WANT A CUSTOM BOAT TOUR?
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Shared boat tours are scheduled group departures where you join other travellers on the same vessel, typically up to 30 passengers. They are the most affordable way to explore São Miguel's coastline, sea caves, and volcanic cliffs, and they're perfect for solo travellers, couples, and small families who want a sociable, guided ocean experience without the cost of an exclusive charter.
Shared vs. private in a nutshell: shared tours follow a fixed route and departure time at a lower price per person; private tours offer a bespoke route, flexible schedule, and the full boat exclusively for your group. If you prefer total flexibility or are celebrating a special occasion, check our Private Tours page
We currently run two shared group tours from Rabo de Peixe on São Miguel's wild North Coast:
- Sea Caves & Volcanic Cliffs Tour: Our best seller, 2 hours, morning departure at 10:00 AM. You'll speed past Ponta do Cintrão, hidden waterfalls, enter sea caves carved by volcanic activity, and cliffside tea plantations. Ages 6+, up to 30 passengers.
- Sunset Tour & Swim: 1.5 hours, late-afternoon departure. Experience the North Coast bathed in golden-hour light, enjoy onboard regional snacks, music, and a refreshing swim in open Azorean waters.
Both tours run from May to October, the best season for sea conditions and visibility in the Azores.
It's our most popular and consistently top-rated experience, and for good reason. The North Coast of São Miguel between Rabo de Peixe and Porto Formoso is one of the most dramatic and least-visited stretches of coastline in all of the Azores. From a high-performance speedboat you get access to sea caves, thundering waterfalls, and basalt cliffs that you simply cannot reach on foot.
Book a shared tour if you:
- Are travelling solo, as a couple, or a family of up to 4–5 people
- Want the best value for a world-class Azores boat experience
- Are happy with the fixed morning or sunset departure time
- Would enjoy meeting fellow travellers from around the world on board
Consider a private tour instead if you:
- Are organising a group of 8+ people and want the boat to yourselves
- Need a custom route, specific departure time, or a special celebration setup
- Want to combine sea caves with snorkelling stops or extended coastal routes
Our shared tours run on a vessel with a capacity of up to 30 passengers, crewed by 1 skipper and 1 dedicated guide.
Our tours operate May through October, which covers the full Azores summer season. Here's how the months compare:
- May & June: Fewer crowds, lush green landscapes, calm seas. Ideal for photography and nature lovers.
- July & August: Warmest water temperatures, best for swimming during the Sunset Tour. Book well in advance, this is peak season.
- September & October: Still warm and sunny with calmer Atlantic swells. Arguably the best overall balance of weather, price, and availability.
All shared tours depart from Rabo de Peixe, on São Miguel's North Coast, roughly a 25-minute drive from Ponta Delgada. Check-in opens at 9:30 AM for the morning Sea Caves tour (departure at 10:00 AM). For the Sunset Tour, check-in times are confirmed at booking.
Safety is our top priority. If conditions are unsuitable for a safe and enjoyable tour, we will cancel and notify you as early as possible. In that case you'll receive a full refund or a free reschedule, whichever you prefer. Our skippers have local knowledge of the North Coast and make the final call.
Every shared tour includes:
- High-performance speedboat on a certified vessel
- Professional crew, 1 skipper + 1 guide with local expertise
- High-quality windbreaker jacket for use during the tour
- Life jackets and all certified safety equipment
- Onboard regional snack and music (Sunset Tour)
- Guided commentary on the coastline, sea caves, and Azorean volcanic geology
Yes, the Sea Caves & Volcanic Cliffs Tour is recommended for ages 6 and up, making it a fantastic family activity in the Azores. Kids and teenagers are consistently among the most enthusiastic passengers on board. Life jackets are provided for all ages and are mandatory throughout the tour.
Please note: the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with serious back or neck conditions.
