What time does the Full Day Deluxe sailing trip start?

The trip typically departs in the morning from the Marina de Ponta Delgada, with exact times provided upon booking.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes, the experience includes meals with vegetarian options and an open bar featuring gin tonics and sparkling wine.

Do I need prior sailing experience?

No sailing experience is necessary; trained crew handle navigation and safety throughout the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear, seascooters, paddleboards, and wakeboards are all included to enhance your time on the water.

What should I bring with me?

Bring layered clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, and any personal motion sickness remedies.

Is the trip suitable for children?

While there is no official age minimum, the trip is designed for guests comfortable in the ocean and able to participate in active water activities.

Full Day Deluxe Sailing Adventure with Sailingside

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Azores archipelago, Sailingside’s Full Day Deluxe sailing trip is an immersive way to understand the raw beauty of São Miguel Island’s southern coast. Departing from the vibrant marina in Ponta Delgada, Portugal’s largest city in the Azores, this 8-hour voyage offers a hands-on chance to feel the Atlantic wind and digest the island’s geological character from an uncommon vantage point: the ocean.

The journey cruises past jagged basalt cliffs and volcanic formations etched over millennia, revealing secluded beaches and sea caves inaccessible by land. A highlight is the islet of Vila Franca do Campo, a volcanic crater turned nature reserve, whose emerald inner lagoon is perfect for swimming or snorkeling. The experience doubles the fun by splitting time aboard two sleek boats, containing groups of up to eight guests—intimate enough to savor the calm but lively enough for shared adventure.

Sailingside outfits travelers with snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, seascooters, and wakeboards, ensuring active engagement beyond just the sailing. Alongside natural spectacle, participants enjoy open bars featuring local gin and sparkling wine, paired with vegetarian and allergy-conscious meals crafted to suit all palates.

This trip sets itself apart in the Azores by combining comfort, adventure, and local flavor into one seamless day at sea. It highlights the region’s volcanic origins, dramatic coastlines, and diverse marine life in a way that transports visitors beyond standard tours.

For adventurers seeking a blend of adrenaline, nature, and culture, the Full Day Deluxe trip from Sailingside unlocks the southern shores of São Miguel with exclusivity and expert local insight—making it one of the top ways to experience the Azores from the ocean’s edge.

About Sailingside

Sailingside is a charter company based in Ponta Delgada, Portugal, offering sailing tours and boat rentals around São Miguel Island in the Azores. Departures are from the marina in Ponta Delgada. Sailingside provides guided trips with experienced skippers and self‑drive rentals without skippers. Guided offerings include full‑day sails that combine cruising, snorkeling, and diving, shorter half‑day excursions to Ilhéu da Vila Franca do Campo, and specialized itineraries such as the Full Day Deluxe — an eight‑hour exploration of the southern coast and the islet of Vila Franca do Campo aboard two boats.

Multi‑day options include a two‑day, one‑night journey with an overnight stay at Marina da Povoação. Activity‑driven trips feature seascooters, stand‑up paddleboarding, and comprehensive snorkeling equipment. Sailingside lists several rental durations: half‑day, full‑day, 24‑hour, 48‑hour and multi‑day hires available without a skipper for qualified renters. Safety and environmental responsibility are emphasized across all services, with clear guidelines for cetacean observation and respectful wildlife viewing. The operator supports responsible boating practices and briefings to protect marine life.

Sailingside’s fleet and crew are positioned to deliver leisure sailing, adventure water‑sports, and private charters for small groups. Popular experiences include snorkeling at São Roque and Relva, visits to Ilhéu da Vila Franca, sunset cruises and VIP options, and private excursions for exploration and relaxation. For visitors seeking a flexible, active maritime experience in the Azores, Sailingside offers convenient departures from Ponta Delgada marina and a variety of professionally managed sea adventures. Bookings are available year‑round subject to weather and availability; online booking.