Angra do Heroísmo: Snorkeling Tour by boat

If you’re planning a trip to the Azores and love the idea of exploring beneath the waves, the Snorkeling Tour from Angra do Heroísmo promises a fun, family-friendly way to get a glimpse of the islands’ vibrant marine life. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve looked into what makes it stand out—and what to consider before booking.

One of the first things we love about this experience is the small group setting, limited to just 8 participants, which means you get more personalized attention from guides and a quieter, more relaxed vibe on the boat. Plus, the opportunity to photograph the coastline and marine creatures makes this tour particularly appealing for those who enjoy capturing memories.

On the flip side, snorkeling only takes place in the summer, so if your trip is outside the warmer months, this activity might not be available, or the conditions could change. Still, for anyone craving a chance to see Azores’ marine biodiversity without venturing into deep water, this could be a great fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a structured, guided experience with convenience included.

Key Points

• Limited group size ensures a more personalized, intimate experience.
• Includes all necessary gear like goggles, fins, wetsuits, and transportation.
• Snorkeling is seasonal, only in summer, depending on weather conditions.
• Guides are multilingual (English, Portuguese, Spanish), making communication easier.
• Safety is prioritized with daily assessments of water visibility and conditions.
• Photography opportunities along the coastline add a memorable touch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary and Experience Breakdown

This snorkeling tour offers a straightforward yet engaging experience, mainly focused on showcasing the marine biodiversity of the Azores. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed. The actual locations of each snorkeling spot are chosen daily based on safety and visibility conditions, ensuring you get the best possible experience that day.

Starting at the Water4fun reception area in Angra do Heroísmo, you’ll check in and meet your guides. From there, a speedboat whisks you off to one of the scenic spots along the south coast of Terceira Island. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering a chance to enjoy the wind and ocean views before jumping into the water.

Once at the site, your guide — who speaks multiple languages — will evaluate the current conditions to ensure safety and clarity. They’ll stay close by, offering tips and pointing out interesting marine life like sea urchins, starfish, octopuses, and shells, as some recent reviews mention.

What You’ll See and Do

During your time in the water, you’ll have the chance to snorkel with the gear provided, taking in the underwater sights and attempting to capture some photos of the coastline. You can expect to see a variety of sea creatures, though one review noted that visibility at some sites wasn’t ideal for spotting fish or larger marine life. That said, the guides are experienced and do surface demonstrations—like showing an octopus or sea urchins—which adds value.

While the scheduled activity does not include deep-sea exploration or diving, it emphasizes enjoying the Azorean marine environment at a comfortable, gentle pace. The main goal is to see and appreciate the sea life close to the coast, making this accessible even for less experienced swimmers.

What’s Included and What to Bring

For just $45 per person, you get all the essential snorkeling gear—goggles, tubes, fins, and wetsuits—plus the boat transfer. It’s a very reasonable price considering the length and inclusivity of the activity, especially if you want to try snorkeling without investing in your own gear beforehand.

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, so if you’re coming straight from a meal or want to stay energized afterward, bring a water bottle and perhaps a snack. Also, don’t forget your towel to dry off after your swim.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: 1.5 hours, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re tight on time.
• Weather Dependent: Tours may be altered or canceled if weather conditions aren’t suitable, so keep an eye on the forecast.
• Meeting Point: At Water4fun in Angra do Heroísmo, a straightforward check-in makes it easy to start your adventure.
• Capacity: Small group size means less crowding and more attention from guides.

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Real Travelers’ Feedback

One reviewer mentioned, “We were not taken to a place where you could see a lot of fish. It was too deep for that. However, experienced employees did surface things to show, such as an octopus, sea urchins, and a starfish.” This honesty is helpful; don’t expect a vibrant fish frenzy but rather opportunities to see interesting sea creatures and enjoy the scenery.

Another attendee rated the experience 5 out of 5, appreciating the constant attentiveness of the staff and instructor, who ensured everyone enjoyed the activity to the fullest. This highlights the tour’s focus on safety and providing a friendly, engaging environment.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This snorkeling excursion is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, guided way to explore the Azores’ underwater world without the need for advanced swimming skills or diving experience. Given that it’s not suitable for non-swimmers or those over 70, it’s best suited for active, adventurous adults or older teens comfortable in water.

If you’re traveling with family, especially younger children or those not confident swimmers, this might not be the best option. The activity emphasizes safety and enjoyment but does require a basic comfort level in water.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the cost—$45 per person—this snorkeling tour offers a convenient, well-organized way to see some of the marine life the Azores are known for. The inclusion of gear, transportation, and small group size makes it a good deal for those eager to dip into the local sea environment without much fuss.

You’ll love the friendly guides and the chance to photograph the coastline, especially if you’re into capturing scenic or underwater shots. Keep in mind, the experience is somewhat weather-dependent, and visibility might vary, but overall, it’s a safe, manageable introduction to snorkeling with plenty of opportunities to spot interesting sea creatures.

If you’re after a short, scenic, guided water activity with knowledgeable staff, this is a solid choice. It’s less about deep underwater exploration and more about enjoying a relaxed, marine-focused outing. Perfect for those who want a taste of Azores’ oceanic beauty without a lengthy commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling available year-round?
No, snorkeling only takes place during the summer months when conditions are suitable. Weather and visibility are assessed daily to ensure safety.

What’s included in the price?
All gear—goggles, tubes, fins, wetsuits—and transportation by speedboat are included. Food and drinks are not included.

Can non-swimmers participate?
No, this activity isn’t suitable for non-swimmers due to safety reasons.

How long does the tour last?
The snorkeling portion lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with the entire experience including transfer and briefing.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At Water4fun in Angra do Heroísmo, at the Whale Watching Terceira island reception area.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s primarily designed for adults and teenagers comfortable in water. It’s not explicitly targeted at children, especially if they can’t swim.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel and perhaps a camera to capture the moments, especially since some scenic coastal views are nearby.

What if the weather is bad?
Tours may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions aren’t safe, so check the forecast and confirm before your scheduled time.

Are guides multilingual?
Yes, guides speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, making communication easy.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The chance to see marine life like octopuses, sea urchins, and starfish, along with taking photos of the coastline from the water.

If you’re after a straightforward, friendly introduction to Azores’ marine environment, this snorkeling tour from Angra do Heroísmo is a compelling, reasonably priced option. It’s not a deep-sea adventure, but it offers plenty of charm and a genuine taste of the local sea life—plus the peace of mind that comes with a well-organized, small-group experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: