Terceira Island: Ilhéu das Cabras Boat Tour + Snorkeling

If you’re dreaming of floating above crystal-clear waters filled with colorful fish, starfish, and maybe even a stingray or jellyfish, then the Ilhéu das Cabras boat tour on Terceira Island in the Azores might be just your thing. This experience promises a fascinating encounter with the island’s marine life, all set against the backdrop of volcanic islets and lush seabird colonies. While it’s a short adventure—about 1.5 hours—you’ll find it packed with memorable moments, friendly guides, and beautiful scenery.

Three things you’ll undoubtedly appreciate about this tour: the chance to snorkel with a variety of sea creatures, the expertise of the guides like Tomás who are passionate about marine life, and the stunning views of the islet’s rugged landscape. On the flip side, keep in mind that weather conditions can influence your experience, especially water temperatures and wind. Those who love nature, enjoy light watersports, or are curious about Azorean marine ecosystems will find this tour perfect. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, educational, and visually captivating activity.

Key Points

• Authentic marine experience with guided snorkeling around volcanic islets.
• Knowledgeable guides like Tomás enhance the trip with expert insights.
• Comfortable equipment included—masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits—making it accessible.
• Short, manageable duration ideal for travelers with limited time.
• Beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Weather-dependent activity, so flexibility is helpful.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why the Ilhéu das Cabras Snorkeling Tour Stands Out

The Azores are famous for their natural beauty, and this boat trip provides a fantastic way to explore beneath the surface without the need for extensive planning. The experience begins at the Marina de Angra do Heroísmo, where you’ll meet your friendly guides at Scubazores Divers. From there, a speedboat ride of about 30 minutes whisks you across Atlantic waters toward the volcanic islets of Ilhéu das Cabras, a designated Special Protection Zone that’s home to an impressive variety of bird species, marine flora, and fauna.

Most travelers find the boat ride itself to be an enjoyable part of the adventure, with some reviewers like Daisy noting that “the whole trip took about 2.5 hours,” including preparation and snorkeling time. The boat is comfortable, and the guides are attentive, making sure everyone feels safe and informed.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Start at Marina de Angra do Heroísmo: Your adventure begins at the marina, ideally early enough to catch the scheduled departure. Here, the guides give a brief overview of snorkeling techniques, safety, and what marine creatures you might encounter.

Speedboat to Ilhéus das Cabras: The 30-minute ride offers stunning views of the coastline and helps build excitement for what’s to come. Many reviews mention how smooth and scenic this part of the trip is, with some even noting the windless stops for explanations about the islet’s features and ecosystems.

Stop at Ilhéus das Cabras: Once on the islet, it’s time to change into wetsuits provided and start exploring. You’ll have about 30 minutes to snorkel, swim, and take photos. This stop is the highlight—reviewers like Davey describe seeing jellyfish, rays, groupers, and colorful fish, thanks to the sharp eyes of guides like Tomás.

Wildlife and Marine Life Viewing: Expect to see various species in their natural environment—many reviewers mention the abundance of fish, starfish, and even stingrays. Daisy emphasizes the stunning scenery and the ability to snorkel comfortably with wetsuits and fins.

Return to Marina: After your aquatic adventure, the boat heads back, giving everyone a chance to relax and chat about what they saw. The trip wraps up at the original meeting point, ready for your next Azorean adventure.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour provides all necessary equipment—masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits—and an instructor to guide you through the experience. Insurance is included, offering peace of mind. Keep in mind that food and drinks are not included, so packing a snack or water bottle can be helpful if you wish.

You should come prepared with swimwear and a towel, especially since many find it refreshing and fun to stay in the water longer. Although the water can be chilly, the wetsuits do a good job of keeping you warm, with reviewers like Renee noting that “the water is warm but it is still nice to have a wetsuit.”

Who Will Love This Tour?

This activity is ideal for nature lovers, marine life enthusiasts, and those seeking a relaxed outdoor experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy light water activities but are not experienced snorkelers—since the guides provide basic instruction and supervise the swim. Non-swimmers might want to think twice, as swimming is a core part of the tour.

Since the water conditions and weather can influence the experience, flexible travelers who understand that plans might change slightly will appreciate the honesty of the operators. If you’re after a quick, intimate experience with Azorean marine ecosystems, this trip is a top pick.

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The Value of the Experience

While the price might seem modest, the value lies in the quality of the guides, the quality equipment, and the chance to see marine life in a protected zone not accessible otherwise. As Davey shared, “thanks to the sharp eyes of Tomás,” the tour offers a chance to see animals that many might only spot in documentaries. Plus, the short duration makes it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Arrive early at the marina to ensure you don’t miss your slot.
• Bring a towel for after your swim since you’ll likely want to dry off quickly.
• Dress in swimwear under your clothes, which is necessary for snorkeling.
• Prepare for variable weather: Wind and water temperatures can impact comfort, so a wetsuit is highly recommended.
• Don’t forget your camera or waterproof phone case — the scenery and marine life are worth capturing.

Safety and Weather Considerations

The activity is weather-dependent, and guides reserve the right to modify or cancel if conditions are unsuitable. The tour generally runs in calm, windless conditions, but if the weather turns, your guides will inform you of any changes. The insurance coverage ensures some peace of mind, but always listen carefully to safety instructions.

This Ilhéu das Cabras snorkeling tour offers a fantastic way to experience the Azorean underwater world in a short, relaxed outing. It’s especially suited for those who value knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and marine life encounters without the complexity of longer excursions. The combination of scenic boat rides, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling makes it a memorable highlight for many visitors.

If you’re interested in exploring Azores’ marine ecology firsthand or looking for a family-friendly activity, this tour hits the sweet spot between accessibility and adventure. Just remember to check the weather forecast, bring your essentials, and prepare for a fun, educational, and visually beautiful experience.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for non-swimmers?
No, snorkeling is a key part of the tour, and participants need to be comfortable swimming. Non-swimmers may find this activity challenging.

What equipment is included?
The tour provides masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, so you don’t need to bring your own unless preferred.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including boat ride, snorkeling, and briefings.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bringing a water bottle or small snack is advisable.

Is the water cold?
The water temperature can vary, but wetsuits are provided to help keep you warm during your swim.

What is the maximum group size?
While not explicitly stated, reviews mention small groups—around six people—which helps ensure a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: