Snorkeling at Ilhéu de Vila Franca is a unique experience: you are diving on your own private island. The water is quite warm for snorkeling, with variety of fish to see such as jelly fish, sea cucumber, etc. A crater that is just off the coast of São Miguel forms this tiny little island. Essentially it is a ring of volcanic rock just off the shore of Vila Franca do Campo.

Families can take a small ferryboat to the island from the Marina at Vila Franca do Campo. It costs just a few Euros to go there and back. The crater fills with salt water and is protected from the ocean. Because of this the water is very calm and safe to swim in, perfect for families with young children. 

The water is very clear and fairly shallow (adults can touch the bottom with their feet in most places). In most spots the depth is about four to five feet and I the maximum depth is around eight to ten feet. The Ilhéu de Vila Franca is a protected natural reserve that is a great place to visit from May to June, to enjoy some time swimming and snorkeling. Even in winter months, temperatures are never lower than 61º F.

 

Family-Friendly Accommodation

Quinta de Santana is close to Santa Barbára beach and was designed for families. Galvão family owns this propriety, which embrace the Portuguese family values and create a unique environment at Quinta de Santana.

Rustic and confortable, you will find a typical Portuguese home with plenty of room for kids to enjoy outdoors, have fun in the pool and explore the nature. The generous outdoors are perfect to relax and leisure moments in family.

The 21 apartments of Quinta de Santana give you privacy to enjoy some quality time with your family. You can also enjoy common areas: the small bar, the pool table, the pool and the barbecue. Don’t forget the amazing included breakfast served at the restaurant – where lunches and dinner are also available. If your children can be a little picky with food, don’t worry! Portuguese people love kids and always have a ‘bitoque’ – a typical steak with French fries and rice – ready to serve.

Within walking distance, you will find an excelent restaurant, ‘Pescador’, owned by the local farming association, has a selection of fresh fish, steaks, wine and a unique Portuguese service.

Surrounded by green hills and the blue sea, The Hotel Bahia Palace gathers harmony, tranquility and calmness with distinctive and excellent services. The wide range of facilities contribute to make it a family friendly hotel with different restaurants, bars, swimming pool, games room, library and reading room, saunas, gym and gardens.

 

Hotel Bahia Palace, São Miguel

Surrounded by green hills and the blue sea, The Hotel Bahia Palace gathers harmony, tranquility and calmness with distinctive and excellent services. The wide range of facilities contribute to make it a family friendly hotel with different restaurants, bars, swimming pool, games room, library and reading room, saunas, gym and gardens.

The Hotel Bahia Palace has a vast leisure program of daily activities: you can choose between walks, sea trips and dolphin and whale watching. It has a central location in São Miguel Island and it’s about 15 minutes from Ponta Delgada, the capital.

Find more Top Spots For Water Sports in the Azores:
Surf in Santa Bárbara beach, São Miguel