Whale watching in the Azores
| country: | Azores, Portugal |
| location: | Azores |
| departures: | Please contact us for departure details |
| price: | From £680 (8 days) excluding flights. We can help arrange flights from the UK (approx £250 - £350) |
read 3 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
This is a very exciting opportunity to visit the Azores when it is a quiet time for tourists who tend to come more in the summer months, but a time when there are many opportunities to sight the migrating big whales with a good chance to see the Blue Whale, the biggest mammal on earth!
May & June is the time that the Baleen Whales are migrating to their summer feeding grounds, passing close to the islands of the Azores. It is possible to observe Humpback, Sei, Fin and Blue Whales, as well as Short Finned Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales, and of course Dolphins, Sea Birds and other Marine life. Assisted by the expertise of the "vigia" local land based lookouts we can meet the animals as they pass the island. You will be amazed at the abundance and diversity of marine life to discover!!
We shall team up with the expertise of the team at the Whale Watch Base using their knowledge and skill to gain the best advantages to see the Whales. Their research base has a wealth of information and resources and it is possible to learn about the many research projects being conducted around the Azores. The Base use Rigid Hull Inflatable boats to get us close to the action quickly. Lookouts, "the Vigia" on the shore guide us from the local harbour out into the ocean on the south side of the Island. They direct the boats by radio contact.
Accommodation
Our accommodation will be at the “Whale come” lodge which is next to the base, close to sea and with great views of the volcano. Lunch will be provided each day before or after our trips to sea. A Buffet and introductory briefing will be given on the evening of your arrival.
Your Guide
The week will be fully guided and supported by Malcolm Barradell who as been visiting and working in the Azores over the last 4 years. He has worked with Dolphin Connection as a guide and life guard, and worked a long season as second skipper for our whale watch company in 2004.
Malcolm is studying Marine Biology at the University of Glamorgan where he is exploring cetacean research. He contributes expert knowledge and a deep passion for the marine life of the Azores. He will guide the group in a very personal and informative way ensuring the experience is enjoyable, inspiring and deeply memorable.
May & June is the time that the Baleen Whales are migrating to their summer feeding grounds, passing close to the islands of the Azores. It is possible to observe Humpback, Sei, Fin and Blue Whales, as well as Short Finned Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales, and of course Dolphins, Sea Birds and other Marine life. Assisted by the expertise of the "vigia" local land based lookouts we can meet the animals as they pass the island. You will be amazed at the abundance and diversity of marine life to discover!!
We shall team up with the expertise of the team at the Whale Watch Base using their knowledge and skill to gain the best advantages to see the Whales. Their research base has a wealth of information and resources and it is possible to learn about the many research projects being conducted around the Azores. The Base use Rigid Hull Inflatable boats to get us close to the action quickly. Lookouts, "the Vigia" on the shore guide us from the local harbour out into the ocean on the south side of the Island. They direct the boats by radio contact.
Accommodation
Our accommodation will be at the “Whale come” lodge which is next to the base, close to sea and with great views of the volcano. Lunch will be provided each day before or after our trips to sea. A Buffet and introductory briefing will be given on the evening of your arrival.
Your Guide
The week will be fully guided and supported by Malcolm Barradell who as been visiting and working in the Azores over the last 4 years. He has worked with Dolphin Connection as a guide and life guard, and worked a long season as second skipper for our whale watch company in 2004.
Malcolm is studying Marine Biology at the University of Glamorgan where he is exploring cetacean research. He contributes expert knowledge and a deep passion for the marine life of the Azores. He will guide the group in a very personal and informative way ensuring the experience is enjoyable, inspiring and deeply memorable.
travellers' tales
Our holiday was a wonderful experience. Our trips to see the whales was exciting and at times breathtaking. Malcolm, our expert, helped make the trip an enjoyable and well informed holiday, with organised trips. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 We only work with local suppliers who employ 80% local people which means financial benefits to families here. The land based lookouts whose immense skill at tracking the animals previously earned money from whaling and now earn money from tourists. Many of their children skipper the boats and work with the small scale tourism. We have a 99% success rate with sighting dolphins and whales. This location is exceptional in its abundance and variety of animals, with super pods of up to 1000 dolphins. It is extremely rare not to be with the animals who come close to shore due to the geology of the island and the plentiful food supply. The in water encounters and the way the boats approach the animals follow local regulations to protect the animals by licensed boat operators. There is a good spirit of cooperation amongst the boat companies and agreements to respect the animals as a priority. Our guides are fully qualified to ensure your safety in the water at all times and provide a full training to develop confidence in the water if needed. They also give you a lot of background knowledge about the marine life and the islands. |
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