São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean

If you’re dreaming of spotting and swimming with dolphins in their natural environment, this São Miguel tour might just be what you’re looking for. It promises an up-close encounter with these intelligent creatures amid the striking scenery of the Azores. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just seeking a memorable adventure, this experience offers a genuine chance to connect with marine life in a beautiful setting.

Two things we really like about this trip are the small group size—which keeps things personal and safe—and the expertise of the guides, many of whom are biologists or highly knowledgeable about the local marine ecosystem. That said, one consideration to keep in mind is that the water conditions can be fast and bumpy, so it’s not ideal if you’re uneasy in open water or prone to motion sickness.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who love nature, are comfortable swimming in the open ocean, and want a meaningful, respectful wildlife experience. It’s not for young children under 12, but if you’re a confident swimmer and eager to see dolphins in the wild, it’s a standout choice.

• Wild Dolphin Encounters: Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, not in a captive environment.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable professionals, sometimes marine biologists, ensure safety and education.
• Breathtaking Scenery: Enjoy the rugged, stunning coastline of São Miguel from the water.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, fostering a more personal and safer adventure.
• Variable Sightings: While sightings are common, they’re not guaranteed—nature is unpredictable.
• Fast-Paced Ride: The boat trip can be lively, with quick transfers into the water—ideal if you’re comfortable in open water.

The tour kicks off from the Marina Pêro de Teive, where you’ll meet your guide and get a safety briefing that lasts about 10 minutes. While it might seem brief, it covers the essentials to keep everyone safe and prepared for the open water adventure ahead. The boat ride to the dolphin hotspots lasts around two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the views and scan the horizon for signs of marine life.

The boats are fast and open, designed to get you close to the dolphins quickly. Expect a lively ride—some reviews mention the trip can be bumpy, so bringing water shoes, sunscreen, and a windbreaker is smart. Once the guides spot a pod of dolphins, they’ll coordinate getting everyone into the water for the actual swimming experience. It’s fast and might feel a bit rushed, but the thrill of being in the water with wild dolphins makes it worthwhile.

In the water, you’ll typically swim 3 to 4 times, each session lasting around 5 minutes. The guides will help you with equipment like wetsuits, snorkels, and windbreakers, all included in the price. Be prepared to float and swim to and from the boat—no life vests are provided, so comfort and confidence in open water are essential.

The highlight for many is swimming right above or near pods of dolphins, sometimes with babies or even multiple species. Several reviewers mention how extraordinary it is to see dolphins swimming right beneath them, with some even reporting hearing their clicks and whistles underwater. As one traveler put it, “Far exceeded my expectations,” and others describe the experience as “magical.”

The tour begins at Marina Pêro de Teive, a convenient starting point for boat trips along São Miguel’s coast. After assembling and receiving your safety briefing, you’ll set off in a small, fast boat. This vessel is designed for agility and to cover more ground quickly, which is key for dolphin spotting.

The boat ride itself is part of the adventure, with many reviews praising the scenic views of São Miguel’s rugged shoreline. Keep your camera ready—this part of the trip offers a chance to capture dramatic coastlines and maybe some seabirds or flying fish.

Once the guides identify a pod of dolphins, they’ll give a signal, and everyone will prepare to enter the water. The actual swimming segments are relatively short but packed with excitement. Expect to be dropped into the ocean and immediately surrounded by playful dolphins. Several reviewers mention how close and interactive the dolphins are, with some even performing jumps or hanging around the boat.

After the swim, there’s an opportunity to watch the dolphins from the boat—some pods are curious and come close, allowing for spectacular viewing. If luck is on your side, you might also see other marine creatures like marlins, flying fish, or even a brief glimpse of a hammerhead shark, as one reviewer reported.

The tour wraps up back at Marina Pêro de Teive after approximately 2.5 hours. Most participants feel exhilarated and grateful for the chance to witness such majestic creatures in the wild.

For the price, you get to swim with dolphins—an experience that many would agree is priceless. The tour provides wetsuits, snorkels, windbreakers, and safety gear, which helps ensure a comfortable and safe time in the water.

