Kayak Rentals and Tours in Vila Franca do Campo Islet

Quick Details

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🌊 Kayak Rentals and Tours – Explore the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo at your own pace

Experience the Azores Like Never Before — From the Water

Ready for a unique adventure in São Miguel? Paddle through the clear blue Atlantic, follow the stunning coastline, and explore the iconic islet of Vila Franca do Campo with our kayak rentals and guided tours.

Whether it’s your first time in a kayak or you’re a seasoned explorer, Kayak Azores offers safe, eco-conscious experiences that bring you closer to the natural beauty of the Azores.

Tour description and itinerary

Overview:

Experience the Azorean clear blue waters and the beautiful islet of Vila Franca do Campo on a Kayak. It’s guaranteed to get your energy level high for the rest of the day!
Enjoy the freedom of paddling in an open sea along the unique coastline of Vila Franca do Campo, where you can spot the natural reserve (islet).
Rent it for yourself or bring the family aboard (up to 4).
All experience levels are welcome and the equipment is provided for free (vest and paddle).
The kayaks we offer are safe and comfortable, difficult to flip in the sea and don’t sink.

Highlights

  • Explore the coastal area of Vila Franca do Campo at your own pace
  • Our kayaks are suitable for the ocean (sit-on-top, don’t sink)
  • Get closer to the sealife of the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the Islet

Included

  • Kayaks sit-on-top (don’t sink), paddles
  • Snorkeling equipment (mask, tube, fins)
  • Lifevest
  • Waterproof bag
  • Insurance
  • Bathroom/change room available in our facilities for free

Recommended

  • Bring swimwear, sunscreen and a towel
Good to know
  • Please be 15 minutes before the starting time for a short briefing. If with a large group, please arrive earlier;
  • This activity is not recommended to children under 4 years old and people with impaired mobility;
  • The activity is subject to weather and sea conditions. If not possible we will rebook or refund you. If you decide to cancel more than 72h in advance you’ll be refunded 100%. After that period we’ll keep 100% of the payment;
  • The Vila Franca do Campo Islet is a protected area open to the public from mid-June to October 11th. Before and after these dates it is prohibited to enter the islet. Entry is possible until October 11th and there is a daily entry limit;
  • Those interested in entering the islet with the kayak will have to purchase the “kayak rental WITH ENTRY to the islet” or “guided kayak tour WITH ENTRY to the islet” package from us. By order of the Government of the Azores, it is not permitted to purchase a separate ticket to enter the islet by kayak;
  • If the “Kayak Rental WITH ENTRY to Vila Franca Islet” package option does not appear at the time of booking, it is because it is sold out or unavailable. to avoid them selling out;
  • For those who purchased the package that includes entry: On the islet, there is an area to park the kayak right inside the entrance. Then, you need to get out of the kayak and go into the water, where you can swim and snorkel;
  • Outside the islet, it is not permitted to tie the kayak to the islet, stop on rocks or platforms;
  • It is advisable that you know how to swim and feel comfortable in the water, as this excursion takes place in open ocean waters;
  • Children are the responsibility of an adult (they must be accompanied and supervised).
open sea kayak azores
kayak guided tours vila franca
group of people kayaking in azores

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ACCESS TO THE ISLET OF VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO – 2025

The Government of the Azores has announced that the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo will open to the public on June 20, 2025. Until that date, entry to the islet by kayak is strictly prohibited, including approaching, remaining nearby, or entering on foot or by swimming.

In the meantime, we are preparing new kayak rental packages that include access to the islet, which will be available on our website as soon as the reopening is confirmed. These packages will be priced differently from the standard “kayak rental” option, as they include access to the islet’s protected nature reserve.

Once the islet is open, entry by kayak will only be allowed for those who have purchased the specific package that includes access to the islet. Other types of tickets or additional purchases will not be accepted. Please note that a standard “kayak rental” does not grant entry to the islet, as it is a protected area with a strict daily visitor limit.

Additionally, swimming inside the islet is prohibited this year by order of the Government of the Azores.

For pre-bookings of the “Kayak Rental with Access to the Islet” package or to request more information (pricing, schedules, duration, etc.), please contact us at info@oceaneyeazores.pt.

Why Kayaking with Kayak Azores Adventure?

Friendly, knowledgeable local crew
Family-friendly & perfect for all ages
Small group experience – zero crowds, all the fun
Eco-conscious and deeply respectful of marine life
Sit-on-Top Kayaks, so you can stay afloat in the sea

Our Gallery

What our guests say about our experiences
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Pedro Figueirinhas paiva profile picture
Pedro Figueirinhas paiva
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Fizemos um tour de Kayak pela ilha muito bom. O Manuel foi um excelente guia. Experiencia totalmente recomendável.
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Alessandro Romagnolo profile picture
Alessandro Romagnolo
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We rented kayak for 9 people last minute 19 August. The staff was kind and helpful and they found the best solution for us. On top of that they gave us 10-15 min bonus, offered something to drink at the return, allowed us to have a shower and suggested a very good fish restaurant. Very good experience, thanks for your professionalism and kindness 😁!
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Ricardo Coelho profile picture
Ricardo Coelho
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Staff muito simpático e atencioso! Explicam tudo sem pressas! Os passeios de Kayaks são muito bons. Optima experiência em família. Obrigado ao Sr. Edmundo pelo Abafadinho à chegada. Definitivamente a repetir!
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Cristina Lajas profile picture
Cristina Lajas
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Las chicas que trabajan alli muy amables y atentas, a sido un placer y una buenisima experiencia. Lo recomiendo
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Pablo VH profile picture
Pablo VH
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Edmundo es un crack, muy aconsejable coger alguna excursión con ellos, trato de 10, muy amable y atento con todos
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Siegfried Illgner profile picture
Siegfried Illgner
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Äusserst kompetente, hilfreiche und freundliche Mitarbeiter. Super Ausstattung. Wir weeden wiederkommen..
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Judith Parry profile picture
Judith Parry
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We booked a guided kayak tour with admission to the islet at the very end of June. We were contacted by Tatiana to rearrange the date due to sea conditions being more favourable later in the week - she was very helpful. Our guide, Tiago (a marine biologist) was excellent - friendly, very knowledgeable about the locality, flora, fauna etc. 20 mins paddle across to the island, a tour around the outside (couldn't go into the caves unfortunately due to sea conditions but very good nonetheless) then we moored up to the buoys inside the islet, swam ashore to look around (lots of crabs and lizards) and do some snorkeling inside the islet (wide variety of fish) before heading back. Sea was quite cold so we declined the opportunity to snorkel outside the islet as well! Dry bag, snorkeling gear incl fins provided if needed. Toilet, shower and changing facilities at the office. Tiago even took some photos and emailed them to us. Highly recommended.
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Ines Garma profile picture
Ines Garma
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El personal encantador. Te hacen sentir como en casa!! Merece la pena la experiencia del Kayak y más con ellos!
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Where to find us

Located in Vila Franca do Campo, the perfect starting point for boat and kayak adventures on São Miguel. Situated on the island’s south coast, it offers calm waters and breathtaking views of the iconic Ilhéu de Vila Franca — an ideal setting to begin your journey on the Atlantic.

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