Guided Tours

São Miguel: Swim with Dolphins Tour

Small group sizes create more opportunities to enter the water when conditions allow, while biologists explain dolphin behavior throughout.

Neoprene gear, Zodiac transport, onboard guidance, and wildlife interpretation are included, so no specialist equipment is needed.

After locating dolphins with help from land-based spotters, swimmers enter the water in pairs while guides supervise interactions.

A second stop explores São Miguel's marine environment through snorkeling above coastal habitats near Vila Franca do Campo.

Comfort in open water is recommended, and all wildlife encounters follow strict conservation rules designed to minimize disturbance.

Wild dolphin swimming and snorkeling tour

Biologist or naturalist guide

Professional skipper

Neoprene gear

Specialized Zodiac RIB boat

TOTAL DURATION2 hours 30 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
Timeline
Map
Start point
Marina Pêro de Teive
Get direction
1. Ponta Delgada
10 min
Safety briefing
Learn dolphin behavior and respectful wildlife guidelines before entering the Atlantic waters.
2. Dolphin Observation Area
2 hr
Dolphin watching & Swimming
End point
Marina Pêro de Teive
Get direction
Your ending point would be same as your start point

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

37 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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What our guests say
Apr 2026
I thought the activity was incredible, especially thanks to Emma's attentive guidance and the excellent teamwork among the crew. Swimming alongside dolphins in their natural environment was unforgettable.
Apr 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and came away feeling very satisfied with the overall experience.
Mar 2026
I appreciated having the explanations translated and found the safety briefing very useful. The snorkeling stop was also enjoyable, although I would have liked a little longer in the water with the dolphins.
Mar 2026
I loved how the small group kept the dolphin swim intimate. The guide and skipper managed everything smoothly, and I appreciated how respectfully they interacted with the animals.
Apr 2026
I was very impressed with the guide and the care shown toward the animals. The whole experience was beautiful, peaceful, and something I will remember for a long time.

What to bring

Swimwear and clothes: Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel for after your dolphin swim.

Sun protection: Use biodegradable sunscreen to protect your skin and the marine environment.

Hydration: Carry your own water to keep yourself hydrated during the tour.

Camera: Bring a camera if you want to capture the scenic São Miguel coastline.

Restrictions

Age requirement: Children under 4 years cannot participate.

Health restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant travelers or guests with back problems.

Accessibility: Not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Swimming ability: Non-swimmers may join onboard but should advise the operator during booking.

What's not allowed

Wildlife interaction: Do not touch, feed, chase, or deliberately approach dolphins.

Behavior near animals: Avoid loud noises, abrupt movements, or swimming rapidly toward wildlife.

Equipment restrictions: Fins are not permitted during dolphin interactions.

Unaccompanied minors: Children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

How the day runs

The experience begins with a wildlife and safety briefing before boarding the Zodiac.

Land-based lookouts help locate dolphins and direct the boat to suitable observation areas.

Swimmers enter the water in rotating pairs when conditions and dolphin behavior allow.

The tour concludes with a snorkeling stop at a coastal marine site before returning to the marina.

Additional information

Languages: English is the primary tour language, though multilingual staff may assist when possible.

Wildlife sightings: Dolphin proximity and interaction can never be guaranteed.

Weather policy: Tours may be modified, postponed, or canceled due to weather or sea conditions.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.