The Best Snorkeling Spots on São Miguel Island

Yes, São Miguel does have a Decathlon, it’s in Ponta Delgada so if you don’t have a snorkel and mask you can grab a cheapo there! There are a whole load of great places to see the underwater world without scuba diving but here are my top five!

REMEMBER: In Portugal a red flag means stay out of the water. A yellow flag means no swimming but you can go into the ocean. A green flag means you can swim and blue and white checkered flag means that the beach is without a lifeguard. If you see a yellow flag with a jellyfish in the center, it mean’s there have been sightings, which in the Azores could mean the infamous Portuguese Man O’ War.

I made a map, took some photos, added a bit of info and linked the coordinates, enjoy your trip!

Pedreira Beach, Vila Franca Do Campo

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s calm, rocky and a great place for fish to hide.
• It’s a very quiet calm beach, you may find yourself alone there.
• Parking is fine and you’re not too close to the town so pollution will be at a minimum.

Surrounded by grassy cliffs and and submerged rocky areas it’s a great beach to spend the day looking under and above the water.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Something else a little further along the south coast? Try Ponta Da Galera.

Ponta Da Galera, Caloura

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a rocky outcrop in a beautiful area.
• You’ll see a lot of fish and great views of rocks jutting out of the ocean.
• It’s easy to get to and easy to find parking.

This is a pretty out of the way less touristy area of the island but it’s doubtful you will be alone as unless you go early in the morning you’ll meet a lot of locals here, but not many holidaymakers!

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Making your way along the opposite coastline? Head to Buracao de Sao Pedro.

Buraco De São Pedro, Fenais Da Luz

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s a huge hole in the landscape midway along the northern coastline.
• The views are amazing under and above the surface!
• There are some great walks and viewpoints in the area.

What can I say? It’s surrounded by nature and a bit difficult to access but where you find rocks you find fish.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Hoping for a snorkel in the sunset? We’ve got a suggestion.

Piscinas Naturais, Mosteiros

Why it’s one of the best:

• There is an array of pools and rocky outcrops.
• It’s in the beautiful town of Mosteiros.
• It’s a sunset facing area so you get the late light also.

When you get to the natural pools area of Mosteiros you’ll see the main pool that everyone seems to prefer, continue to the right a little and the second largest pool may possibly be the best for underwater life.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will take you there.

Looking for something truly unique? Here we go.

Ilhéu De Vila Franca Do Campo

Why it’s one of the best:

• It’s on the tiny island that sits just below Vila Franca.
• The beach is beautiful but the island is definitely worth visiting anyway, but as the rock ridge wraps around it protects the area inside meaning is a great place to see smaller fish and flora.
• The island is a protected nature reserve. (this does mean it comes with some conditions)

You can buy an 8euro roundtrip ticket to the island from the ferry booth, but be aware that the number of visitors to the island is often regulated to preserve the foliage and not overload the amenities.

Sound like the one you’re looking for? Google maps will show you where it is, but you’ll need to check the ferry schedules beforehand.

Those were our top five Snorkel spots for backpackers on São Miguel island! Enjoy the ocean and check us out more as the website develops.