São Miguel: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Open Ocean

Imagine gliding through the clear, blue waters of the Atlantic, surrounded by the rugged beauty of São Miguel’s coastline, as playful dolphins swim beneath and around you. For those craving an authentic, adventurous marine experience, this dolphin swimming tour offers just that. Based at Marina Pêro de Teive and led by knowledgeable guides, such as Fatima and Joanna, it lasts about 2.5 hours and costs around €150 per person. While the price might seem steep, the genuine chance to see and swim with wild dolphins in their natural habitat makes it a worthwhile expense, especially for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.

What we love most about this tour is the small group size—limited to 8 participants—ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience. Plus, the guides’ passion for marine life and respect for nature shine through, making the entire trip both educational and exhilarating. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the bumpy ride on the fast open boat, which might not suit everyone, especially those prone to seasickness. Still, for travelers eager to connect with marine mammals in the wild, this adventure offers a rare glimpse into the ocean’s lively, natural world.

This experience is best suited for active travelers comfortable in open water, those who appreciate guided expertise, and anyone eager to witness dolphins playing and swimming in their natural environment. Since children under 12 aren’t allowed, it’s more for teens and adults who can handle a bit of a chilly, fast-paced sea ride. If you’re up for a memorable marine adventure that combines scenic beauty with wildlife encounters, this tour could be a highlight of your São Miguel trip.

This experience made our article of 8 Of The Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Sao Miguel Island.

Key Points

• Authentic wildlife encounter: Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat, not in a zoo or controlled environment.
• Expert guides: Biologists and experienced guides prioritize animal wellbeing and share fascinating insights about marine life.
• Scenic setting: The rugged São Miguel coast provides a stunning backdrop for your ocean adventure.
• Small group size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• Flexible cancellation: Full refunds available if you cancel 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.
• Preparation required: Participants need some swimming ability and should be comfortable floating in open water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Diving Into the Experience: What You’ll Do and What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Safety Briefing

Your adventure kicks off at Marina Pêro de Teive in Ponta Delgada, the main hub for marine excursions on São Miguel. Here, the crew will give you a brief safety overview—usually about 10 minutes—covering how to behave in the water, what to expect, and safety precautions. This is a good moment to ask questions, especially if you’re a first-time swimmer in open water.

Guided Tour and Dolphin Watching

Next, it’s time to hop onto a speedy boat that whisks you into the open ocean. Expect to spend approximately two hours spotting and, if conditions are right, swimming alongside pods of wild dolphins. According to reviews, guides like Fatima and Joanna are adept at locating the dolphins, which are often Bottlenose or Common dolphins, and sometimes other species like marlins or flying fish. Several travelers mention that guides are passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting facts about dolphins’ behavior and marine ecology.

The Big Moment: Swimmers in the Water

Once the guides identify a pod, they will coordinate the swim. You’ll don a wet suit, snorkel, and windbreaker, provided by the tour. The water will be chilly but manageable, especially if you’re used to swimming or snorkeling. Expect to be in the water 3-4 times, each stint lasting about 5 minutes — enough to get a good view of the dolphins’ playful antics beneath the surface.

Reviewers rave about the up-close encounters. One said, “The dolphins swam right beneath us, and it was incredible,” with others mentioning the thrill of seeing dolphins “play, jump, and even hang around” during the swim. Several travelers noted their amazement at hearing dolphin sounds underwater, a surprisingly intimate experience.

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Return and Reflection

After the exhilarating swim, you’ll return to Marina Pêro de Teive. Many reviews highlight the respectful approach of guides who prioritize the animals’ wellbeing, ensuring the dolphins aren’t disturbed by the tour. Some even took time to pick up trash from the ocean, demonstrating their commitment to marine conservation—a detail that resonates with eco-conscious travelers.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Stop 1: Marina Pêro de Teive
The adventure begins here, where all equipment is fitted, and safety protocols are explained. The location offers scenic views of the harbor and a chance to chat with guides before heading out.

