São Miguel: Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling at Vila Franca Islet

Summary

Glass bottom boat views and snorkeling by Vila Franca do Campo

You’ll start in São Miguel’s marina, stepping onto a glass bottom boat to watch Atlantic marine life swirl beneath your feet before snorkeling near Vila Franca do Campo Islet. With a local biologist guiding you and all gear included, expect rare fish sightings, laughter on deck, and that quiet thrill of drifting in clear Azores water.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the water near Vila Franca do Campo looked almost too clear — like someone had dialed up the color just for us. We met our guide, Ana (she’s a marine biologist, which is honestly reassuring), right at the little OceanEye Azores kiosk at the marina. She handed out fins and masks with a grin, then gave us this quick rundown about safety and what we might spot under the boat. I kept fiddling with my snorkel strap — nerves, maybe? Anyway, she didn’t rush us.

Once we set off around the islet, everyone crowded over the glass panels in the middle of the boat. It’s weirdly hypnotic watching fish dart below you while you’re still dry — some of them had these electric blue stripes that Ana said only live around São Miguel. There was this salty breeze and a faint smell of sunscreen mixed with ocean (not unpleasant). A kid on board kept pressing his face to the glass and giggling every time something moved fast — I couldn’t help laughing too.

We anchored close to Praia da Pedreira after circling the natural reserve. That’s when Ana asked if anyone wanted to try snorkeling. I hesitated (the Atlantic isn’t exactly warm), but she promised it was worth it. And yeah, floating above those rocks with all those tiny fish swirling around… it felt sort of private, even though we were all there together. My mask fogged up twice but I didn’t really care — I still think about that feeling of being weightless with just muffled sounds all around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling

• Start at Marina of Vila Franca do Campo
• Receive briefing from guide
• Tour around Natural Reserve islet
• Observe marine life through glass bottom
• Snorkel near islet or Praia da Pedreira

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of mask, tube, and fins is included for all participants.

Where does the glass bottom boat tour in São Miguel start?

The tour begins at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo at the OceanEye Azores kiosk.

Is this glass bottom boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the snorkeling part of the tour?

A local guide who is also a biologist accompanies guests during snorkeling.

Can infants join this São Miguel glass bottom boat trip?

Yes, infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller/pram.

Do you offer hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup or drop-off is offered; guests meet at the marina directly.

How many people can join per booking?

You can book up to 15 people at once; for larger groups (up to 20), make two bookings.

What’s included

Your day includes use of full snorkeling equipment (mask, tube, fins), guidance from a local biologist throughout both boating and snorkeling segments, plus insurance coverage for peace of mind—just show up at Vila Franca do Campo marina ready for adventure.