São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean

Swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat on São Miguel Island sounds like a dream come true—and for many travelers, it truly is. This tour offers a unique chance to get close to these intelligent creatures in the wild, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Portugal’s Azores.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural environment, not in a tank or zoo. Second, the knowledgeable guides and marine biologists ensure safety and teach you about the animals. Third, the tour includes a scenic boat ride along São Miguel’s rugged coast that’s just as memorable as the swim itself.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience demands a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water, since you’ll be swimming in the ocean and reboarding a small boat multiple times. If you’re someone who loves adventure and wildlife encounters, this tour will suit you perfectly. If you’re nervous about swimming in open seas or have pre-existing medical conditions, it’s good to think carefully before booking.

Key Points

• Authentic Wild Encounters: Swim with dolphins in their natural environment, rather than a controlled setting or aquarium.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides and marine biologists enhance safety and education during the trip.
• Scenic Setting: The tour offers breathtaking views of São Miguel’s coastline, adding to the overall experience.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, providing a more personal and attentive experience.
• Flexible Booking: Full refunds available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance; reserve now, pay later for flexibility.
• Physical Readiness Needed: Open water swimming and basic fitness are required, making it suitable for adventurous travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Breakdown

Starting Point: Marina Pêro de Teive

The tour kicks off at the Marina Pêro de Teive, a convenient and scenic departure point. From here, a quick safety briefing sets the tone, giving you essential tips and information about what to expect. The guides, including Fatima—a marine biologist—and her team, immediately make you feel supported and well-informed, emphasizing safety and respect for the dolphins and their environment.

Safety Briefing in Ponta Delgada

The 10-minute briefing covers all the basics, from how to behave around marine life to what to do in case you need assistance. It’s clear that the guides prioritize ethical interaction, making sure everyone understands the importance of respecting the animals’ space. Several reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism, with comments like “really good at explaining the process” and ensuring everyone feels secure.

The Guided Tour & Dolphin Watching

This part of the trip lasts about two hours, where the boat cruises along São Miguel’s coast, revealing spectacular views of cliffs, small islands, and lush greenery. During this time, the guides actively search for dolphins, and their skill at spotting these creatures is impressive.

Multiple reviewers noted how their guides, Natalia and Joanna, did a fantastic job “helping spot dolphins” and even stopping to collect rubbish from the sea—a small but meaningful gesture that highlights the tour’s commitment to conservation. Guests frequently mention seeing different species, like bottlenose and common dolphins, sometimes in large pods. Some lucky travelers, like one who described feeling overwhelmed, even saw dolphins swimming underneath or around the boat, creating unforgettable moments.

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Swimming with Dolphins

Once dolphins are spotted and the team confirms it’s safe, you’ll be dropped into the water from a high-speed boat, sometimes multiple times during the trip. The experience is described as “fast-paced but thoroughly enjoyable,” with some reviewers saying they swam with dolphins up close and even watched them play and show off—like doing jumps or hanging around.

A key point from reviews is that no life vests or floating devices are allowed, so comfort with open water and confidence in swimming are important. Many guests found the experience “magical,” and one even pointed out how dolphins sometimes swam right beneath them, making it feel like a personal encounter.

Return to Marina

After about 2.5 hours, the tour concludes back at Marina Pêro de Teive. Travelers leave with a camera full of photos, a camera roll of memories, and stories of seeing dolphins, flying fish, or even a marlin and, on rare occasions, a hammerhead shark. Guides often share local insights, adding a personalized touch.

What to Expect: Practical Details

Duration and Schedule

The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, with starting times varying based on availability. It’s best to check in advance to find a slot that suits your plans. The short duration makes it accessible even for those with busy schedules or those who prefer a half-day adventure.

Inclusions and Equipment

Included in the price are snorkeling gear, wetsuits, windbreakers, and safety instructions. You’ll need to bring a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, hair tie, and waterproof bag. The guides are multilingual, speaking Portuguese, English, and Spanish, which helps international travelers feel comfortable.

Small Group Experience

Limited to just 8 participants, this tour offers a more intimate feel. Guests consistently praise the guides’ personal attention and their efforts to find dolphins for everyone. This small-group aspect enhances safety and allows for a more relaxed, enjoyable environment.

Price & Value

While not the cheapest activity—costing about 150 euros per person—many reviews emphasize its value. Seeing dolphins in the wild, in a responsible way, is a privilege that costs a bit more but offers priceless memories. Several travelers noted that they would happily pay again, especially given the excellent guides and the quality of wildlife encounters.

Suitability & Restrictions

This tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, mainly due to the open water swimming component. It requires at least a basic level of fitness and comfort in the sea. If you’re prone to seasickness or have medical conditions, it’s wise to consult your doctor before booking.

Real Traveler Insights and Highlights

Many reviews highlight the expertise of the guides, especially Fatima, the marine biologist, who shared fascinating facts about dolphins and was careful to ensure respectful interactions. Guests felt reassured by the guides’ commitment to animal welfare, noting they were “very respectful of nature.”

The experience also scores high for being fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping, with some guests describing it as “a quick, exciting ride” that gets you in the water multiple times. Seeing the dolphins swim so close—sometimes beneath you or right around you—leaves a lasting impression.

A frequent comment is that the scenery itself is worth the trip. The rugged coastlines, small islands, and clear blue waters combine to make the journey visually stunning, creating a perfect backdrop to the wildlife spectacle.

The Sum Up

Swimming with wild dolphins off São Miguel offers a rare chance to connect with the natural world in an authentic way. The careful balance of adventure, education, and respect for marine life makes this tour a standout activity for nature lovers and curious travelers alike. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal, safe experience that’s well worth the price, especially for those who value genuine wildlife encounters.

If you’re comfortable in open water and eager to see dolphins in their own habitat, this tour will likely be one of the most memorable highlights of your Azores trip. For anyone wanting a meaningful, responsibly managed wildlife experience that’s both fun and educational, this activity is a top choice.

FAQs

Is swimming with dolphins in the wild suitable for everyone?
This activity requires a basic level of fitness and comfort in open water since you’ll be swimming in the ocean and reboarding the boat multiple times. It’s not suitable for children under 12 or those with certain medical conditions.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours, including safety briefings, the boat ride, and swimming time with the dolphins.

What should I bring?
You need to bring a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, hair tie, and waterproof bag. The boat provides snorkeling gear and wetsuits.

Are the guides experienced?
Yes, guides like Fatima, a marine biologist, and her team are highly knowledgeable about marine life and focus on safety and respect for the animals.

What kind of dolphins might I see?
Guests often see bottlenose and common dolphins, sometimes in large pods. There’s also a chance, though less predictable, to encounter other marine creatures like flying fish, marlin, or even a hammerhead shark.

Is there a risk of seasickness?
Most guests find the boat rides manageable, but if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions as the boat is fast and can be bumpy.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later.

Are life vests provided?
No, life vests or floating devices are not allowed during swimming, so familiarity and comfort with open water are essential.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Will I get to see dolphins up close?
Absolutely—many guests describe swimming with dolphins directly beneath or around them, often feeling like they’re sharing a secret moment with these incredible animals.

Swimming with dolphins off São Miguel is a genuine, eco-conscious adventure that rewards those seeking a meaningful wildlife encounter. With expert guides, stunning scenery, and the thrill of seeing dolphins in their natural environment, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here: