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Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo (Vila Franca do Campo Islet) is a small island off of the southern coast of São Miguel island in the Azores. Volcanic eruptions formed the rocky cone that is now this gem.
Today, the islet is a nature preserve and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors to the islet enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring nature. In the summer, regular ferries from Vila Franca do Campo provide easy access to the islet for a day of adventure.
We visited the islet during our time in São Miguel and had a great day! Exploring and swimming in a volcanic crater?! Yes, please!
Let’s talk about why you should consider visiting the Vila Franca Islet, discuss logistics, and get ready to see a unique attraction in the gorgeous Azores!
🤿Want to capture your snorkeling adventures? Read about our snorkeling camera setup using an Akaso Brave 4 action camera. Don’t forget your snorkeling sun protection clothing for your trip.
Overview of Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is located less than 1 km (0.6 mi) from the coast of Vila Franca do Campo in the south-central area of São Miguel island in the Azores. The islet is what remains of a volcanic cone formed by eruptions. It consists of an outer rocky ring rising above the water, a mostly protected inner circular lagoon, and a stone tower off of its coast. The islet and some of the surrounding areas are a nature preserve to care for this unique attraction.
The rocky ring is covered in vegetation and is home to many birds, lizards, and marine creatures like crabs. It has a manmade walkway around the inner border for visitors along with walking trails for exploration.
The inner lagoon is mostly protected from the ocean. It provides a great area for swimming and snorkeling. A small channel and a few breaks in the rock ring allow some ocean water to enter while stopping most waves.
Common Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and walking. Beyond that, I think the islet is an accessible way to experience a truly remarkable product of the earth’s volcanic activity.
How to get to Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
The Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo ferry provides access to the islet in the summer months. It ran from mid-June to mid-October in 2023. Check their website for the latest updates.
The ferry leaves hourly from the Vila Franca do Campo port. Their ticket office is also there if you are buying tickets in person. Look for a small grey building resembling a shipping container.
The number of daily visitors is limited for preservation purposes. You can purchase Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo ferry tickets online in advance or buy them in person on the day of your trip.
In the summer months, buying Vila Franca Islet tickets in advance is highly recommended due to the limited number of visitors. In late September, we were able to purchase tickets on the same day.
Other tours visiting the islet and neighboring waters
Some other companies provide whale-watching tours in the waters around the islet. Others offer a morning of whale and dolphin watching with lunch and an afternoon trip to the islet. We saw some snorkelers in the water outside the islet. One company offers a nature tour of the islet.
It seemed like the official ferry was the only way to access the islet’s interior. However, I don’t know that for sure. We wanted to maximize time on the islet, so we just did the official ferry!
What to do on Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo?
Despite the small size, we found many things to do on Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. These included:
- Swimming in the lagoon – The protected waters make for a great place to swim
- Hiking trails and scenic viewpoints
- Watching animals – Lizards, birds, crabs, and fish inhabit the area. We saw many red and nearly black crabs on the rocks near the water!
- Relaxing on rocks and sandy beach – During lower tides, a small sandy beach appears. There are many spots to relax on the rocky rim as well.
- Snorkeling and diving – Some of our favorite activities! Read about snorkeling Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo below.
All of this made for a fun-packed but relaxing day. With these possibilities, we think you’ll have a great visit.
Snorkeling Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
We spent about an hour snorkeling Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo. The inner lagoon provides a nice protected area with calm water for snorkeling. Despite choppy ocean conditions, the lagoon was reasonably peaceful!
While snorkeling Vila Franca do Campo, we saw several fish species. These included cute blenny, schools of white seabream, pretty algal formations, crabs, and a few others! Others have reported seeing more species on other visits. I loved how comfortable fish were around us. Several casually followed us around!
The water wasn’t as clear as what we had snorkeling in Grand Cayman or snorkeling in Turks and Caicos. It still gave sufficient visibility for a good day.
Want a preview of what you’re in for? Here’s a video showing our Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo snorkeling experience. It shows a panorama, some underwater footage, and the view from the middle of the lagoon.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo snorkeling tips
As mentioned in the video, we found the best Vila Franca do Campo Islet snorkeling along the rocky walls where ocean friends like to live and hide. The rocky wall on the east side near the lifeguard station was our favorite.
Some of the dive shops in Vila Franca do Campo like Azores Sub Dive Center seem to rent snorkeling gear if you’re in need.
There were some mild waves and currents. Nothing was particularly challenging. Just take care near openings in the rocks if the outer ocean is rough. Some waves made it through into the lagoon causing locally rougher conditions.
Some companies also run snorkeling and diving tours to the waters outside of the islet. We saw a few divers exploring while waiting for the boat. I’d guess that you may have a higher chance of seeing larger critters there.
Practical tips for visiting Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo
Weather considerations
There is little shelter on the islet. You’ll be exposed to elements. Consider what the weather is doing. If the ocean is particularly rough, the boat ride may be a bit more difficult.
Bring sun protection
Because there is little shelter, you’ll need to bring sun protection. We love rash guards and swim pants for sun protection in the water. Consider also bringing hats, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, towels, and other clothing.
Food and water
There are no services on the islet. So pack what food and water you’ll need for the day. Don’t forget to pack out your trash!
Entrance fees and permits
The ferry ticket includes an entrance fee for the park. So there’s nothing else you need to purchase!
Respectful tourism practices
I consider Vila Franca Islet and the rest of the Azores to be unique treasures. I consider us lucky to be able to visit them. Please help preserve these resources!
Get a queijada before and after visiting!
Queijadas are delicious cheesecakes with many varieties in Portugal. Queijadas do Morgado makes the typical variety for São Miguel. They’re sweet, gooey, and delicious! Even better, the shop is a short walk from the Vila Franca do Campo docks!
I’d highly recommend treating yourself as part of your trip to the islet.
Wrapping up
Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo is a unique, gorgeous setting. I think it should be on the list of things to do in the Azores if you enjoy the ocean, swimming, or snorkeling! Where else can you swim in an old volcanic cone?! Seriously, I’d love to know where else.
What do you think? Are you ready to plan your visit? Have you already visited? Tell us below in the comments!
🤿Want to capture your snorkeling adventures? Read about our snorkeling camera setup using an Akaso Brave 4 action camera. Don’t forget your snorkeling sun protection clothing for your trip.
Disclaimer: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you make purchases via links on this site. Thanks for supporting me in creating content like this! See the privacy policy.
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Ryan’s favorite travel websites and apps
Expedia, Airbnb, booking.com – My go-tos to book places to stay. I like the rewards and member discounts from Expedia and friends.
Rakuten – Earn cash back shopping online at loads of places for things like hotels, clothes, electronics, booking tours, and more. I’ve gotten $100s in cash back! Free to join and use. Sign up here to earn a bonus!
Viator, GetYourGuide – Research and book tours, outings, and excursions in various destinations.
Google Maps and Docs – Trip planning, note taking, etc.
iOverlander – Invaluable info for road trips. Helps find the nearest campground, place to get drinking water, or place to park your rig.
