Private Catamaran São Miguel South Coast Tour with Lunch

Tour Description

 Enjoy a private sailing adventure for up to 21 guests on a 47ft catamaran along São Miguel’s beautiful south coast, perfect for families and groups with comfortable amenities, professional crew, and delicious dining options.

• Description
• Itinerary
• Meeting points

Private Day Sailing Experience — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Set sail for an exclusive full day at sea aboard a Nautitech 47, one of the most spacious and comfortable sailing catamarans in the Azores. This privately crewed experience is designed for those seeking elegance, relaxation, and a genuine connection with nature along the breathtaking south coast of São Miguel.

Enjoy a smooth and scenic sail around the islet of Vila Franca do Campo and along the beautiful beaches in the surroundings before anchoring in carefully selected bays or near secluded beaches. Enjoy going for a swim, take the opportunity to snorkel in crystal-clear waters, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or simply unwind in the yacht’s generous lounge areas, surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes.

Gastronomic Experiences On Board

Choose the dining experience that best complements your day at sea:

• Picnic-Style Lunch on Board – A relaxed yet refined option featuring an artisanal sandwich, fresh fruit, and the traditional queijada da vila, a regional sweet from Vila Franca do Campo

• VIP Freshly Prepared Meal on Board – A premium, healthy lunch prepared by our onboard cook and tailored to your dietary preferences (available for groups of up to 8 guests)

• Restaurant Ashore – Enjoy a meal at a carefully selected local restaurant in Ribeira Quente, Povoação, or Caloura (advance booking required and subject to suitable sea conditions)

After lunch, continue with a gentle sail, embracing the rhythm of the ocean and the beauty of São Miguel’s coastline. SailZen does not conduct organized whale watching activities; however, occasional sightings of marine life may occur. These are natural and unpredictable encounters that cannot be guaranteed or included as part of the experience.

Enhance your journey with a selection of cocktails, mocktails, snacks, and premium drinks available for purchase throughout the day.
 

The crew

Your experience is guided by a professional crew dedicated to safety, comfort, and personalized service. Led by a local captain, the crew will share insights into the island’s history, culture, and geology, enriching your time at sea from start to finish.

Up to 12 guests are hosted with a two-member crew; for groups exceeding 12 passengers, a third crew member joins to ensure the highest standards of service and a seamless experience for up to 21 guests on board.

Note: Snorkeling and SUP activities are offered only when weather and sea conditions are suitable and are limited to a maximum of 8 participants at a time.

Private day tour sailing & anchoring

We’ll meet at the pier 15 minutes before departure for boarding and a brief safety briefing, ensuring we can leave on time.

Once we exit the harbor, we’ll set the sails and embrace the freedom of sailing—powered only by the wind. We’ll cruise around the south coast of São Miguel, including the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and sail freely for about 1,5 hours until we set anchor in a super nice bay.

Take a swim, enjoy snorkeling, relax on the trampoline, listen to music, or unwind with the sounds of nature. It’s your choice.

The moment for lunch arrives, and according to your decision, we will follow the programmed itinerary.

After lunch, there may be time to explore another bay for a swim again, or sail away into the blue and look out for unexpected wildlife sightings.

About two hours before the end of the trip, we’ll begin a relaxed sail back to the harbor. 

Please note that all itineraries are subject to change. Your captain will utilize their experience and knowledge to determine the best route and activities for the day, taking into account weather conditions.

What's included?

• Rental of sailing catamaran EXPLORA
• Professional crew: Captain & Cook/Deckhand
• Lunch and potable still water
• Snorkeling gear & stand-up paddle boards
• A 3,2m dinghy with an outboard engine is available to reach the shore if needed.
• Toilets are available to use on board
• Warm & cool freshwater shower is available near the swimming ladder
• VAT, port authority, marina and any logistic fees related to the boat

Exclusions

• Optional Extras (available during booking)
  • Fresh towels
  • Guided snorkeling experience
• Pick up in Ponta Delgada or Povoação fishing port
• Drop Off in Ponta Delgada or Povoação fishing port
   

Available on board
• Soft drinks & alcoholic beverages can be purchased onboard

Please note

• Street shoes are not allowed on board. Please bring clean, flat, non-marking shoes or enjoy the freedom of going barefoot.

• Towels are available to rent on board in case you forget yours.

• A card payment terminal (TPA) is available on board for drinks and towel rental.

• If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking medication about 2 hours before departure.

• Smoking is not allowed on deck. If you wish to smoke, please inform the crew so they can indicate the appropriate area.

Tipping the crew
In the yachting industry, it is customary to tip the crew as a gesture of appreciation for their dedication and service throughout the trip.

What do I need to bring?

• Sunscreen (SPF 30+) – reef-safe if possible
• Hat – wide-brim or cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses – polarized, with a strap if windy
• Towel – lightweight, quick-dry
• Swimsuit – wear or pack if swimming is planned
• Change of clothes – dry outfit for after the tour
• Light jacket or windbreaker – it can get breezy at sea
• Clean deck shoes – non-slip soles preferred if you don't want to be barefoot