San Miguel: Boat Tour – Elephant Rock & Arches of Capelas
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the unique beauty of the geological formations on the coast of São Miguel on a quick and safe boat trip from the picturesque fishing village of Rabo de Peixe.
Sail towards the fascinating Vila das Capelas, where you can explore the impressive Buraco de São Pedro and the Morro das Capelas geosite, a cone of tuffs formed by a submarine eruption, similar to the islet of Vila Franca do Campo.
Relive the history of the whaling industry in Capelas, with a visit to the historic sites that testify to the activity's prosperous past and explore the coastal arches and caves.
Take a break to swim in the blue waters of the bay and enjoy the stunning scenery of this historic village.
Sailing through the open sea with the majestic island as a backdrop.
This is a unique experience you won't want to miss!
Available options
San Miguel: Boat Tour – Elephant Rock & Arches of Capelas
What's included
Cookies
Life jacket
Water/Tea
Safety/Activity Briefing
Insurance (personal accidents and civil liability)
Detailed itinerary
1
Meeting Point & Initial Briefing: Before embarking on this adventure, our guides will provide a comprehensive briefing on the activity, including safety instructions and an overview of the itinerary.
Approximate departure time: 09:30
2
After the briefing, we set off towards the historic village of Capelas, where its coast presents fascinating geological formations, such as Buraco de São Pedro and the Morro das Capelas geosite, a cone of tuffs formed by a submarine eruption, where we can observe arches and coastal caves.
3
Pause at the small gate of the chapels to dive into the blue waters of the bay and enjoy the stunning landscape of this historic village.
Relive the history of the whaling industry in Capelas, with a visit to the historical sites that testify to the prosperous past of this activity.
4
We will cross the open sea to the beaches of Ribeira Grande.
This is the time to contemplate the island and marine life from a unique perspective.
Close to the city, we will pass by the famous beaches of Monte Verde and Santa Bárbara, where we will identify the most recent geological phenomena and the history of these areas.
5
The return will be along the coastline, passing by the Santana promontory and its hidden beach.
Upon returning to the village of Rabo de Peixe, we will do a debriefing and help you return safely and comfortably.
What's not included
Snacks
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
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3★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Instructions: Drive your car to the marina area, approximately 200 meters from the initially indicated location.
About Sao Miguel
Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, is renowned for its lush landscapes, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic features. With its mild climate, stunning natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure.
Top Attractions
Setes Cidades
A stunning volcanic crater lake with vibrant blue and green waters, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free
Furnas
A geothermal area known for its hot springs, steaming vents, and the famous Cozido das Furnas, a traditional meal cooked underground.
Nature
Half day to full day
Terra Nostra Park: €10
Ponta Delgada
The capital city of Sao Miguel, featuring historic churches, beautiful gardens, and a vibrant marina.
Historical
Half day
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cozido das Furnas
A traditional stew cooked underground using geothermal heat, featuring various meats and vegetables.
Main Course
Contains meat and vegetables, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Lapas com Banana
A local dish of limpet (a type of sea snail) cooked with bananas, a unique combination of flavors.
Main Course
Contains seafood and bananas, not suitable for those with seafood allergies.
Queijadas da Vila
Small cheesecake-like pastries made with local cheese, sugar, and cinnamon.
Dessert
Contains dairy, suitable for vegetarians.
Popular Activities
Hiking
Whale watching
Scuba diving
Kayaking
Visiting hot springs
Beach activities
Spa treatments
Wine tasting
Best Time to Visit
June to September
The summer months offer the warmest weather and the best conditions for outdoor activities. The island is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.
18-25°C
64-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+0 (Azores Time, AZOT)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Sao Miguel is generally a safe destination with low crime rates. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
Getting there
By air
- João Paulo II Airport • 5 km from Ponta Delgada
By bus
Ponta Delgada, Ribeira Grande
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary public transport option. They are affordable but can be infrequent and may not reach all destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Ponta Delgada
Furnas
Setes Cidades
Day trips
Pico Island
25 km from Ponta Delgada • Full day
Pico Island is known for its dramatic landscapes, including Mount Pico, Portugal's highest peak, and its vineyards, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Faial Island
20 km from Ponta Delgada • Full day
Faial Island is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Horta harbor and the Capelinhos Volcano, as well as its rich maritime history.
Santa Maria Island
30 km from Ponta Delgada • Full day
Santa Maria Island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush landscapes, making it a great destination for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Festa do Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres • First weekend of September
Festa de São João • June 23-24
Festival de Música da Ribeira Grande • July
Pro tips
- Rent a car for flexibility and to explore the island's hidden gems
- Visit the local markets for fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Azorean products
- Try the local cuisine, including Cozido das Furnas and Lapas com Banana
- Pack layers and a waterproof jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases to enhance your interaction with locals
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
