TRIP TO CORVO BY BOAT

Thinking about exploring the Azores by boat? Well, this trip to Corvo from Flores has been catching a lot of attention—and for good reason. It promises a full day of incredible scenery, from waterfalls and caves on Flores to the rugged charm of Corvo. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but we’ve read enough reviews and gathered details to give you a solid picture of what to expect.

What really stands out about this experience are two things: first, the stunning landscapes you’ll see along the way, and second, the expert guides who know how to spot dolphins and highlight the natural wonders. On the downside, since weather conditions can influence the trip, there’s a chance your plans could shift or be canceled if the sea gets rough. Still, if you’re into nature, boat rides, and discovering lesser-visited islands, this tour offers a lot for your money.

This trip is ideal for travelers who love outdoor adventures, scenic boat rides, and exploring remote island landscapes. It might not be the best fit if you’re pregnant or have back problems, but for most others, it’s a pretty good pick. Now, let’s dig into the details so you know exactly what to expect.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery: Expect waterfalls, caves, and stunning views of the islets.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable crew who are good at spotting marine species.
• Full-day adventure: Around 7 hours, with plenty of time at each stop.
• Weather-dependent: The trip relies on good weather; cancellations are possible.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for most, but check for water activity comfort.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This boat trip is a carefully curated day-long tour designed to show off the best of the Western Azores, particularly Flores and Corvo islands. It’s organized by Filho do Mar, a company based on Flores that specializes in showcasing the region’s natural beauty. They emphasize sharing the landscapes, caves, waterfalls, and marine life that make this part of Portugal so special.

The trip starts bright and early at 9:00 am from Santa Cruz das Flores, with the skipper Fábio Dias leading the way. It’s a shared tour, but the reviews suggest that the crew makes it feel personal, fun, and informative. The language options—English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French—make it accessible to a broad range of travelers.

The tour lasts about 7 hours, offering a mix of scenic boat cruising, wildlife spotting, and land exploration. Whether you’re into relaxing on deck, marveling at waterfalls, or hiking inside volcanic craters, there’s a good chance you’ll find something to love.

What’s Included in the Tour

The main draws are the visit to caves and waterfalls on Flores and the trip to Corvo, which is often described as a unique experience. You’ll also have the chance to see marine species, which is a highlight for many travelers. Importantly, the reviews mention that the guides are skilled at dolphin spotting, though it’s not guaranteed.

The tour includes transportation by boat, with knowledgeable guides who support your journey from start to finish. Plus, the trip back concludes at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

The Itinerary – What You Can Expect Day by Day

Departure from Santa Cruz das Flores

The day kicks off at 9:00 am (or another scheduled time if multiple trips are available). You’ll meet at the local spot near Cais das Poças, where the crew will greet you. Expect a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with clear instructions on what lies ahead.

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Cruising the Waters of Flores

The journey starts with a boat ride across the waters surrounding Flores, giving you a chance to enjoy the ocean’s vastness and perhaps spot some dolphins or other marine life. The reviews praise the crew’s ability to spot dolphins, adding a bonus to the trip—though, of course, sightings depend on luck and timing.

Visiting Caves and Waterfalls

Once on Flores, the boat will take you to explore caves and waterfalls. The scenery here is what truly makes this trip stand out. You’ll enjoy close-up views of waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs and explore caves that open into the sea—great photo opportunities and a chance to get a sense of the island’s volcanic origin.

Crossing over to Corvo

The highlight for many is the trip to Corvo, the smallest inhabited island in the Azores. The boat ride across is often described as exciting—some mention that even with a rough crossing, it’s still enjoyable and adds to the adventure. Once on Corvo, you’re usually guided by taxis to the Caldeira, a crater that’s a must-see.

Exploring Corvo

Here, you get plenty of time to walk around, soak in the views, and enjoy the island’s tranquility. Many reviews mention that the guides are quite knowledgeable, and they appreciate the extra info about the island’s volcanic features and local culture. Lunch options are flexible; you can take your own food or find something locally.

