Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
4.5
About
Located right off of Sao Miguel island, this beautiful islet—with its perfectly circular lagoon of clear and turquoise waters surrounded by lush vegetation—is actually the crater of an ancient volcano. A great spot for nature lovers, you can take a birdwatching or whale-watching tour, or put on your snorkeling gear to get up close and personal with the area's unique marine life. The islet is also famous for hosting cliff diving championships that extreme sports fans can watch from a boat. Since it is a nature reserve, the number of visitors allowed is limited—so be sure to get there early. – Tripadvisor
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4.5
624 reviews
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paolo0586
Livorno, Italy1,008 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
You arrive by small boat, but access is limited to 40 people per day. Beautiful natural scenery, with a small bay for swimming. There would also be a small walking path, but it was closed to safeguard the birds' nesting.
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Written 20 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jjluke
Calgary, Canada2,047 contributions
Oct 2022
If going to Sao Miguel, this should be on the list to check out for what it is. However, it is a bit overrated and the place can get busy. As well, the ferry that takes you there is pretty basic and though the ride is short, it can be rough. We did not snorkel there, but many of the fish are visible without putting your head underwater. There are some areas you can hike as well to add an extra experience to your time here. Cool to see crabs on the rocks. Note there are no places to eat, very little shade depending on time of day and washrooms are pretty basic. All in all, this was something we expected to be a highlight, but it ended up being overrated. We probably would skip this the next time we visit the island. Please indicate if you found this review helpful as it will allow me to hone in my future efforts!
Written 10 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen M
2 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We went here with the ferry, for €12 per person. We are filmmakers and wanted to fly around with the drone we brought. We only found out on the island itself that it was not allowed to fly with a drone. So it would have been nice to know in advance.
I would recommend to bring your swimwear and maybe go snorkel there, if you want to make it worth your money.
It's a very touristic place. Make sure you get your tickets early in the morning! Ticket sale starts at 9:45.
I would recommend to bring your swimwear and maybe go snorkel there, if you want to make it worth your money.
It's a very touristic place. Make sure you get your tickets early in the morning! Ticket sale starts at 9:45.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paulandc0
Sintra, Portugal5,204 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
The first question we asked when we arrived at our Pension was how to get to this islet. We were told that internet bookings were fully booked for the next 15 days but that we could try to queue to buy tickets and possibly board after 2-3 hours waiting.
Anyway, we gave up and settled for photos taken from afar.
Anyway, we gave up and settled for photos taken from afar.
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Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara D
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
It is worth the long wait to buy the tickets. The ticket offices open at 9.45 and when we arrived at 8.30 there were about 70-90 people in front of them who later added more as time went by as they gave room to family and acquaintances when going together. After you get the tickets you have to queue up again to set up the boat. We board the 11 o'clock boat and the journey takes about 10 min. The islet worth seeing. We carried glasses and tubes and saw enough fish. You have to put your belongings on rocks, there are few places to lie down to sunbathe or eat comfortably and those on the first boat take them. We took boat back at 1pm and it was enough.
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Written 29 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PablerasLogro_o
Logrono, Spain2,457 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We went without a reservation but we got a ticket. A half hour in line. €12: round trip.
Even if they put one every hour, it is reinforced and at peak times it is every twenty minutes.
Bring food and water.
A snorkel mask is essential, don't go if you are not going to swim.
It is one of the most beautiful in the Azores
Even if they put one every hour, it is reinforced and at peak times it is every twenty minutes.
Bring food and water.
A snorkel mask is essential, don't go if you are not going to swim.
It is one of the most beautiful in the Azores
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fausto Reis
Coimbra, Portugal252 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
One of the most incredible places I've ever been to. The "bride's ring" where you can feel nature in its purest state in a very special way. For me, an unmissable place for anyone visiting São Miguel. The boat trip is not always easy and ends up being quite hectic. Blue and crystal clear water invites you to swim...
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maxim S
Somerville, MA33 contributions
July 2021
A fun short ride on a boat (departs hourly from the wharf of Vila Franca do Campo) takes you to this lovely islet. Nearly circular lagoon is quite picturesque. Space is limited on the rocky outcrops; during low tide a small sandy area appears. Water is slightly warmer in the lagoon vs the nearby beaches. Some fishes could be seen while snorkeling.
Written 11 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patsy N
Humble, TX79 contributions
Sept 2022
The people could not be any more friendly. Great place to take kids and swim. Please note that there are place to change and you must bring your own towel. It is rocky so be sure to bring flip flops. When you get out of the water you are covered in sand. Good idea to have a bottle to get water to clean off your feet and legs etc. If you plan to spend the day you need to bring your own food. Great places to picnic with amazing views.
Written 14 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TristanHe
Caernarfon, UK43 contributions
June 2017 • Family
Snorkeling in the Azores is brilliant. There are loads of fish and the water is really clear. There are two problems though. The first is that it's the Atlantic and so there can be strong currents and waves. The second is Portuguese Man of War, which can be washed into sheltered locations in large numbers and deliver a nasty sting. The trouble is, sheltered locations on the coast tend to accumulate more jellies, so it's difficult to find sheltered safe locations that are jelly free.
Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo is that location. It is a flooded volcanic crater island, which is accessible via a small boat from Vila Franca do Campo. There is a small kiosk outside the marina where you can buy tickets (5Eur each). The boat runs between early June and September every hour on the hour from 10am, returning from the island at ten past. You can stay all day if you want (and if the weather is good you will probably want to).
The snorkelling in the crater is superb. We saw ornate, ballan and rainbow wrasse, loads of Salema porgy, white sea bream, parrotfish and plenty else (see photos). Although it's very safe there are still some currents as there are some underwater surges that enter the crater, so fins are recommended. Otherwise, it's a great and safe place to practice snorkeling if, like me, you are inexperienced.
Some tips: there are toilets on the island, lifeguards and national park staff (the island is also a nature reserve). However, there is no shop so you should bring water, food and suncream. Sunhats are also advisable and snorkelling gear and swimsuits are a must! You are also not allowed to snorkel outside the islet, though if you are more experienced there are also plenty of dive boats that can take you to offshore and inaccessible locations. There is a limit to the number of visitors allowed today, so during high season you may need to book in advance.
Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo is that location. It is a flooded volcanic crater island, which is accessible via a small boat from Vila Franca do Campo. There is a small kiosk outside the marina where you can buy tickets (5Eur each). The boat runs between early June and September every hour on the hour from 10am, returning from the island at ten past. You can stay all day if you want (and if the weather is good you will probably want to).
The snorkelling in the crater is superb. We saw ornate, ballan and rainbow wrasse, loads of Salema porgy, white sea bream, parrotfish and plenty else (see photos). Although it's very safe there are still some currents as there are some underwater surges that enter the crater, so fins are recommended. Otherwise, it's a great and safe place to practice snorkeling if, like me, you are inexperienced.
Some tips: there are toilets on the island, lifeguards and national park staff (the island is also a nature reserve). However, there is no shop so you should bring water, food and suncream. Sunhats are also advisable and snorkelling gear and swimsuits are a must! You are also not allowed to snorkel outside the islet, though if you are more experienced there are also plenty of dive boats that can take you to offshore and inaccessible locations. There is a limit to the number of visitors allowed today, so during high season you may need to book in advance.
Written 7 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ad aprile è possibile andare sull'isola o si possono solo fare giri intorno con barche di privati?
Written 13 March 2024
Is there life jacket rental available on the island? Does anyone know the approximate cost?
Written 8 August 2021
É possível vistitar o Ilhéu a partir de 27 de Agosto? Que medidas de segurança estão a adotar durante o transporte devido à Covid-19?
Written 12 August 2020
Clube Naval de Vila Franca do campo
Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
Olá joanar900!
Agradecemos o seu contato.
É possível visitar o ilhéu até 14 de outubro de 2020.
O CNVFC adoptou medidas de segurança e prevenção COVID-19, sendo as relacionadas com o transporte:
- utilização obrigatória de máscara a bordo;
- higienização das mãos em dispositivo colocado a bordo para o efeito;
- redução do número de passageiros.
Poderá contatar a bilheteira arroba cnvfc ponto net a fim de confirmar a qualidade da água balnear no dia anterior ao da sua viagem.
Written 13 August 2020
I have a question about snorkeling inside the islet of Vila Franca do Campo in the offseason... We'll be visiting in Mid-April. I do know i would need to wear wetsuit to keep warm and i do understand there is no scheduled boat... but what about a private tour operator? is that possible or is it closed in the offseason even to a tour operator? I asked one outfit and they said we can snorkel outside the islet only and don't have permission to go inside the islet. any advice on this?
Written 18 February 2020
Clube Naval de Vila Franca do campo
Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
Hello!
First of all we appreciate your contact.
The daily trips to the islet is between the 1st of june and the 14th of october.
Out of the bath-season, you cannot snorkel inside, even with certificated companies.
You can snorkel outside, with companies dedicated to snorkeling trips.
Written 19 February 2020
Can we get on the island at around 3rd, Oct. - 5th, Oct ?
Or maybe we can only take a boat tour around the island, but not hiking or have a sunshine on the island?
Thanks a lot.
Written 5 February 2020
This islet is visited by boat from the town. You may have to wait for a boat. Take a brolly if it is sunny as there is no shelter in the queue. Go early as only 200 people per day may go.
Written 5 February 2020
Quais os horários para apanhar o barco para o ilhéu? Obrigada
Written 21 September 2019
Clube Naval de Vila Franca do campo
Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal
Bom dia 513anacristina!
Antes de mais agradecemos o seu contato.
Somos a informar que a primeira viagem tem lugar às 10h00, de hora em hora até às 18h00.
As viagens de regresso acontecem 10 minutos em cada hora completa.
Por exemplo, pode apanhar o barco das 10h00 e regressar às 11h10, 12h10, sucessivamente até às 18h10.
Written 23 September 2019
Hola,
Se puede comprar el ticket online con una tarjeta de crédito española, o tiene que ser portuguesa?
Written 28 August 2019
No lo se, pero seguramente se puede porque alli esta todo preparado para eso. Lo que le recomiendo es que vaya pronto porque en epoca de verano va mucha gente
Written 28 August 2019
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