Boat Tours in the Azores

Between inter-island crossings, coastal tours and whale-watching trips, the sea is, just as much as the land, the real stage of the Azores.

A different way to experience the archipelago

Many of the Azores’ most impressive sights — islets, coastal caves, lava arches — are only truly visible from the sea, making boat tours a natural complement to any trip around the islands.

Popular boat tour destinations

In Madalena, on Pico, the small islets just off the coast are a classic short boat-tour destination. In São Miguel, Ilhéu de Vila Franca — the interior of a former submerged volcano — is only accessible by sea. The Formigas Islets, between São Miguel and Santa Maria, combine a boat tour with deep-water diving.

Inter-island crossings

Beyond tourist trips, boats remain a genuine means of transport between nearby islands, especially within the central group (Faial, Pico, São Jorge), where crossings are frequent and quick.

What to bring

Clothing that can get wet, non-slip footwear and sun protection are common recommendations for any boat trip in the Azores, even on clear days.

Related articles

• Madalena: Pico’s Gateway Town and Its Watchful Islets
• Ilhéu de Vila Franca
• Ilhéus das Formigas: Reportedly Europe’s Best Dive Site
• Azores Triangle Itinerary – Faial, Pico and São Jorge

Featured image — Photo: Jules Verne Times Two / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0