Swimming with Dolphins and Sete Cidades Tour in São Miguel
Ocean encounters and volcanic landscapes combined into one extraordinary day on the island of São Miguel.
This full-day adventure pairs a guided swimming with dolphins in the Azores session with an afternoon exploration of the iconic Sete Cidades volcanic crater, offering two of São Miguel's most memorable natural experiences back to back. A local lunch in Ponta Delgada bridges the two halves of the day, giving participants time to recharge between sea and land.
The morning begins at Marina Pêro de Teive, where a certified marine biologist team from Picos de Aventura leads a thorough safety and environmental briefing before departure on a semi-rigid vessel. Once a dolphin group is located in open water, participants enter the sea in small rotations, snorkeling alongside wild cetaceans in their natural habitat with minimal disturbance to the animals.
The afternoon shifts to the island's volcanic interior, where a minivan journey winds through the Sete Cidades caldera. The route takes in the Vista do Rei viewpoint, where the crater's famous blue and green lakes come into full view, before descending into the village of Sete Cidades itself for a closer look at the landscape that defines São Miguel's reputation.
This combination itinerary suits travelers who want to experience both the Atlantic marine environment and the island's extraordinary geological heritage without needing to book separate days for each activity.
Tour Highlights
Swim alongside wild dolphins in the open Atlantic, guided by professional marine biologists from Picos de Aventura.
Take in panoramic views from the Vista do Rei viewpoint, one of the most photographed vantage points in the Azores.
Explore the Sete Cidades caldera and its twin lakes — one blue, one green — nested inside an ancient volcanic crater.
Enjoy a sit-down lunch at a local restaurant in Ponta Delgada, included between the two activity segments.
All equipment — life jackets, waterproof jackets, snorkel gear — is provided, with certified guides throughout.
Small groups of up to 8 in the water ensure a respectful and personal cetacean encounter for every participant.
Learn about the geology, ecology, and local legends of São Miguel from an experienced guide during the land tour.
How the Day Unfolds
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start to check in at the Picos de Aventura office. The team delivers a detailed safety and conservation briefing, covering snorkel technique, marine behavior guidelines, and vessel protocols before boarding.
The semi-rigid boat heads into the Atlantic in search of wild dolphin pods. When a group is located and conditions allow, participants enter the water in small rotations to snorkel alongside the animals, always respecting their natural behavior and movement.
The vessel returns to Marina Pêro de Teive around late morning. Shower facilities are available on site so participants can rinse off and change before heading to lunch.
A sit-down lunch at a local Ponta Delgada restaurant is included in the package. This midday break allows participants to rest and refuel before the afternoon land tour begins.
The minivan departs for Sete Cidades in the early afternoon, stopping at the Vista do Rei viewpoint for panoramic views of the crater and its two-colored lakes. The guide provides context on the caldera's volcanic origins and the legends associated with the landscape.
The route descends into the Sete Cidades village inside the caldera before the minivan returns to Ponta Delgada by early evening, marking the end of the full-day experience.
What Is Included and Excluded
Included
- Activity briefing and orientation
- Semi-rigid and rigid vessel transport at sea
- Life jacket (mandatory use)
- Waterproof jacket
- Snorkel mask and snorkel
- Accompaniment by certified Picos de Aventura guides
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Ponta Delgada
- Minivan transport for the Sete Cidades tour
- Driver and land guide throughout the afternoon
- Personal accident insurance
- Civil liability insurance
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides
- Personal purchases at restaurants or shops
- Underwater camera or photography equipment
- Transport to and from the meeting point
Important Information
Reserve Your Place
Availability for the dolphin swimming segment is limited to groups of 8. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak season in São Miguel.
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