Top water activities in São Miguel island

Everyone knows that I am most comfortable when hiking BUT even I completely fell in love with the best water activities in São Miguel island. 

It’s a big island, with phenomenal opportunities to do water activities, both for adventurous people and for people a little more fearful (like this dear friend of yours 😛).

Watch Dolphins and Whales

Why is this considered one of the best water activities in São Miguel island?

The Azores are considered the best European destination to see whales, so this list could only start there.

Did you know that in the Azores it is possible to see up to 28 of the 81 species of whales and dolphins that exist worldwide? It is an extraordinary opportunity!

What is the best time of the year to watch whales and dolphins in the Azores?

In general, the best time to go whale watching in the Azores is during spring (March to June), with April and May being the strongest months.

This is the time when the large whales pass by the Azores on their migration route from the equator to the summer feeding grounds off the coast of Greenland, Iceland and Norway.

When passing through the Azores, they stay here for several days to feed (in the spring months, the sea is full of plankton and krill), before continuing on their long journey.

During this season there are many fin whales, blue whales and sei whales passing through the Azores during their annual migration. We also occasionally see minke and humpback whales, although they are not as common as the other three species.

In addition to the migratory species, there are also 4 resident species: sperm whales, Risso’s dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins. These are present on our islands throughout the year and we can usually find them easily. 

How it is to go whales watching in São Miguel island

There are several tour operators that do whale watching (I will talk about them in more detail) but in terms of the structure of the activity per se, it is pretty much the same for all of them.

Basically, at set times of the day, people gather at the pier to board (on a zodiac or on a catamaran), equip themselves with raincoats and pants and set off in search of marine animals, with the help of on land lookers, who are constantly in touch with the skipper to inform him of the location of the animals.

Usually this activity lasts for 3h (but for instance, on the first time I did it it actually took longer, because they spotted a sperm whale and off we went to meet it! 😀

Best tour operators for whales & dolphins watch in São Miguel

There are several tour providers, so let me line them up for you:

– Futurismo Whales Watching Azores is my favorite company because its guides are (most of them) marine biologists, so they really know how to explain everything about the animals and the ecosystem in which they operate. I think this is awesome because if I just wanted to see animals, I’d watch the BBC channel at home 😀

Moreover, you can choose between traveling on a catamaran (a small, comfortable boat) or in a Zodiac (those rubber boats – they are quite fun but also very bouncy and splashy!).

This whales & dolphins watching expedition departures from Ponta Delgada, which is very convenient.

This is the most popular tour operator, so make sure to buy your tickets online to Futurismo Whales Watching because they sell out suuuuuuuper fast!

If these guys are sold out and you really want to go, there is this alternative. I have never joined one of their tours, but you can read the reviews and decide for yourself 🙂

– Another great option is Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL. I first traveled with them when Futurismo was sold out, and at first I was a bit annoyed to have to drive to Vila Franca do Campo, but I quickly realised that it was actually a good thing since I always wanted to check out its famous islet, which I did on that expedition.

Another thing I really loved about them is how careful they are once in the ocean – for instance the tour guides always makes sure that we are at a safe distance from the animals, and he fished out some visible rubbish from the water, which was very thoughtful.

All the Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL expeditions take place on zodiacs, so this might not be the best tour operator if you are traveling with young kids or elderly people. Otherwise, make sure to book your Whale Watching TERRA AZUL expedition as you’ll have a great experience!

How much does whales & dolphins watching cost in São Miguel?

It really depends on the tour operator you choose, but it is usually between 55€ – 65€ per adult and 30€ – 40€ per child.

Kayaking

Now here is one of the best water activities in São Miguel island for water scared people like meeeeeeee 😀

In all seriousness, kayaking in this island is not only a relaxing water activity but also an exhilarating one, because it takes place at some of the most scenic areas in São Miguel.

Moreover, compared to the other best water activities in São Miguel island, it is actually quite cheap.

And, precisely because it is a calm activity, it is ideal to do as a couple.

Where to go kayaking in São Miguel island

There are two places where you can go kayaking on the island of São Miguel:

– If you want a REAL kayaking experience, then you definitely need to kayak at the iconic islet of Vila Franca do Campo. It is GORGEOUS out there in the ocean and, once you reach the islet (which is shaped like an open ring), you will have the opportunity to do some snorkeling. That is right! Two birds, one stone! 😀

This experience starts with the guides picking you up from your hotel. Then they take you to the port and after providing you with all the required equipment (dry bags, long sleeve quick dry shirts, snorkel equipment and life vests) and giving you a briefing, off you go to the ocean!

