discover unique beauty of capelinhos volcano

PURE ADVENTURE AZORES is the only company on the Faial island to offer the original boat trips, called “Capelinhos Ocean Tours”. Being a partner of the Natural Park of the Azores and Geoparque Açores we want to share with you the unique beauty of our island and the natural monument Capelinhos volcano. During the cruise, you can appreciate  the island from the Atlantic Ocean, with a bit of luck meet the sea animals and, above all, see how beautiful and impressive is the Capelinhos volcano. The volcano looks completely different from the ocean side.

• The best attraction of the island, available up close only with us!

• A one of the kind experience!

• Unforgettable excursion, you won’t want to miss out!

The volcano formed in 1957/58 is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the entire Azores due to the uniqueness of its picturesque beauty, with a very recent and almost pristine origin. During our trip you have the opportunity to take a close look at this amazing creation from the side inaccessible from the mainland.

We offer day cruises [in proper weather].
It is only one tour per day, in the afternoon.
The cruise continues 2,5-3 hours from Horta [depending on the condition of the ocean].

Maximum number of passengers: 20

Minimum number of people: 6

Please follow our social media to see latest updates or changes about trips, departures, tickets or other informations:

RoutEs, schedules and prices

In the Atlantic Ocean, the weather can be changeable and unpredictable. Therefore, we suggest, that you do not delay with the decision to go for a boat trip to the last days of your stay in the Azores, as it may not take place due to unfavorable weather conditions.

Please check upcoming tour dates here:

If the date you are interested in is not marked, please contact us to check the availability of the date.

Due to the different lenght of the day, as well as various weather and ocean conditions, the starting times of our tour may vary.
Please check the details under.

“Taxi boat”

In response to numerous inquires in recent years, we decided to offer our clients the option to rent our “Betty” as a “taxi boat” starting in 2021.

Below, you will find our offer along with the price list

The rules and prices are as follows:

Faial - Pico [Madalena]

Prices:

1-10 people: 150 €

11-20 people: 15 € per person

STOP-OUT: 20€/h

Faial - São Jorge [Velas]

Prices:

1-8 people: 320 €

9-20 people : 40€ per person

STOP-OUT: 20€/h

Are you interested in other destinations or possibilities, please do not hestitate to contact us [by phone, e-mail or via the form available at the end of the page].

tel. + 351 966 104 402

tel. +351 963 176 660
e-mail: hello@capelinhosoceantours.com

 tickets

Thank you for your interest in our boat tour . To secure your spot on our boat, "Betty," please follow the steps below:

1. CONTACT US

To ensure your desired date is available, please reach out to us using one of the following methods:

• Email: hello@capelinhosoceantours.com

• Phone: +351 966 104 402;

• WhatsApp: +351 966 104 402;

• SMS: +351 966 104 402;

• Contact form ;

Remember to include the date you are interested in and your preferred method of contact and amount of the persons which would like to participate in the boat tour.

IMPORTANT: Due to the changeable weather, it is a good idea to have a few days at your disposal and not book a boat tour on the last day of your vacation.

2. MAKE A RESERVATION DEPOSIT

After confirming the availability of your chosen date, please use the QUICKPAY button on our website [link below] to make a reservation deposit of 15€ per person. In the payment information, please include the following details:

• Full name;

• Confirmed tour date;

• Other dates you can participate in the case of bad weather conditions;

• Phone number;

• Email address;

This amount reserves your spot on our boat for the selected day. If weather conditions prevent the tour from taking place, we will offer alternative dates that suit you. If the tour is canceled due to weather or service-related issues, your deposit will be refunded. However, if you decide to cancel your participation, the deposit will not be refunded.

3. TOUR CONFIRMATION

The day before your scheduled tour [no later than midday on the day of the tour], we will contact you to confirm all the details. You will receive information about:

• Start time;

• Directions to the meeting point;

• A list of items to bring with you;

Please confirm your participation after receiving the message or phone call max. till midday in the day of the boat tour.

4. ARRIVAL AT THE MEETING POINT

Please arrive at the agreed meeting point at the time established during the confirmation call. We kindly ask for your punctuality, so that we can start the tour as planned.

5. FINALIZE THE PAYMENT 

Upon arrival at our base, you must to finalize the payment  by paying the remaining balance for the tour [by cash or by card].

6. WELCOME ON BOARD!

After completing all the formalities, we welcome you aboard the "Betty." Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

IMPORTANT INFORMATIONS:

• The initial deposit of €15 per person reserves your spot on the boat;

• In case of bad weather conditions and the inability to reschedule the tour, the deposit will be refunded to you;

• If you decide to cancel the tour [not come], the deposit will not be refunded;

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a pleasant tour!

In season 2024 tickets are also available in our ticket shop in Marina Horta on Largo Dr. MAnuel de Arriaga street, near the new building, UNIT B-4. [Please call to confirm];

WE ACCEPT DEBIT CARDS HERE

 Who can enjoy our trips

Anyone who would like to see the unique beauty of the youngest volcano in Europe. This is an opportunity to see the volcano from the ocean side.

However, keep in mind, that the sea is never totally calm, so it will not be suitable for young children and are not recommended for pregnant women.

The boat is not adapted to all types of disabilities [please ask about the accessibility].

Persons under 18 must be looked after by adults.

What to bring?

Comfortable clothes , sunglasses and sunscreen. We recommend wearing longer shorts and suggest to take raincoats or windstoppers. Cold drinks can be purchased before your trip in bars/restaurants in Horta .

Attention!

Since it’s boat cruise, we are not responsible for any damages caused to electronic devices like mobile phones, cameras etc.

Safety RULES

Hey there, welcome aboard the “Betty”! We’re about to embark on an epic adventure, but first, here are a few guidelines to keep things safe and even more fun.

1. WELCOME - MEET THE CREW!

Say hello to our guide and captain [aka the skipper] – they’re here to ensure your comfort and safety. You’re in great hands!

2. THE PLAN - WHAT’S IN STORE?

• We’re starting from Horta marina and finishing at the Capelinhos volcano.

• Along the way, we’ll visit some truly unique spots that define this archipelago.

• And here’s a bonus – we might encounter some wildlife! What kinds?

        -  Birds: cagarros, terns, seagulls, and… azorean pigeons.

        - Crustaceans: crabs and limpets [lapas].

        - Water creatures: flying fish, dolphins, and if we’re REALLY lucky – turtles, sharks, whales, and manta rays. The odds? Rare, but hey, anything’s possible!

 After we visit the volcano, we’ll head back to Horta, where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights from a new angle. Will we return the same way or circle the island? Well, that’s up to the skipper and how we feel after seeing the volcano!

3. WHO’S IN CHARGE?

Your safety is in the hands of the crew, but the skipper is the big boss on board. He decides whether the conditions are safe for cave and grotto visits, and he might ask you to switch seats – Betty is a sleek, lightweight, aluminium boat, so she needs to stay balanced to sail straight.

If any issues come up – stay calm, remain seated, and follow the crew’s instructions. No worries, we’ve got this!

 4. EXPLORING - SLOW AND STEADY

 As we tour the key spots, we’ll sail slowly so you can take in all the details. Want to move around the deck? Go for it! But when we enter caves or grottoes, please keep your hands inside the boat – we wouldn’t want anyone accidentally “high-fiving” a rock.

5. BETWEEN STOPS - SPEED IT UP!

 When moving between points of interest, we pick up the pace! Sit tight and hold on – we wouldn’t want anyone losing their balance and taking a dip!

 6. BACK PAIN OR HEALTH ISSUES?

For anyone with health concerns, we recommend sitting in the back rows – it’s calmer there, and the boat doesn’t bounce as much. Don’t worry, you’ll still get to see all the cool stuff, and the views are amazing from every seat!

