Whale Watching & Ilhéus das Cabras Tour: Terceira Island

29 species of cetaceans live in these waters, and you'll search for them from the boat.

A private whale and dolphin watching tour around Terceira Island in the Azores, followed by a boat exploration of Ilhéus das Cabras and its protected rock formations. The tour runs 3.5 hours with a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, a sighting guarantee, and the option to swim at Ilhéus das Cabras. You choose between a small boat holding 12 passengers or a larger one for 15.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whale watching and island exploration

• Board boat for whale watching
• Observe various whale and dolphin species
• Explore Ilhéus das Cabras rock formations
• Enjoy marine richness and tranquility

The experience

The Azores sit on a migration route for cetaceans, with 29 species recorded in these waters: roughly a third of all known species on Earth. This tour puts you on the water to search for them, equipped with a hydrophone so you can listen as well as watch. A specialized whale and dolphin spotter guides the boat, and if nothing surfaces during your time out, the operator guarantees your money back. The tour operates in all weather, so the seas stay active year-round.

After the whale watch, the boat heads to Ilhéus das Cabras, a cluster of rock formations off Terceira's coast that form a protected marine area. You'll see the geology up close (the dramatic stone shapes carved by the Atlantic), and the water around them teems with smaller marine life. Swimming is an option here if the conditions suit you. A wind jacket is provided, and the boat carries specialized infant seats if you're traveling with very young children.

You pick your boat size at checkout: a small one holding 12 passengers or a larger vessel for 15. Both run the same route and timing. The guide speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, and public transportation options are available near the departure point if you're not arranging your own way to the dock.

What’s included

• Tour guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• whale and dolphin spotter.
• hydrophone to listen to cetacean calls.
• wind jacket.
• sighting guarantee.
• possibility to swim at Ilhéus das Cabras.
• public liability insurance.
• specialized infant seats available on request.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 12 per booking · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese08:30

Up to 15 per booking · Guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese08:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by OceanEmotion

Is this one for you?Choose the small boat if your group is under 12 and you want a closer, more intimate experience on the water. Pick the large boat if you're traveling with a bigger party and want everyone together on one departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

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.

How many whale and dolphin species live around Terceira?

Twenty-nine species of cetaceans have been recorded in the Azores, representing roughly 33% of all known species worldwide.

What happens if we don't see whales or dolphins?

The tour includes a sighting guarantee. If no cetaceans surface during your time on the water, the operator refunds your booking.

Can we swim at Ilhéus das Cabras?

Yes, swimming is possible at Ilhéus das Cabras depending on sea conditions, and the boat crew will let you know if it's safe on the day.

What's the difference between the small boat and the large boat?

The small boat holds 12 passengers and the large boat holds 15. Both follow the same route, timing and itinerary, so your choice depends on group size.

What should I bring or wear?

Dress for ocean conditions and bring layers. A wind jacket is provided. The tour operates in all weather, so prepare for wind and spray even on calmer days.