---
title: Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Azores
lang: en
alternate_de: https://guidekin.com/de/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/swim-with-wild-dolphins-in-the-azores/
type: tour
city: São Miguel
country: Portugal
price: 150
currency: EUR
price_unit: per_person
availability: bookable
rating: 4.76
reviews: 210
duration_minutes: 150
languages: [pt, en]
free_cancellation: "true"
guidekin_pick: Open water dolphin swimming
rank_in_category: 4 of 8 (Whale Watching)
schedule_checked: 2026-10-03
data_updated: 2026-10-07
canonical: https://guidekin.com/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/swim-with-wild-dolphins-in-the-azores/
---

# Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Azores

**Guidekin's take:** Swimming with wild dolphins led by marine biologists, on the animals' terms and in open water, with snorkelling kit and a guide included. You must be able to swim; food and hotel pickup are not included. 4.76 from 210 reviews at €150 per person for 2h 30m.

In our comparison: #4 of 8 in Whale Watching, by rating weighted by review volume (table below).

## Overview

With Picos de Aventura, you’ll go beyond the typical wildlife tour: this is a carefully guided, respectful interaction led by marine biologists who are deeply passionate about ocean conservation.

What sets this tour apart you ask?

- Wild, not captive: You’ll be swimming with dolphins in their natural environment, where they are free to choose whether to interact. This makes every encounter meaningful and authentic.

- Biologist-led experience: Our tours are led by expert marine biologists with in-depth knowledge about dolphin behavior, species conservation, and the marine ecosystem of the Azores.

- Small group, low-impact: We limit the number of swimmers to ensure a calm, non-intrusive presence in the water—making the experience safer, more personal, and more respectful toward the animals.

This is not a theme park show—it’s a moment of silent connection in the open ocean. A unique chance to witness the grace of wild dolphins up close, guided by those who know and protect them best.

## Before you book

- Starts 08:30, 13:00: 2 departures a day
- Food not included: bring or buy your own
- Age 12+: minimum age to join

**Pickup:** No hotel pickup: everyone meets at the start point

## Key facts

- Price: from €150 per person
- Duration: 2h 30m
- Rating: 4.76/5 from 210 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor)
- Free cancellation (see policy below)
- Likely to sell out
- Operator: Picos de Aventura - Animação e Lazer, S.A.
- Group: Shared tour
- Guide languages: Portuguese, English
- Start times: 08:30, 13:00
- Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket
- Price checked on Viator: 2026-10-03

## Reviews

4.76 from 210 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
95% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 199 of 210.

- 5 stars: 182 (87%)
- 4 stars: 17 (8%)
- 3 stars: 4 (2%)
- 2 stars: 2 (1%)
- 1 star: 5 (2%)

### What reviewers say

Reviewers praise the crew and seeing wild dolphins, but underwater encounters can be fleeting.

**Praised:**
- Knowledgeable, friendly crews who explain dolphin behaviour
- Clear briefings and reassuring support for nervous swimmers
- Watching wild dolphins pass underwater and alongside the boat
- Crews work hard to find pods and offer repeated chances to enter the water

**Complaints:**
- Underwater encounters can be fleeting, with dolphins easier to see from the boat
- Some felt the limited underwater contact offered poor value
- Bumpy boat rides and chilly conditions can be uncomfortable
- Some report dolphins being chased, while others describe care to avoid disturbing them

Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (2022-06-16 to 2026-09-15); last checked 2026-10-07.

## What's included

- Professional guide
- Use of Snorkelling equipment

## Not included

- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup
- Hotel drop-off

## Schedule

- Runs: daily
- Departures: 08:30, 13:00
- Schedule last checked: 2026-10-03
- These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout.

## Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Ends: back at the meeting point

## Good to know

- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Guests must be able to swim in order to join the tour

Booking asks for: dates of birth

## Compared with other Whale Watching

| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **This tour · #4 of 8** | €150 | 2h 30m | 4.76 (210) | shared |
| [Watching whales and dolphins on Terceira Island](/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/watching-whales-and-dolphins-on-terceira-island/?format=md) | €65 | 3h | 4.88 (199) | shared |
| [Whale and dolphin watching in Pico Island](/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-in-pico-island/?format=md) | €70 | 3h | 4.9 (52) | shared |
| [Whale and Dolphin Watching in Pico Island 3 Hour Small Group Tour](/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/whale-and-dolphin-watching-in-pico-island-3-hour-small-group-tour/?format=md) | €63 | 3h | 4.84 (43) | shared |

Ranked #4 of 8 in Whale Watching by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €59 to €150, median €65; typical length 3h. 0 of 8 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market.

Full list: https://guidekin.com/portugal/sao-miguel/whale-watching/?format=md

## More in São Miguel

- All São Miguel tours: https://guidekin.com/portugal/sao-miguel/?format=md
- This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/portugal/sao-miguel/tours/swim-with-wild-dolphins-in-the-azores/

Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/portugal/sao-miguel/?format=md