If you’re dreaming of a chance to see and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, the Azores offers one of the most compelling options. Many travelers have shared glowing reviews about this tour, highlighting how close and personal the experience can be—and how respectful the operators are toward these incredible marine mammals. While it’s not a guarantee you’ll swim with dolphins every time, the thrill of seeing pods of Atlantic spotted, bottlenose, and common dolphins is often enough to make it a highlight of any São Miguel trip.
What we love about this experience is first, the focus on minimal impact on the animals. The small group size capped at 8 people ensures a respectful distance and a more intimate encounter. Second, the expert guides and captains clearly care about both the dolphins’ wellbeing and the safety of participants, making the whole outing feel professional and reassuring. A potential consideration is the rough ride you might experience on the boat, as the ocean can be choppy, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. This isn’t a leisurely cruise—it’s an adventure that demands a bit of physical resilience.
If you’re someone who values authentic wildlife encounters, loves the idea of being in open water, and doesn’t mind a bit of boat motion, this tour could be just right. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a small-group experience, are comfortable swimming in the ocean, and are eager to learn from knowledgeable guides. Families with older children and anyone intrigued by marine life will likely find this excursion both exciting and meaningful.
Key Points
- Limited group size for a more personal experience and less disturbance to wildlife
- Respectful approach to dolphin watching, focusing on conservation
- Expert-guided with knowledgeable captains and marine biologists
- Flexible departure times (morning or afternoon) to fit your schedule
- Challenging boat ride may not suit those with seasickness or mobility issues
- Good value considering the chance to swim with wild dolphins and see the Azorean coast
What Is This Tour All About?
This tour is centered on the purest form of wildlife interaction—swimming with dolphins in their natural environment. Based in Ponte Delgado, you’ll start with a briefing that emphasizes respect for the animals and how to swim without disturbing them. That’s important, because while many reviews mention encounters where dolphins come close, the guides are committed to keeping a safe and stress-free distance.
The trip lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, including time on the boat and in the water. The boat itself is a smaller vessel, which helps with maneuverability and getting close to the dolphins. The experience is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring you won’t be packed in or feeling rushed, and allowing for more attentive guidance.
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The Itinerary and What to Expect
The adventure begins at the Marina Pêro De Teive, where you’ll meet your guide and captain. The initial briefing covers the dos and don’ts of swimming with wildlife, focusing on conservation and safety. Once suited up with snorkeling gear, shoes, and your swimwear, you’ll board the boat for a scenic trip along the coast. Here, the captain’s experience is noticeable—they’re skilled at locating pods of dolphins, which are plentiful in the Azores.
Expect the ride to be a bit bumpy—this is a boat trip in open water, and some reviews mention a rough 30-minute ride each way. It’s worth preparing for this if you’re sensitive to motion, and bringing along a windbreaker or waterproof bag is advised. The captain often loops the boat around where dolphins are spotted, giving everyone multiple chances to jump in and swim near the pod. Swimmers are usually in the water for just a few minutes at a time—dolphins are quick and can be elusive, so patience and quick reactions are key.
The actual swimming experience is the real highlight—you’ll get to see the dolphins swimming, jumping, and sometimes even nursing their calves. Many reviews describe it as “swimming in their world,” and an awe-inspiring moment for all. If the dolphins are playful, you might get multiple swims, but this depends on their mood and behavior that day.
The Marine Environment and Wildlife Encounters
The Azores are renowned for their healthy dolphin populations, including Atlantic spotted, bottlenose, and common dolphins. The guides and captains are experienced at reading dolphin behavior, which means you’re likely to see pods actively swimming and jumping. Several reviews mention encountering more than 100 dolphins, with calves present, adding a special touch.
The guides do their best to minimize disturbance. As one reviewer notes, “The guides were amazing and you could tell they had a lot of experience. They will do what they can to give you a great chance at seeing the dolphins up close in the water while also respecting the dolphins and making sure they are not stressed.” This attentive approach makes a big difference, especially for wildlife enthusiasts concerned about eco-tourism ethics.
Value for Money
Priced at around $174.43 per person, this tour offers a unique chance to swim with dolphins in the wild—something few other places can match. When considering the small group size, the expertise of the guides, and the chance to actually be in the water with these animals, many reviews describe it as “worth every penny.” While it’s not a long day, the immersive experience and the chance to see dolphins swimming freely make it a solid investment for animal lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Keep in mind, food and drinks, as well as hotel transfers, are not included, so plan accordingly. Travelers have found that bringing water, a hat, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for electronics make the experience more comfortable.
The Experience’s Strengths and Challenges
The greatest strength of this tour is the personalized, respectful encounter with wild dolphins. Many reviews mention how the guides go out of their way to find pods and ensure everyone gets a good view—often multiple times. It’s a rare chance to see these marine mammals behaving naturally, not in a captive environment.
However, some travelers have noted the boat ride can be rough and that dolphins are fast swimmers—meaning your time in the water might sometimes be brief or unpredictable. If you’re prone to seasickness, this may be a consideration. Also, children under 12 might not find the experience suitable if they’re uncomfortable swimming in open water.
The tour’s limited size means it books up around 40 days in advance, so planning ahead is essential if you want to secure a spot. Cancellation is free if you decide to change plans more than 24 hours ahead, providing some flexibility.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?
This experience is perfect for travelers who:
- Want a personal, eco-friendly encounter with dolphins
- Are comfortable swimming in open water (or at least with snorkeling gear)
- Appreciate small-group tours with knowledgeable guides
- Are flexible with timing, choosing between morning and afternoon departures
- Are seeking a memorable, nature-focused activity in São Miguel
If you’re excited by marine wildlife and don’t mind a boat ride that might be a little bumpy, this will likely be a highlight of your trip.
The Sum Up
Swimming with dolphins in the Azores offers an authentic opportunity to connect with nature and see these intelligent creatures in their natural environment. The small group size, guided by experienced professionals who prioritize animal welfare, makes this a responsible and memorable activity. Whether you get to swim near pods or just watch them from the boat, the sheer joy of being in open water with wild dolphins is hard to beat.
This tour suits travelers who cherish wildlife, are comfortable in the ocean, and value genuine experiences over touristy cliches. It’s particularly rewarding for those who appreciate expert guides and a respectful, conservation-minded approach. Keep in mind the physical demands of a bumpy boat ride and the need for quick reactions in the water, but if you’re prepared, this adventure is likely to be one of your most treasured memories from São Miguel.
Swim with Dolphins in the Azores
“We had an absolute blast on this excursion! The guide and captain were both great and worked extremely hard to find a pod of dolphins for us to swi…”
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and need to be able to swim to participate. The experience involves open water swimming, which might be challenging for younger or less confident swimmers.
What should I bring for the tour?
You’ll want a swimsuit, shoes that can get wet, a towel, dry clothes for after, and some essentials like sunscreen, water, a sun hat, and a waterproof bag for electronics. A windbreaker is also advisable since the boat can get windy.
How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts about 2 hours 30 minutes, including boat time and swimming.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if you cancel more than 24 hours before the start, making this a flexible option if your plans are uncertain.
Will I definitely see dolphins?
While sightings are very common and many reviews note multiple encounters, wildlife is unpredictable. The guides are experienced at locating pods, but sightings depend on dolphin behavior on the day.
What is the boat like?
It’s a smaller vessel designed for wildlife tours, which can lead to a bumpy ride, especially if the seas are rough. Be prepared for some motion.
Is the tour environmentally responsible?
Absolutely. The guides emphasize minimal disturbance to the dolphins and their habitat, ensuring a respectful and eco-friendly experience.
What kind of dolphins might I see?
Expect to encounter Atlantic spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins; sometimes, other species like false orcas are spotted.
What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of small group size, expert guides, and the chance to swim in the open ocean with wild dolphins makes this experience particularly special, according to many travelers.
Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
Since the activity involves swimming and a boat ride in potentially rough seas, it might not be suitable for those with mobility limitations. Check with the tour provider if unsure.
If you’re looking for a meaningful wildlife experience in the Azores, this tour offers a responsible, intimate look at some of the ocean’s most playful residents. Just remember to book early, pack appropriately, and keep an open mind—dolphins may surprise you with their cleverness and grace.
