The Ilhéus das Cabras: Discover it on Terceira

Coastal view with cactus, yellow flowers, wooden fence, and ocean island.

Posted by leandro

On the south coast of Terceira Island there is a hidden gem: the Ilhéus das Cabras. This is one of the places you can’t miss. Find out why below.

The Ilhéus das Cabras

The Ilhéus das Cabras are located on the south coast of Terceira Island, close to the parish of Feteira, in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo. This small natural paradise belongs to the Special Protection Zone of Ilhéu das Cabras. There are two islets, Ilhéu Pequeno and Ilhéu Grande.

The Ilhéus are not inhabited, but in other times, they were used as grazing areas for sheep and goats. The two islets together are considered the largest islet in the Azores Archipelago.

On these islets, it is possible to see several species of birds that inhabit the area, such as shearwaters, common terns, gulls, pink terns and royal herons. Small cetaceans such as turtles and wild porpoises can be found on site.

The Ilhéus das Cabras originated from volcanic remains resulting from the contact of basaltic lava with water, thus forming coastal volcanic cones collapsed by marine erosion and tectonic movements.

A distant grassy island under a clear blue sky, surrounded by calm ocean, with trees and stone walls in the foreground. Two grassy islands in blue sea with a green field in the foreground. Two grassy islands in a calm sea under a partly cloudy sky.

Whale and Dolphin Watching + Ilhéus das Cabras

One of the activities not to be missed on Terceira Island that allows you to discover the south coast of Terceira Island and appreciate the fantastic Ilhéus das Cabras is Whale and Dolphin Watching. The activity lasts for a whole day.

One of the activities not to be missed on Terceira Island that allows you to discover the south coast of Terceira Island and appreciate the fantastic Ilhéus das Cabras is Whale and Dolphin Watching. The activity lasts for a whole day.

Large whale surfacing in blue ocean with visible water spout. Rocky coastline under blue sky with distant buildings. Rocky coastline with clear blue water and a hill under a blue sky.

Snorkeling

With us, you can go snorkeling off the south coast of Terceira Island. Through this activity you can get to know the unique natural reserve of the island, the Ilhéus das Cabras and all the nature that the place hides.

Ilhéus das Cabras is considered one of the best diving spots on Terceira, as it is one of the most beautiful and special natural reserves on the island. On site we show you the special protection zone and you also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural caves. The activity lasts approximately two and a half hours.

Silhouette of a scuba diver underwater with light rays filtering through the water. Silhouette of a snorkeler underwater with sunlight overhead. Close-up of a large fish with diver in background underwater.

Tour Ilhéus das Cabras

Another activity we suggest is the boat trip to the Ilhéus das Cabras. Our journey begins at the Marina of Angra do Heroísmo. We sail along the south coast of Terceira Island until we reach our destination, the islets. You have the opportunity to get to know the entire special protection zone with the entrance to the caves, subject to weather conditions. The activity lasts approximately two and a half hours.

Silhouette of people in a boat exiting a rocky cave. Rocky cliff face with layers and a small cave by the sea. Rocky cliffs above a blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.