Returning to Flores

After exploring Corvo, the boat heads back to Santa Cruz das Flores, with the trip concluding around 4 pm or 5 pm. The return journey offers another chance for sightseeing, wildlife spotting, or simply relaxing and reflecting on the day.

The Experience – The Good and the Not-So-Good

What travelers love:
– The stunning landscapes are a clear favorite—waterfalls, caves, islets, and volcanic craters that are just breathtaking.
– The crew’s expertise in marine life spotting is often praised, making dolphin sightings a fun bonus (though not guaranteed).
– The detailed knowledge of guides like Fábio, Susana, and Kathy makes the trip more engaging and informative.
– The flexible booking policy—cancel up to 24 hours ahead and pay later—gives peace of mind, especially if weather turns.

What could be better:
– The trip’s success hinges on weather conditions. Poor weather or rough seas may lead to rescheduling or cancelation, which could be frustrating if you’ve planned around it.
– The trip is quite full-day; some might find the boat ride on sometimes choppy waters tiring, especially if prone to seasickness.
– While family-friendly generally, the tour involves water activities and some walking, so children or those with mobility issues should consider their comfort.

The Reviews in Perspective

Multiple reviewers have given this tour a perfect 5-star rating, highlighting how memorable and well-organized it is. One traveler described it as “the highlight of their trip,” praising Kathy, Susana, and Fábio for their warmth and knowledge. The reviews mention that even in rough conditions, the crew remains supportive, and the scenery compensates for any discomfort.

Another reviewer loved the personalized touch—receiving a WhatsApp message with details before the trip—and felt the experience was “out of this world.” They appreciated the time spent on Corvo, exploring the crater and enjoying local sights.

All these reviews reinforce that this tour is not just about boat rides but about experiencing the natural beauty and local charm of the Azores, guided by friendly professionals.

Practical Tips for Booking and Preparing

• Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and water—the sun can be strong, and you’ll want to stay comfortable during the boat ride.
• Wear suitable clothes for water activities and consider bringing a change of clothes if you plan to get wet.
• Camera lovers, don’t forget your camera or phone—there are plenty of picture-perfect moments.
• Snacks and water are recommended since the tour doesn’t include food, and you might want to keep energized for the day.
• Weather considerations: Keep in mind that the trip may be rescheduled or canceled if conditions aren’t favorable, so stay flexible.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This boat trip is a solid pick for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and those eager to explore off-the-beaten-path islands. It offers a blend of scenic cruising, wildlife spotting, and land exploration, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy being on the water and discovering remote landscapes. If you’re okay with a full day out and prepared for possible weather shifts, it will likely be a memorable highlight of your trip.

However, if you’re pregnant or have back problems, this might not be the best choice due to the boat ride and physical activity involved. Families with older children who enjoy nature and boat rides could find this experience particularly rewarding.

FAQs

Is the boat trip suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy outdoor adventures should find it enjoyable. Just remember that water activities and walking are involved.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, swimwear, camera, water, snacks, and comfortable clothes suitable for water activities and outdoor exploration.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, providing flexibility if weather conditions or plans change.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Absolutely. The trip can be rescheduled or canceled if weather conditions aren’t suitable, so check the forecast and stay flexible.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 7 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and exploring Corvo.

Are marine species sightings common?
Guides are skilled at spotting dolphins and other marine life, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It depends. The tour involves some walking and possibly getting in and out of taxis; consider your comfort level.

What languages are available?
Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French.

Is lunch included?
Not directly. You can bring your own or explore local options on Corvo.

Will I see waterfalls and caves?
Yes, the trip focuses on exploring waterfalls and caves around Flores Island, offering fantastic views and photo opportunities.

If you’re after a scenic, wildlife-rich adventure that combines boat cruising with island exploration, this Corvo trip has plenty to offer. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning landscapes, and the chance to visit the smallest inhabited island in the Azores makes it a memorable experience. Just remember to prepare for the weather and bring your camera—beautiful moments await. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this tour is a great way to see the wild, rugged beauty of the Azores from a unique vantage point.

You can check availability for your dates here: