Guided Swimming Experience with Sharks in Portugal

If you’re craving a truly unique adventure during your trip to Portugal, especially the Azores, a guided shark swimming experience might just be what you’re after. This tour on Faial Island offers the chance to snorkel in the wild with some of the ocean’s most fascinating predators — blue sharks and occasionally makos — all under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. While it’s not your typical beach day, this excursion promises a combination of excitement, education, and close-up marine wildlife encounters that are hard to find elsewhere.

What I love about this experience is how it balances adventure and learning. First, the guide, Silvio, is a marine biologist with over six years of experience, which means you’re in expert hands. Second, the small group size — a maximum of six people — ensures you’ll get plenty of personalized attention and close interactions with the animals. But, one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a casual snorkel in calm waters; it involves some patience, a bit of waiting during chumming, and comfort with being in the open ocean.

This tour is best suited for those who are comfortable in the water, especially since it involves snorkeling in the open sea and some free-diving, with certain certifications required for the more advanced aspects. It’s an incredible choice for ocean enthusiasts, nature lovers, or anyone looking to tick off a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter — but it’s not ideal if you’re uneasy about large marine animals or unpredictable ocean conditions.

Key Points

• Small group setting (max six people) for better interaction and marine animal comfort
• Expert guidance from a marine biologist, enriching the experience with knowledge about sharks and local ecology
• Close encounters with curious blue sharks and the possibility of seeing fast-moving mako sharks
• Flexible duration (3 to 5 hours), including time for chumming, snorkeling, and learning
• Comfortable logistics with pickup and mobile tickets, making planning easier
• A premium experience booked on average 158 days in advance, indicating high demand and quality

What to Expect on This Shark Snorkeling Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Go Shark Azores in Horta, Portugal. Arriving here, you’ll get the chance to try out or adjust your snorkeling gear, which is vital for comfort and safety during your time in the water. A helpful guide like Silvio will then brief you on the behavior of the sharks and the plan for the day. It’s good to arrive prepared to listen and ask questions because his insights add real value to the experience.

The Check Dive

Before heading out into open waters, you’ll do a brief check dive in a pristine coastal area. This short 15-minute swim helps you get comfortable with your equipment and ensures your basic snorkeling skills are on point. Even seasoned snorkelers can appreciate this warm-up, especially if the waters are a little choppier than they seem from land.

The Chumming Process

The core of the tour is the chumming stage, which can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours. During this time, Silvio will set up organic, fresh snacks to attract sharks, and you’ll watch in awe as these impressive predators are drawn toward the boat. This part of the experience is unpredictable — sometimes sharks arrive quickly, other times they take their time. Patience is key, but the anticipation makes it all the more exciting.

Shark Encounters

Once the sharks start showing up, you’ll switch to snorkeling, with the chance to observe these curious animals at very close range. Silvio emphasizes that blue sharks are very friendly and tend to pass close to the boat, often spending long periods at the surface. Many reviews highlight how safe and comfortable the guides make everyone feel, even amid the thrill of seeing such large creatures nearby.

Marine Biology Insights

One of the tour’s biggest strengths is the educational aspect. Silvio, with his background in marine science, shares fascinating facts about shark behavior, ecology, and conservation. If you’re lucky, you might also see a mako shark, known as the fastest shark in the ocean, which adds an extra layer of excitement.

Snorkeling Duration and Return

The actual snorkeling session usually lasts between 30 to 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to observe and enjoy. Afterwards, you’ll head back to land, often with snacks and drinks as Silvio shares his knowledge and answers questions.

Overall Duration and Flexibility

The entire outing spans from about 3 to 5 hours, depending on how long it takes for the sharks to arrive. This flexibility is great because it respects the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters. Plus, the tour operates daily from early morning to evening, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule.

The Value of This Experience

At $281.18 per person, this tour isn’t cheap — but it’s a rare opportunity to swim with sharks safely, guided by a marine expert. Compared to other wildlife experiences, the personalized attention and educational component set it apart. The small group size means fewer crowds and more intimate encounters, which many reviews highly value.

Silvio’s expertise and the quality of the equipment, combined with the chance to witness such majestic animals in their natural environment, offer a compelling package. You’re not just watching from a boat; you’re sharing space with sharks, understanding their role in the marine ecosystem, and doing it all with safety and respect at the forefront.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re comfortable in open water and seek an adrenaline rush combined with educational value. It’s ideal for ocean lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager for an unconventional adventure during their stay in the Azores. Experienced free-divers will find the diving component particularly engaging, especially with certification requirements in place.

However, if you’re not fond of being in the water, or if large marine animals make you uneasy, this might not be the best fit. Weather conditions also play a role; if the sea is rough, the activity could be canceled or rescheduled, so flexibility helps.

Final Thoughts

The guided shark swimming experience on Faial Island offers a rare chance to see curious blue sharks and lightning-fast makos in their natural habitat. With a knowledgeable guide like Silvio, you’ll learn about sharks’ ecology while enjoying up-close encounters that are both thrilling and educational. The small group setting enhances safety and intimacy, making each participant feel comfortable in the water.

While it’s a premium-priced tour, the combination of expert guidance, wildlife interaction, and the chance to see these majestic animals in the wild makes it a special investment for adventure seekers. It’s a genuine way to connect with the ocean’s top predators and deepen your appreciation for marine life.

If you’re ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and you meet the water comfort requirements, this tour is a solid choice. Just come prepared for patience, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This experience is generally for those comfortable in open water and with snorkeling skills. It’s best suited for older teens and adults who are confident swimmers, especially because some free-diving is involved.

What is the group size?
The activity is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and better chances for close interactions with the sharks.

How long does the whole activity last?
The total duration is approximately 3 to 5 hours, including briefing, chumming, snorkeling, and return.

What should I bring?
You should bring your own swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera if you want photos. Equipment is available to try at the start, but check if you prefer to bring your own gear.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Do I need any certifications for free-diving?
Certified free-divers can participate in the free-diving aspects using a vertical cable set to a maximum of 20m, but specific certification is required for this part.

If all this sounds like your kind of adventure, I’d say go for it. Watching sharks in their element with such knowledgeable guides can be one of those stories you’ll tell for years.