Azores.

Multiple scenic stops provide ample opportunities to photograph the island's dramatic coastline and highlands.

Itinerary Overview

1
Morning Briefing at Marina Pêro de Teive

Arrive at the Picos de Aventura office for a detailed safety and activity briefing. Snorkel equipment is distributed and participants are introduced to the marine biology team.

2
Dolphin Swimming in the Atlantic Ocean

Board the semi-rigid vessel and head offshore to locate wild dolphin pods. When conditions allow, enter the water carefully to swim alongside the dolphins under expert supervision.

3
Return to Marina and Lunch

Return to the marina by late morning, freshen up with an onsite shower, and proceed to a local Ponta Delgada restaurant for a sit-down lunch included in the package.

4
Jeep Departure Toward Lagoa do Fogo

Board the tour vehicle for the scenic drive into São Miguel's volcanic interior. Your guide shares context on the island's geology, native flora, and cultural heritage along the route.

5
Pico da Barrosa Viewpoint and Ribeira Grande

Stop at the Pico da Barrosa miradouro for sweeping highland views, then pass through the historic city of Ribeira Grande on the northern coast before heading back south.

6
Return to Ponta Delgada

The tour concludes in Ponta Delgada in the early evening, leaving participants free to explore the city or rest after a full day of activity.

What Is Included

Included

  • Activity briefing with certified Picos de Aventura monitors
  • Semi-rigid and rigid vessels for the dolphin swim
  • Lifejacket (mandatory use)
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Snorkel equipment (mask and snorkel)
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Afternoon jeep vehicle with driver-guide
  • Personal accident and civil liability insurance
  • Onsite shower after water activity

Not Included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides
  • Personal purchases and beverages beyond lunch
  • Underwater camera or dry bag rental

Important Information

Participants with medical conditions including pregnancy, heart conditions, back problems, or recent surgery must inform the Picos de Aventura team in advance. The dolphin swim is conducted exclusively on a semi-rigid inflatable vessel.
Duration
Total 7 to 8 hours. Dolphin swimming approximately 2 hours; Lagoa do Fogo jeep tour approximately 3 hours.
Meeting Point
Marina Pêro de Teive, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel. Please check in at the Picos de Aventura desk 10 to 15 minutes before the activity starts.
What to Bring
Dry bag for phone or camera, water, sunscreen, swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, and personal toiletries. A shower is available after the water activity.
Cancellation
Contact the operator directly for the applicable cancellation and rescheduling policy. Ocean activities may be subject to weather-related changes.
Accessibility
This activity is not suitable for pregnant participants, persons with reduced mobility, or those with certain cardiac or orthopaedic conditions. Contact the operator for individual assessment.
Age Range
Minimum age 12 years. Maximum age 80 years. Children under 12 and pregnant participants are not permitted.

Reserve Your Place on This Full-Day Azores Adventure

Spaces for the dolphin swim are strictly limited to 8 participants. Secure your booking in advance to avoid disappointment and make the most of your time in São Miguel.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dolphin sighting guaranteed on this tour?
Wild dolphin encounters cannot be guaranteed, as these are free-ranging animals in their natural ocean habitat. The Picos de Aventura marine biology team uses professional spotting methods to maximise the likelihood of an encounter.
Do I need prior swimming experience to join the dolphin swim?
Basic swimming ability is recommended. All participants wear lifejackets throughout the ocean portion of the activity, and certified monitors are present in the water at all times.
What happens if sea conditions are unsuitable for swimming?
The operator reserves the right to modify or cancel the ocean activity for safety reasons due to adverse weather or sea conditions. In such cases, guests will be informed as early as possible and alternative arrangements discussed.
Can children under 12 participate in either part of the tour?
No. The minimum age for this combined tour is 12 years. Children under 12 are not permitted on either the dolphin swim or the Lagoa do Fogo jeep tour as part of this package.
Is Lagoa do Fogo a protected natural area?
Yes. Lagoa do Fogo is located within a nature reserve on São Miguel Island and is one of the most ecologically significant crater lakes in the Azores archipelago. Visitor access is managed to protect its endemic flora and fauna.
Where exactly does the tour start and end?
Both the start and end point of this tour is Marina Pêro de Teive in Ponta Delgada. Participants should arrive at the Picos de Aventura desk 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled departure.
Dolphin Swimming AzoresLagoa do Fogo TourSão Miguel IslandPonta Delgada ActivitiesMarine Wildlife AzoresAzores Jeep TourSnorkeling AzoresVolcanic Lake PortugalFull Day Azores TourPicos de AventuraOcean Adventure PortugalAzores Nature Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-15 | Product ID: pdl-dolphin-lagoafogo-combo

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

7 a 8 horas

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Activity Site

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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