Snorkeling in the Azores: hike, waterfall and reef

Ancient forest, waterfall, volcanic beach, underwater reef

A combined hiking and snorkeling day in the Azores that starts on forest trails, passes a waterfall, and ends at a volcanic beach where you enter the water with mask and fins to see the island's marine life. The guide is government-certified, pickup happens at your accommodation, and snorkeling equipment comes with the booking. Groups can be customized on request.

The Experience

The day begins where the road ends. You leave behind paved terrain and step into ancient forest, moving through landscapes shaped by the island's volcanic past. The hike takes you over uneven ground and through vegetation, building toward a majestic waterfall that marks the midpoint of the trek. Each section reveals a different part of the Azores' interior—the kind of terrain most visitors never reach because it requires a guide who knows the paths and the timing.

After the forest section, the route descends to a volcanic beach where the snorkeling begins. You put on the provided wetsuit, mask, fins and snorkel, then enter the water to move among the reef and whatever marine life is present that day. The underwater part is not a separate boat trip; it flows directly from the hike, so the full arc of the day—forest to water—stays intact. A government-certified guide leads both sections and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian depending on your group.

Transport is private, meaning your group travels alone in an air-conditioned vehicle rather than joining others. The driver picks you up at your accommodation and returns you there when the day ends, so no time gets spent on transfers to a meeting point. The vehicle has USB charging and is sanitized before and after each excursion. The itinerary and group size can be adjusted before you book if you want to modify the route or the number of people.

What’s included

• Private transportation with pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.
• government-certified guide leading both the hike and snorkeling sections.
• snorkeling equipment including mask, fins, wetsuit and snorkel.
• air-conditioned vehicle with USB charging.
• vehicle sanitized before and after the excursion.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Azores Islands Experience

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to move through the Azores' interior on foot and then enter the water in the same day—the private transport and customizable group size mean you're not waiting for others or following a fixed schedule that doesn't match your pace or your interests.

Traveler reviews

4.95★★★★★★★★★★

41 verified traveler reviews

5 ★40

4 ★0

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How long does the snorkeling in the Azores take from start to finish?

The full day runs about four hours from pickup to drop-off, combining both the hiking section through the forest and waterfall, and the snorkeling time at the volcanic beach.

What marine life will I see when snorkeling at the reef?

The reef around the volcanic beach is home to the island's marine life, though what you encounter depends on the day and the season; the guide will point out what is present and help you navigate the underwater terrain safely.

Is the hiking difficult, or can I do this if I'm not very fit?

The hike is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it does involve uneven ground and obstacles as you move through the forest toward the waterfall; the guide sets the pace and can adjust the route if needed.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No—snorkeling equipment including mask, fins, wetsuit and snorkel comes with the booking, so you arrive with just yourself and your swimwear.

Can I customize the group size or the route?

Yes; the number of people and the itinerary can be customized upon request, so message the operator before booking to discuss any changes you want to make.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is certified by the Government of the Azores and speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, so you can book in whichever language suits your group.