Ilhéus das Cabras boat tour: Dolphins and cliff views

The rock formations here are steep enough that you see them from the water before you see the island itself.

A two-hour boat tour of Ilhéus das Cabras, a protected marine area off Terceira Island in the Azores, with a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese. You travel by boat around the dramatic rock formations and coastline, watching for dolphins and seabirds in clear Atlantic waters. Swimming is available depending on weather. The tour operates year-round and suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain cardiovascular or spinal conditions.

The experience

Two hours on the water around Ilhéus das Cabras means you spend the whole time moving through the protected area itself: no long transit, no time on land. The boat stays close enough to the rock formations and cliffs that you can see the detail in the stone and the way the coast drops straight into the sea. An experienced guide narrates in English, Spanish or Portuguese, pointing out the marine life and the landscape as you go.

Dolphins and seabirds are the wildlife draw here, though sightings depend on the day and the season. The water is clear enough that you can see down into it, and if conditions allow, you can swim in the Atlantic. The tour runs in all weather, so you'll need to dress for wind and spray. The operator provides no food or drinks on board, so bring what you need for two hours at sea.

The boat departs from Terceira Island, and public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving. Children must have an adult with them, and specialized infant seats are available on request. The tour operates across three seasonal windows (October through May, January through May, or June through September), so check which one fits your travel dates.

What’s included

• Live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• tour of the protected area and its rock formations.
• swimming in the Atlantic when weather allows.
• public liability insurance.

Options for this experience

3 options

Season 2026 (Jan-May)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · Available from 1 Jan 2027Lasts 2 hours

Season 2026 (Jun-Sep)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · Available from 1 Jun 2027Lasts 2 hours

Season 2026/2027 (Oct-May)Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese · 14:30Lasts 2 hours

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 14:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 95 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by OceanEmotion

Is this one for you?Book the October-to-May season if you want the best chance of calm water and wildlife sightings. The June-to-September window works if those are your travel dates but tends to bring rougher conditions. The two-hour length fits easily into a morning or afternoon on Terceira without eating a full day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife might I see on the Ilhéus das Cabras tour?

Dolphins and seabirds are the main wildlife you watch for during the two hours on the water. Sightings depend on the season and conditions, but the clear waters and protected area make encounters possible.

Can I swim during the boat tour?

Swimming in the Atlantic is included on the tour when weather permits. The operator decides conditions on the day, so bring a swimsuit if you want the option but be prepared to skip it if the sea is rough.

How long is the Ilhéus das Cabras tour?

The tour lasts two hours total, spent on the boat exploring the protected area and its rock formations and coastline.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the boat?

The boat departs from Terceira Island, and public transportation options are available nearby. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you'll need to get to the departure point on your own.