Everyone rows in a 2-seater kayak and it takes around 25 – 30 minutes to reach the islet. Once there… it’s pure magic, really :) You can paddle around the protected reserve, and then kayak in to explore the caves. Then, you can park your kayak and do some snorkeling – you will see sooo many fish, it is wonderful!

The trip is around 2 km each way, in the waves and open ocean. I DON’T recommend this water experience in São Miguel for small children or for people who are not in a good shape.

– If the first experience is too much of an adventure and you are looking for a more relaxing experience, you can also kayak in the beautiful Lagoa das Sete Cidades (yes, it is the lake that appears in all the postcards of the island :P). I love love LOVE this lake, mainly because many people pass by without even stopping. This is the most relaxing kayaking experience in São Miguel because well, it’s a lake, so no waves.

You can rent a kayak for 30 minutes or for an hour. I advise you to rent it for an hour, because the lake is quite big and you will need plenty of time to take pictures :)

And yes, they will provide you with a life vest AND flippers.

How much does kayaking cost in São Miguel island?

If you go for the easy option of kayaking at Lagoa das Sete Cidades,, it costs between 7€ and 10€, depending if you choose the 30 minutes option or the 1h option.

If you go for the more demanding kayaking experience at the islet of Vila Franca de Campo, the price is 70€ / adult and 53€ / kid for a 3h activity.

Canyoning 

Now, if there is one thing that I will NEVER do in my life is to go canyoning 😂However, I have met so many people enjoying themselves while doing that I couldn’t miss it on this list of the best water activities in São Miguel island. So I did proper research, reaching out to people who like canyoning and who have done so on the island, talking to different tour operators (the things I do for you, uh?), and I was able to discover everything about it. Ready?

Where to go Canyoning in São Miguel island

There are basically two places where you can go canyoning on this island.

– My very favourite location is canyoning in Ribeira dos Caldeirões, in the northeast of São Miguel. It is this beautiful park (which I already mentioned in my article about the best parks in São Miguel) with a beautiful waterfall. 

You will either meet the guides at Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões OR they can pick you up (for an extra fee) from your hotel, IF you are based in Ponta Delgada, Capelas, Caloura, Lagoa and Ribeira Grande.

Then, after the equipment distribution, you will hike for around 30 minutes to the first water stream. Let the fun begin!

There will be several “jumping and abseiling obstacles”, with the jumps from around 3 and 5 m in height. Anyone who doesn’t want to (or isn’t able to) jump is abseiled down. After the final abseil, of about 7 meters height, you will get to swim in a natural pool, which is pretty cool.

This is the most popular canyoning experience in São Miguel, so I highly recommend you to book your canyoning experience in advance.

– The other location where you can go canyoning is Salto do Cabrito. You may recall that I wrote about it on my article about the WORST hiking trails in São Miguel island 😛 That’s right. I really don’t think that Salto do Cabrito is gorgeous like Parque da Ribeira do Caldeirão. Moreover, it is always packed with people (even during the winter months!).

However, I reckon that it is much more central (for example, it is only 25 minutes from Ponta Delgada, whereas Ribeira dos Caldeirões is 45 minutes away).
So if you are looking for a more central experience, don’t forget to book your canyoning at Salto do Cabrito.

How much does it cost to go canyoning in São Miguel island?

If you go canyoning in Parque da Ribeira dos Caldeirões, it costs between 65€ / adult (without pick up from your accommodation) and 65€ / adult (with pick up and drop off).

If you go canyoning in Salto do Cabrito, it costs between 85€ / adult (without pick up from your accommodation) and 100€ / adult (with pick up and drop off). Seriously, I don’t really understand how it can be more expensive than the other option!

Surfing

Surf in the Azores is in full growth, due to the fantastic Atlantic waves that are felt here, along with a scenario of unparalleled natural beauty.

By the way, and just out of curiosity: it is said that surfing was introduced to the Azores islands by American soldiers stationed at the Lajes Base in Terceira, during the Second World War.

Focusing again on the best water activities in São Miguel island.

The best spot for surfing in São Miguel is undoubtedly Santa Bárbara beach, in Ribeira Grande (one of the best areas to stay on the island). Great international surfers have already enjoyed the waves of Santa Bárbara, such as Tom Curren, Sunny Garcia, Mark Occhilupo and Shaun Tomson. The west side of this beach, in particular, provides wide and intense tubes.

But there are spots, of course, such as Mosteiros, Monte Verde and Santa Iria, where most locals surf.

Price: for free! 🙂

Go for a thermal bath

One of the top water activities in São Miguel island (and a very unique one) is to take a relaxing bath at a thermal pool. It is a very relaxing and safe experience, especially after going hiking around the island.

I have already written about the best thermal baths in São Miguel – make sure to read it to know about the best spots.

Price: it really depends on the place, but it is usually around 10€ for 1h30.