Boat Trip along the North Coast in Capelas

Discovering São Miguel’s North Coast by Boat: An Authentic and Scenic Journey

This boat trip along the north coast of São Miguel offers a compact yet richly rewarding look at the island’s geological marvels, historic fishing villages, and pristine waters. With a duration of about 2 hours 30 minutes, it’s a perfect option for travelers seeking a snapshot of the region’s natural beauty without committing to a full-day tour. The experience is highly rated, with an impressive 5-star average from four reviews, and is booked well in advance—about 88 days on average—highlighting its popularity.

What we love most about this trip is the chance to see Vila das Capelas and its incredible geological formations up close, especially the Morro das Capelas geosite—a cone of tuffs formed by a submarine eruption, resembling the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. The boat’s route takes in stunning coastal arches and caves, along with a glimpse into the island’s whaling history. While the price of around $75 per person is reasonable for this kind of scenic, guided experience, it’s important to remember it’s a small-group tour (max 10 travelers), which keeps things intimate and personalized.

One consideration worth noting is that this is a shorter trip—a great snapshot, but not an exhaustive exploration. Those seeking in-depth geological or culture might want to combine it with other tours. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, stunning coastal views, and a touch of history, especially if you’re looking for a relaxed way to spend part of your day on São Miguel.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: Perfect for a half-day adventure, offering a quick but impactful look at São Miguel’s north coast.
• Small Group Experience: With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll get a more personalized and engaging tour.
• Geological Wonders: The visit to Morro das Capelas geosite is a highlight, showcasing formations from submarine eruptions.
• Historical Insights: Learn about the once-thriving whaling industry through visits to relevant sites.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vistas of the island’s coast, caves, and open sea.
• Comfort and Safety: Included safety briefing, life jackets, insurance, water/tea, and cookies make for a comfortable outing.

An In-Depth Look at the São Miguel North Coast Boat Trip

If you’re craving an authentic taste of São Miguel’s rugged coastline and geological features, this boat trip offers a delightful mix of scenery, history, and sea life. Starting in the charming fishing village of Rabo de Peixe, the tour is designed to give you a well-rounded experience of this lesser-visited part of the island, away from the more tourist-heavy hotspots.

The Meeting Point and Initial Impressions

The tour begins at R. da Cruz 46 in Rabo de Peixe, a small, lively village with a rich maritime tradition. The guides—who seem to take pride in their local knowledge—kick things off with a safety briefing and an overview of what’s to come. This quick orientation sets a friendly tone and reassures first-time boaters, emphasizing safety and comfort.

First Stop: São Vicente Ferreira and Geological Marvels

After leaving the harbor, the boat heads southwest towards Capelas, a village famed for its geological formations. The highlight here is the Morro das Capelas geosite, a cone of tuffs resulting from a submarine eruption. The boat’s vantage points afford spectacular views of coastal arches and caves carved into volcanic rock—features that are both dramatic and photogenic.

Our reviewer’s contact, Valery_S, remarked, “We had an unforgettable trip with Paulo and Pedro. Paulo provided interesting and informative information about the island, life on the island, and the local people, and Pedro handled the boat flawlessly.” Their professionalism and friendly approach add a layer of trust and ease that enhances the experience.

Exploring Capelas: History and Blue Waters

The boat then makes a short stop at Capelas proper, allowing guests to dip into the calm, clear waters of the bay. Here, you can relax, swim, and enjoy the stunning landscape—an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the scenery. The historical significance of Capelas, once a hub for whaling, is celebrated through visits to sites that mark its prosperous past.

Crossing to Praia do Areal de Santa Barbara

Next, the journey takes us across the open sea towards Ribeira Grande’s beaches, such as Monte Verde and Santa Bárbara. These beaches are not only beautiful but also geologically significant, shaped by recent volcanic activity. From the boat, you’ll get a fresh perspective on the island’s volcanic history while watching for marine life, perhaps dolphins or seabirds, that often accompany such trips.

According to reviews, this segment is especially prized for the stunning views of the coastline and island—a real highlight of the tour. The open sea crossing, lasting about 30 minutes, feels like entering a different world with vast skies and an expansive horizon.

Return Journey: Coastline and Hidden Beaches

On the way back to Rabo de Peixe, the boat passes by the Santana promontory and a hidden beach, offering final vistas of São Miguel’s rugged coast. This stretch provides space for reflection and photos, with the chance to spot more marine life or just enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

The trip concludes with a debriefing, ensuring everyone leaves with their questions answered and memories in hand. The guides’ friendly demeanor and local insights are frequently praised—Valery_S describes feeling “among friends from the first minutes.”

Overall Value and Experience

While the price of about $75 per person might seem modest for a 2.5-hour guided boat ride, the value lies in the combination of geological sights, historical context, stunning scenery, and the intimacy of a small-group tour. You get a well-organized experience with water, snacks, and safety gear included, making it accessible and comfortable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is perfect for those who love scenery and want a light, scenic adventure without a full-day commitment. It’s ideal for travelers curious about volcanic formations and coastal geology, as well as anyone wanting a relaxed boat ride with plenty of photo opportunities. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will appreciate the intimate setting and expert guidance.

It’s less suited for travelers seeking exhaustive geological detail or extensive cultural exploration—this is a quick, scenic overview, but one that leaves you with plenty of memorable vistas. If you’re after a balance of relaxation, scenic beauty, and light history, this boat trip hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This boat trip along São Miguel’s north coast offers a beautiful, authentic glimpse of the island’s volcanic landscape, historic fishing roots, and striking sea views. With knowledgeable guides, a small group, and all the essentials included, it delivers both value and a genuine connection to the area’s natural beauty.

Perfect for those who want a relaxed, scenic experience with minimal hassle, it’s an excellent way to see key geological features and coastal sights without dedicating an entire day. The stunning views, friendly atmosphere, and insightful commentary make it a memorable highlight for any trip to São Miguel.

While it’s a shorter experience, the quality of scenery and local knowledge makes it well worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, arrive ready for a comfortable ride, and keep your camera handy—you’ll want to capture the breathtaking vistas.

FAQs

How long is the boat trip?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a great half-day activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at R. da Cruz 46 in Rabo de Peixe and returns to the same point after the trip.

What is included in the price?
The experience includes a safety briefing, life jackets, insurance, water/tea, and cookies.

Are there any additional costs?
Snacks are not included, so if you want more than tea and cookies, you’ll need to bring your own.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and given the safety measures, it’s suitable for families with kids who are comfortable on boats.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is booking necessary?
Yes, it’s recommended to book at least 88 days in advance due to high demand.

This boat trip along the north coast of São Miguel is a well-balanced, scenic, and engaging experience—ideal for those seeking a taste of the island’s natural beauty, history, and coastal charm in a relaxed setting.