Ilhéu de Vila Franca

What the sources say (research)

• The CNVFC 2026 boat season was 12 June–11 October and has ended. Its published departure times were 10:00, 11:00, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00, with the last return at 18:10; these are historical, not a schedule for 2027. [CNVFC, checked 14 Oct 2026]
• For the bathing zone and conventional boat access, the 2026 limit is 400 visitors a day and 200 at once; visits 09:00–18:00. The amended regulation separately permits limited kayak or similar access. Off-season (15 Oct–15 Apr): 160 a day, 40 at once, 09:00–17:00 on weekdays only, marked trail only, max 1 h 30; upper areas can be closed 15 Oct–15 Nov for shearwater chicks. [access regulation]
• The 2026 access regulation sets a €4 visitor fee, with Azores residents exempt. Whether the operator includes it in its boat ticket price needs confirmation. [Jornal Oficial dos Açores, 7 Apr 2026]
• In the 2026 boat season CNVFC offered 100 online tickets a day, limited purchases to five per person on its homepage, and required validation at the marina kiosk. Its terms still say two per person: check the live limit when 2027 sales open. Online purchases carry a 15% service fee plus VAT on the fee. [CNVFC homepage and terms, checked 14 Oct 2026]
• Children travel with a parent or responsible adult, who must make sure they wear a flotation aid suited to their age during the trip and the visit; under-16s on the islet need a parent or an authorised adult. [CNVFC terms; access regulation]
• Recommended: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; queues can be long. [CNVFC]
• Banned: litter, fishing, scuba, music, motorboats, camping overnight, barbecues; fines €125–45,000. Snorkel masks for hire at the kiosk. [CNVFC]

Open questions