Santa Cruz das Flores is a fantastic base for exploring the westernmost island of the Azores. Its rugged coastline, lush landscapes, and abundant marine life make it a prime spot for memorable tours. Whether you’re after a scenic boat ride, whale watching, or exploring caves and waterfalls, this small town offers options that combine adventure with authentic local flavor. We particularly like the Boat Trip to Corvo and Island Sightseeing Tour, which offers a mix of wildlife spotting and island exploration, making it a stand-out for those who love both nature and culture.
If you’re considering which tour to choose, you’ll find a variety of experiences—from quick half-day trips to full-day adventures—each with its own charm. Below, we’ve broken down the four best options, highlighting what makes each one special and whether it’s the right fit for your interests and travel style.
1. Boat Trip to Corvo and Island Sightseeing Tour
This highly-rated boat trip offers an immersive experience to Corvo Island, the smallest in the Azores, known for its dramatic caldera and peaceful villages. The tour lasts about 7 hours, with a starting time you’ll need to check availability for. It begins with a scenic boat ride from Flores, where you’ll have ample opportunity to spot dolphins and whales—a highlight for marine life enthusiasts. The boat takes you to Corvo, where a taxi awaits to whisk you up to the Caldeirão crater, an iconic volcanic depression about 270 feet deep.
Once on the island, you’ll have roughly 2.5 hours to explore, walk the rim, or simply enjoy the views. The trip continues with visits to the village of Corvo, its peaceful streets, and local life. The reviews consistently praise the enthusiasm of the guide, Hugo, who makes the journey lively and informative. Many mention how the trip combines coastal caves, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings into a well-rounded day. The price is very reasonable at $49 per person, making it a great value for a full day of adventure.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for those who love a mix of wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a bit of physical activity. It’s particularly good for travelers who want to see corvo’s caldera and enjoy dolphin and whale spotting without sacrificing comfort.
2. Passeios Turísticos: Trip to Corvo by Boat
For a slightly shorter experience, Passeios Turísticos offers a 7.5-hour sea excursion focused on exploring Corvo and Flores’s caves and coastlines. This tour is highly rated (4.8/5 from 85 reviews), and at a price of $41 per person, it strikes a good balance between affordability and quality.
The tour emphasizes cave visits, marine observation, and a trip around the island’s coastline, giving you a comprehensive look at Flores and Corvo’s natural scenery. The guide will point out notable geological features and marine life, providing insights into the area’s volcanic history. It’s ideal for travelers interested in marine exploration and cave discovery, with the flexibility of a half-day to full-day experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on marine species and caves, perfect for those wanting a more intimate look at Flores’ seashore. The reviews note that the crew is supportive, and the trip offers excellent opportunities for dolphin spotting. However, as it’s a sea excursion, expect some boat movement—good to bear in mind if you’re prone to seasickness.
Bottom line: This is a solid choice for travelers seeking a shorter, marine-focused tour that combines cave exploration with scenic views, especially if they enjoy a more relaxed pace.
3. Trip to Corvo by Boat
The Trip to Corvo by Boat is a 7-hour journey that emphasizes exploring the caves, waterfalls, and stunning scenery of Flores, with a special focus on Corvo’s natural beauty. This private-style tour offers a personalized experience with a crew that is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Many reviews mention how the boat ride itself is a highlight, with passengers enjoying the chance to see dolphins and waterfalls along the coast.
During this trip, you’ll visit the caves and waterfalls of Flores, with optional excursions like hiking to the top of Corvo’s caldera or strolling through the village. The trip is praised for its flexibility—you can customize your day depending on weather and interests. The guides, like Fábio and Susana, are praised for their support, making the day not only scenic but also educational.
The tour’s focus on waterfalls, caves, and scenic drives makes it perfect for nature lovers open to a bit of physical activity and discovery. If weather conditions are good, the trip offers expansive views—”out of this world,” as one traveler put it.
Bottom line: Best suited for active travelers who want a tailored experience with plenty of natural sights, and aren’t afraid of some boat movement or hiking.
4. Flores: Caves, Waterfalls and Snorkelling
This quick, 2-hour snorkelling tour is perfect for those with limited time but eager to experience Flores’ underwater world. For $69 per person, you get to explore crystalline waters, the bay of Ribeira da Cruz—the island’s first settlement—and caves and coves used by explorers and pirates centuries ago. The highlight is snorkeling among colorful marine life in waters famed for their clarity.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on marine exploration in a short time frame, making it ideal for families or travelers who want a taste of Flores’ natural beauty without committing a full day. The waters are described as “full of life and color,” offering an immersive experience of the region’s underwater ecology.
While reviews are limited, the one reviewer praises the boat ride and snorkeling, emphasizing how lively and vibrant the marine life is. Because it’s a short tour, it’s best suited for those who prioritize water activities and want to combine them with sightseeing of the island’s caves and bays.
Bottom line: A good pick for snorkelers, families, or anyone short on time but eager to enjoy Flores’ crystal-clear waters.
$69 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Tour
Choosing between these options depends heavily on your interests and physical readiness. For wildlife lovers and those wanting a full-day adventure, the Boat Trip to Corvo stands out with its combination of whale watching, island exploration, and scenic drives. If marine life and caves are your focus, the Passeios Turísticos offers a more specialized experience. The Trip to Corvo by Boat provides a flexible, personalized day, perfect for active travelers wanting tailored explorations. Last, if limited time is your concern, Flores: Caves, Waterfalls and Snorkelling offers a quick but lively underwater adventure.
Keep in mind seasonality, as whale watching and snorkeling are best during certain months. Booking early is recommended for popular trips, especially in peak summer.
Final Thoughts
Santa Cruz das Flores offers a variety of tours that showcase its stunning coastline, caves, waterfalls, and marine life. If you’re after a full-day experience with wildlife and cultural stops, the Boat Trip to Corvo is a top choice. For those interested in marine exploration and caves, the Passeios Turísticos delivers a focused and engaging trip. If a more personalized, active day appeals, the Trip to Corvo by Boat offers that flexibility. Short on time but want to snorkel? The Flores: Caves, Waterfalls and Snorkelling makes a perfect quick escape.
No matter your choice, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these popular experiences. Santa Cruz das Flores’s tours give you a chance to see some of the most striking landscapes and marine life in the Azores—don’t miss your chance to explore this remote, beautiful corner of Portugal.