 7. SEASICKNESS? DON’T STRESS!

 If you feel queasy, the fish will happily accept your “gift” overboard. But if that’s not possible, don’t worry – we’re equipped with seasickness tablets, water, towels, and a first aid kit. We’ve got everything you need to feel better.

8. NO SMOKING OR ALCOHOL

 Smoking [including e-cigarettes] and drinking alcohol [yes, even beer and wine] are not allowed on the “Betty.” Let’s keep it clean and fun for everyone!

 9. LIFEJACKETS - EASY PEASY

 Our lifejackets are automatic, so once you put them on, you don’t have to worry about them. The only rule? Lifejackets must always be on top of your clothes! If you need to add a layer, just take off the jacket first. Our guide will be happy to help if needed.

 Safety and fun – that’s our motto!

That’s why, we do not operate on days when  bad weather and bad conditions of the sea are.

We hope you have an amazing time with us, exploring incredible places. Ready for adventure? Welcome aboard the “Betty”!

Toilets

Our boat doesn’t have toilet. You can use the public toilet before the cruise.

Wi-Fi

We do not have. Let’s talk to each other :).

Parking

In Horta it is possible to park on the street or in places reserved for this purpose. Free.

What our cLIENTS say about us

Unforgettable.

“An unforgettable experience. Skippers and staff who really love their work and transmit passion. The tour itself deserves a lot, for the beautiful coast, the caves seen up close, accurate explanations related to fauna and geology. Beautiful and interesting. It was also lucky for us to meet SO MANY dolphins, which the skipper spotted and immediately turned to meet them and show them up close. We did several boat tours, but I had never seen so many dolphins all at once: groups jumping out, mothers with the young at their side, some doing pirouettes in the air so high! Our kids were excited, and it was a crazy experience for them. Davvero meritevole!! Bravi!!!”

Date of experience: 

July 2024

Amazing experience !!!

“This was by far one of the best ocean tours in the Azores! I cannot say how grateful we are to have found Capelinhos Ocean Tours. First off the team picked us up from Pico island before starting our journey to view some of the most impressive & stunning views of Faial islands coastline. Along the way we received detailed information of many volcanic formations, craters and caves. The staff was extremely professional, very helpful, responsive and communicated well. Highly recommend Capelinhos Ocean Tours! Thank you so much for helping create lots of beautiful family memories and an unforgettable experience. Truly a 5- Star experience!”

Date of experience: 

July 2023

You'll regret if you don't do this.

“Simply amazing. The crew was friendly and helpfull and the tour was the best one I ever made. The guide stopped in all touristic stops and took us to amazing places to take pictures, but always keeping in mind the safebeing of the passangers.
We loved it and we hope to participate in more tours with them in the near future.”

Date of experience: 

August 2021

Amazing Trip!

“Definitely a trip to repeat! Very nice boat, friendly crew and a super interesting tour through Faial coast and Vulcão dos Capelinhos. The boat trip shows a completely different perspective of Faial and of Vulcão dos Capelinhos, showing its magnitude and beauty! Congratulations Capelinhos Ocean Tours!”

Date of experience: 

June 2019

  INFORMATIONS ABOUT “BETTY” THE BOAT

TECHNICAL DATA:

• Aluminium speed boat;

• Hull length: 8,2 m.

• L.O.A.: 9,00 m.

• Beam: 2,83 m.

• Passengers homologation;

• CE homologation for  22 pax; 

• Design category: C

• Motorizatio: DIESEL STERNDRIVE YANMAR, VOLVO 330 HP;

• Propulsion: Sterndrive;

• Speed test:

- Max speed 36 Kt with 4 pax;

- Max speed 29 Kt with 22 pax;

• Fuel tank: 1 x 450 litres;

• Equipment and options:

- Seats in rows with central corridor;

- Interior filled with high density porexpan making the boat unsinkable;