To make the most of your trip, consider packing a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, hair tie, and a waterproof bag for your belongings. Since you’ll be floating in the open sea, it’s essential to bring clothing and accessories that protect against sun and wind and keep your valuables dry.

A key point to note is that participants must declare any pre-existing medical conditions, and a basic level of fitness is required. You’ll be swimming to and from the boat, so confidence in open water is necessary.

With a solid 4.8/5 from 240 reviews, most travelers walk away highly satisfied. Many rave about the guides’ expertise and the sheer magic of seeing dolphins so close. One reviewer exclaimed, “The dolphins swam right beneath us, and it was incredible,” capturing how impactful the experience can be.

Several reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of guides, some of whom are marine biologists. “They were very, very respectful of nature,” one traveler wrote, emphasizing the importance of ethical wildlife encounters. Others mention how the trip can be fast and intense but memorable, with some people doing multiple swims and even rebooking to ensure they saw dolphins again.

A few noted that sightings are not guaranteed—nature is unpredictable—and that’s worth keeping in mind. As one review pointed out, “We saw many dolphins and a sea turtle, but that’s not always guaranteed.” Still, most say that even the boat ride itself is worth the price, with stunning coastlines and the chance to see marine life from a distance.

Pricing is around €150 per person, which some might find steep, but considering the inclusion of safety gear, expert guides, and the rarity of wild dolphin encounters, many feel it’s worth the expense. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more intimate and safer. Plus, you get multiple opportunities to swim with dolphins, which could justify the cost if you’re eager for a thorough experience.

The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund and the option to reserve and pay later add to the appeal, especially if you’re trying to keep your travel plans adaptable.

If you’re someone who loves marine life, enjoys a bit of adventure, and is confident in open water, this tour is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for travelers who want a meaningful wildlife experience without the crowds or captivity.

It’s less suited for those with health issues, those uncomfortable in open water, or families with very young children, given the physical requirements and the boat’s speed. But for curious, adventurous travelers with a good fitness level and a love for nature, this trip promises a memorable day amid the waves.

Swimming with wild dolphins off São Miguel is one of those experiences that sticks with you. It combines the thrill of a boat ride, the beauty of the Azores’ coastline, and the wonder of observing dolphins in their natural habitat. Guides are knowledgeable and respectful, making this a responsible way to connect with nature.

The experience is best suited for confident swimmers who enjoy open water and are eager to witness marine creatures in the wild. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the majority of guests leave feeling privileged to have been part of something extraordinary. The small group size makes it personal, and the stunning landscapes add an extra touch of magic to the adventure.

If you’re looking for an activity that offers genuine wildlife encounters and a sense of adventure in a breathtaking setting, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to prepare yourself for a lively boat ride and be ready for some short, exhilarating swims with playful dolphins around you.

• Is this tour suitable for children? No, it’s not recommended for children under 12 years old, mainly due to the physical demands and open ocean conditions.

• What should I bring? Pack a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, hair tie, and a waterproof bag for your belongings.

• How long is the tour? The total experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including safety briefing, boat ride, swimming, and return.

• Are the guides experienced? Yes, guides are knowledgeable, and some are marine biologists, ensuring both safety and interesting information.

• Will I definitely see dolphins? Sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but many travelers report seeing dolphins and other marine life.

• What if I don’t see any dolphins? You may be able to rebook to try again, as some reviews mention multiple attempts to catch sight of them.

• What’s included in the price? Wetsuits, snorkels, windbreakers, and guidance.

• Is the boat ride bumpy? It can be lively and fast, which some travelers find exciting but others might find uncomfortable.

• Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellation is free if done 24 hours before the tour.

• Is it worth the cost? Many feel the unforgettable experience and expert guidance justify the price, especially given the small group size and wildlife focus.

Whether you’re a wildlife lover or just seeking a truly unique adventure, swimming with dolphins in São Miguel’s open waters offers a special way to connect with nature. Prepare well, keep your expectations flexible, and you might find yourself with memories that last a lifetime.