Portugal · Bird Watching

3-Hour Birding Tour to Vila Franca do Campo Islet by Zodiac Boat

3 Hours Round trip from R. da Marina Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the volcanic Islet of Vila Franca do Campo nature reserve
  • 02 Spot endemic, local, and migrating bird species around the islet
  • 03 Learn about the islet's geology, flora, and wildlife from your guide
  • 04 Enjoy a boat cruise to and around the islet

Sign up for an exciting birding expedition to the volcanic marvel of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, an offshore protected natural reserve. Sail through the beautiful ocean surroundings and learn in depth about its geology and living fauna and flora. Also, spot several local and migrating bird species such as Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, and Canaries.

The islet crater is rocky and home to endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree, and other flora species, creating a beautiful living habitat for wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Languages Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Birding and Boat Tour at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo

  • Meet your tour guide at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time. The tour begins with a short briefing introducing the volcanic islet's geology, the plant and animal species found here, the nature reserve's rules, and safety procedures.
  • Follow the guide and skipper to your designated boat for a 10-minute sea journey to the islet.
  • Disembark at the islet's harbour for a 1.5-hour tour exploring this volcanic marvel and its notable features. The islet crater is rocky and home to endemic Azorean Heather, Firetree, and other flora species, creating a beautiful living habitat for wildlife. Birds can often be observed here, including Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Little Egrets, Whimbrels, Canaries, and even Sally lightfoot crab colonies. It is rich in life all year round, especially in Autumn and Winter. Your guide will keep you informed about what you are observing and will be available throughout the tour to answer any specific questions.
  • At 16:15, it is time to board again for a boat tour around the islet.
  • Then, head back to the Marina for check-out.

Tour ends.

Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, Azorean Heather

Where this trip takes you

Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, Islet of Vila Franca do Campo, Azorean Heather

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Knowledgeable wildlife guide and experienced skipper
  • Zodiac RIB boat (12-28 pax)
  • Impermeable full suit and life vest
  • Admission to the nature reserve
  • Insurance

What's Not Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Personal water supply

What to bring

  • Personal water supply
  • Sunscreen
  • Chapstick for the sun
  • Warm clothes

Know before you go

  • Not suitable for pregnant travellers, people with a weak back, wheelchair users, those in delicate health conditions, or children under the age of 4.
  • Bathing is not permitted at this time of year.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Rua da Marina, Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
Tour start
R. da Marina, 9680 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in R. da Marina.

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EUR 36 /person
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