Stop 2: Ponta Delgada – Safety Briefing
A quick 10-minute chat that sets expectations and prepares you mentally and physically. Guides emphasize safety and respect for the animals, which many reviewers appreciated.

Stop 3: Guided Tour & Dolphin Watching
The core of the experience—searching for dolphins in the open ocean. Expect to be on a fast boat with plenty of room for everyone, and to feel the wind and spray as you chase these elusive creatures.

Stop 4: Return to Marina
After hours of marine adventure, you’ll head back to the marina, often with stories to tell and memories to cherish. Many reviewers mention the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, making the experience all the more meaningful.

What’s Included and What to Prepare

Included:
– Swimming with dolphins (all necessary gear provided)
– Safety briefings and expert guidance

What to Bring:
– Windbreaker and sun hat for protection on the boat
– Swimwear and change of clothes
– Towel and sunscreen (water-resistant preferred)
– Water and water shoes for comfort in the water and on the boat
– Hair tie and waterproof bag for valuables

Important Considerations:
– You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions.
– Participants need a basic level of fitness, as you’ll be swimming to and from the boat in open water.
– Not suitable for children under 12 years due to the physical demands and safety reasons.
– The boat ride can be bumpy, so seasickness might be an issue for some.

Authenticity and Value: Why This Tour Stands Out

Travelers consistently praise how guides like Fatima make a difference through their passion and expertise. Several mention that the guides are good at explaining marine life and ensuring safety, which helps create a relaxed and trusting atmosphere. This is essential because swimming with wild animals demands respect and understanding—not just a thrill.

The small group size is another big plus, fostering a more personal experience. Unlike big, crowded boat tours, this allows for more interactions, better chances to see dolphins, and less ecological disturbance. The reviews confirm that guides are very respectful to the animals, often stopping to collect rubbish from the sea—a small but meaningful gesture showing their commitment to conservation.

Many travelers find the price justified by the quality of the experience and the professional guidance. While €150 might seem high, the value lies in the rarity of swimming with truly wild dolphins, not a captive show or staged encounter. Several reviewers describe their experience as “a dream come true” and “the best of their trip,” reinforcing the high emotional and educational value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers with some swimming ability who are comfortable in open water. Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to see dolphins playing and swimming freely. It’s also ideal for those who value ethical wildlife encounters, as the guides prioritize the animals’ welfare.

However, it’s not suited for very young children or those sensitive to motion sickness. The fast boat ride and open water environment require a certain level of physical comfort. If you’re looking for a relaxing boat cruise or don’t want to get wet, this might not be your best choice. Still, if your goal is to connect with marine life in a natural setting, this tour offers a genuine, often emotional experience you won’t forget.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 12 years old are not allowed because of safety and physical requirements.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including safety briefings, boat time, and swimming.

What should I bring?
Bring a windbreaker, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, water shoes, hair tie, and waterproof bag for valuables.

Will I see dolphins every time?
While guides are skilled at locating dolphins, sightings depend on weather and marine conditions. Some reviews mention seeing dolphins every trip, others note it took a couple of attempts.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if plans change.

What if I don’t want to swim?
The experience focuses on swimming; those uncomfortable in open water might not enjoy it as much. You can still enjoy the boat ride and dolphin watching, but swimming is a core part of the tour.

Swim with wild dolphins off São Miguel offers a rare opportunity to witness and interact with these graceful creatures in their natural environment. Guided by passionate professionals, you’ll not only enjoy stunning coastal scenery but also gain a deeper appreciation for marine life and the importance of conservation. The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal, memorable experience that’s worth the investment.

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers who seek authenticity and are comfortable in the open ocean. It’s especially ideal for animal lovers and those eager to add a truly special story to their travels. While it requires some physical effort and a taste for adventure, the chance to see dolphins swimming freely makes every moment worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a meaningful marine adventure that combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and a respect for nature, this tour will likely be one of the most memorable parts of your visit to São Miguel.

Remember: Respect for wildlife is paramount. Always follow guides’ instructions, and enjoy the thrill of witnessing these intelligent creatures in their natural home.

You can check availability for your dates here: