1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Being so in touch with nature, especially when in the water - an experience that will stay with me forever

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

If you have young children, ensure they have practice swimming in sea and travelling on ribs - and never ever book your luggage onwards through Lisbon - pick it up and re-check in!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes I think the local people benefits from these tours, and certainly the skippers and crew were very respectful to the environment and the animals.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

***** I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on - certainly this one when I returned - feel a bit jaded again now been back six weeks - but hey looking at booking another holiday soon!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The first water encounter with a huge number of dolphins and the swim with the manta ray just before we left.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Do pull-ups and press-ups so you can get back into the boat – most people struggled!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, we felt very welcome at the hotel and were impressed with the care shown to minimize our impact upon the whales and dolphins when at sea.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

***** Our most exciting and memorable holiday!

Read the operator's response here:

With regard to point 2, yes you do need some basic strength in your upper arms. In 2008 our boat company introduced brand new boats, as they do every couple of years. These new ladders make it very easy to get back onto the boat and you do not need to use so much arm strength to pull your self up due to the position of the ladder. Also there is always a helpful guide or skipper to assist as we did in your case!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The most memorable moment was the sound of wild dolphins approaching me in the water and then swimming directly under me. An image I will never forget.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

This isn't Disneyland, if you are expecting to get touchy feely with wild dolphins, you've picked the wrong holiday. They don't do tricks with balls or jump through hoops. If you want to share the Atlantic and appreciate the beauty of these creatures, then you have picked the right holiday and you will enjoy a humbling and enriching experience.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

My money did benefit the local economy and benefit those directly involved in environmentally important projects the most. What is more, the rules of 'engagement' with wild dolphins and whales were kept to at all times and boat skippers NEVER let us in the water if they felt that that it was not of benefit to the animals. They would (rightly) rather disappoint us than threaten the dolphins and other wildlife.

4. Any other comments?

Well I can honestly say that this was our BEST EVER holiday as a family. Definitely a ***** holiday. Thanks and kind regards.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

A magnificent close encounter with spotted dolphins who swam merrily around the cruiser and allowed a close encounter in the water - pure magic!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Do it and enrich your life.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Most definitely - I was particularly impressed with the education the local boat company ran to educate the local school children on cetaceans. Also, the beautiful grounds in which the hotel is set is enchanting.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Azores are really beautiful and unspoilt. It was wonderful when the dolphins were leaping alongside the boat. The view from the guest house was fantastic.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Be prepared to be flexible, we were a bit unlucky with weather so it was difficult to plan as the boat times kept changing, also sometimes you go out for a few hours and see very little. However the skippers are brilliant and do their best and when you do see the animals it is all worthwhile. It is quite difficult though if you have party members who do not want to go out on the boats, if this is the case then go for the guest house/car hire option as it gives you far more flexibility.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I think so. Certainly the boats were considerate to the animals and the accommodation is all locally run.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We really enjoyed the holiday despite the difficulties with fitting boats round other things. We will definitely go to the Azores again and for anyone who wants to spend their time with dolphins and whales it is a wonderful holiday. Very nice people, good food, and a beautiful place.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

I thought that the island was beautiful, luscious green vegetation beside the deep blue ocean and with the Pico volcano as a backdrop. Jetting around on the ocean everyday viewing incredible cetaceans is definitely my idea of a good time. The whales we saw blew me away and I particularly enjoyed seeing and learning all about the different whale species although I originally went to see the dolphins!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Take a selection of gear, closed shoes, flip flops, light towels that dry easily etc...

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I certainly hope so. I think that tourism helps the islanders out.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic and refreshing, a perfect tranquil and beautiful place to disconnect.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Swimming with the Dolphins in their natural environment and watching the Whales.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Relax and embrace all that Pico and nature has to offer.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes-since whale hunting has been banned tourist have given the islanders an alternative income. It's in Pico's interest to safeguard the marine life.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Magical. We stayed in a beautiful hotel with friendly staff and were in a group which gelled into a fantastic team spirit.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Quite a few most memorable moments... The moment when wild dolphins approached me in the sea and circled me, resulting in pretty much eye-to-eye contact with one. An evening re-scheduled boat trip with more than usual opportunities to get in the sea and views of a magnificent sunset. Experiences I will never forget.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Come with an open and flexible mind!! As the animals are wild a lot of time can be spent on locating them in the sea. For our trips on average (sometimes more sometimes less and can vary with the crew and / or boat company) each person would have 3 times entering the sea to try and have some sort of an encounter with the dolphins. Not all occasions end up with an encounter, e.g. the dolphins may change direction, but the close contact from being on the boats is amazing too.

When they say the weather is variable it definitely is, so trips may have to be cancelled due to the weather. Can go from scorching heat and sun to chilly and raining from one day to the next. TAP airlines are by my experience the worst ever encountered! If you are a veggie take food for the plane and be prepared for delays! The hotel is rather 'Fawlty Towers' but if you have a good sense of humour and patience (as warned, 'Azorean time' is considerably longer than any other time!) this can be something to remember in the future with a smile. The food in the hotel is fantastic, especially if you eat fish. Be prepared for a real group experience (some people don't anticipate this) - if you have a great group of people like we did then this will really help to make the holiday even more memorable!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes - in terms of the dolphin and whales but also the guides (who are great) and hotel promote other activities run by the locals, and around the island, which you can organise independently.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Some fantastic memories and some great friends made!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The most memorable parts of the holiday was being in the sea with wild dolphins for the first time and not quite being able to believe what I was seeing, there were so many of them, and also climbing Mount Pico on a beautiful clear day. I had never been in the open sea from a boat before, or seen wild dolphins in the flesh and I had never climbed a mountain, so these were both great achievements and the memories will stay with me for a long time.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

For anyone thinking of taking this type of holiday, we would recommend a certain level of fitness, as it was quite strenuous getting back in the boat and you need to be reasonably fit to climb Pico.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

All of the boat trips are run by local people and care is taken to ensure the wildlife is not unduly disturbed, if there are too many boats around any whales or dolphins our crew moved on to a different location to look for a sighting elsewhere.

4. Any other comments?

I would definitely recommend this to friends, it was a great holiday and one we will never forget.

Read the operator's response here:

Please note that the Pico climb is only done by a few people as it is something those who want can take on as an extra. It is not a standard part of the holiday.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The sheer depth of 'the deep blue' every way you looked (serious gulp), and then the blessed relief of the dolphins bobbing along and past you!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Go in a single large family group, or as singles & couples - don't mix the two in one tour, doesn't work for the singles & couples who want space not children. Get out every single time you can, you can't see / interact with wild dolphins + whales + fish + turtles + shearwaters (sea-diving birds) in Oxford Street. Even if the weather looks miserable, it can and does change almost on the hour - always take warm clothing with you on the boats, even on a very hot day. Go to the gym before you go - the sea swimming is wonderfully easy, getting out and back into the skids and cruisers takes exertion. Take an underwater camera - even as a rank, first time amateur, I got some amazing shots (and numerous requests for them as screen-savers!).

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Benefited the local people? Absolutely, immediate income, plus giving them leads into the off-season jobs market in the offshore oil & gas / renewables industry. Minimised impacts? Totally not. It that respect it would better if humanity deserted The Azores. Having said that, the boat crews clearly stuck to the local law re diver density and encroachment on the sea life.

4. Any other comments?

The operator are a great crew!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Spotting pods of dolphins (and also sperm whales) and getting into the water with the dolphins.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

No particular tips. Provided you take the correct snorkelling and the usual holiday gear, you will have a great time.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes and yes. Tourism clearly creates employment for the locals. Impact of tourism on the environment will remain minimal provided it continues on a small scale.

4. Any other comments?

A very memorable holiday.

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The most memorable and exciting part of the holiday was being in the sea with my daughter where there were two dolphins below us swimming downwards and one stopped and looked back at us as if to say "what are those strange beings". Magical, so human in their characteristics. Also, the sound of the wonderful Sheerwaters (seabirds), I really missed them when I returned to England. I have to say all the holiday was memorable, the people, the island and the wildlife. Also, another magnificent moment was being in the aeroplane nearing Pico and seeing, high above the clouds, the huge black volcanic mountain which was totally unexpected and awesome.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

I would advise people NOT to buy or take a wetsuit. We found it totally unnecessary as the sea was warmer than the swimming pool and just swimming in a costume or bikini was more than adequate. Also, to build up their stamina by swimming or other activities.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I feel the local people did definitely benefit by the tourism involved. We used the taxis and the boats daily. Also of course it helps the hotel to employ local people. How fantastic it is, that the inhabitants of the island can earn their living by inviting tourists to see the dolphins and whales as opposed to killing them. The only criticism I would have about the impact on the environment was the fact that the cars and boats used diesel. We found it choking, especially when on the back of the boat for any length of time. Why doesn't the island change to unleaded?

Read the operator's response here:

The operator recommends clients use thin shorty wet suits for added buoyancy, protection and warmth. 90% of our clients appreciate this advice. A few who swim without wet suits are fine in favourable conditions. However, as sea conditions are changeable, a wet suit ensures you are always warm after extended periods in the water and safe and buoyant at all times. We advise wet suits for your safety and comfort at all times

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Viewing the marine life at such close quarters.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

To practise snorkelling beforehand if they have never done it before - the whole breathing only through your mouth under water is a little disconcerting to say the least!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, the viewings and swimmings are closely managed to ensure marine life is not unduly interfered with. Although of course, the boats are using fuel rather than the wind power of a sailing boat - but this is the only practical solution and the fast boats are great fun - definitely not for those with bad backs!

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

We both thought the group of 10 we were in was fantastic - we did everything together and the banter was fast, spontaneous, and great fun. We have stayed in touch with one member of the group who has become a good friend. The glimpses of the dolphins we got and hearing their sound - it was like a cathedral under the water. The ability to relax in the hotel grounds with yoga, massage etc... available. The day trip with Sonia's friend Lisa and the meal she prepared at her house.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Don't put too much on the swimming with dolphins themselves. [To be honest that part was something of a disappointment; rightly or wrongly we had expected to spend hours in the water, clutching fins and touching / playing with the dolphins a la the Robin Williams documentary we were shown. As it was we only snatched the odd minute in the water here and there, and were lucky to get more than just a glimpse of the dolphins as they invariably swam away. We felt the advertising had bigged up the successful experiences and played down that they are very rare, if they happen at all.]

Counter any potential disappointment by appreciating the whole package; the boat trips, viewing the cetaceans from the sea, the people, the food and drink, other activities.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

It is hard to see which locals benefited other than the Aldeia da Fonte, Espaco Talassi business, and 'Lisa'. On the whole we dined at the hotel so did not support other eateries that much. The locals seemed to accept our presence, but did not bend over backwards to be welcoming, maybe that is just their culture. I guess our damage to the environment was minimal, the biggest variable being the type of fuel used by the Espaco boats.

4. Any other comments?

Ian: Excellent holiday overall, top location, top hotel, particularly liked the people, closeness to the sea, and the lack of mosquitos. Only disappointment factor was the lack of dolphin interaction in the water.
Chrissy: Had an unfortunate experience with Serge who told her off for falling asleep during Maria's lecture at the end of a hot day. It lacked professionalism and also undermined Maria, as well as being uncomfortable for the rest of the audience.

Read the operator's response here:

The interactions with the dolphins on Ian and Chrissy's particular trip were significantly less than usual. This is extremely rare and is not representative of the experiences had by other people in other groups. We certainly have NOT "bigged" up the successful experiences in our advertising as we have been doing this for 10 years and what we say is a very accurate description of the most common experiences had by the majority of the people. We do say that this is the wild and so it is totally unpredictable what happens. We say it is indeed possible to be unlucky and not see so much underwater. However, I believe you saw a lot of dolphins riding in the bow wave interacting with the boats. We can only comment that your group was very unlucky and if you would like to discuss with clients who came on the trip before and the trip after I would have no hesitancy in offering their contact details (with their permission ) and they will describe exactly what their interactions involved. You will find their experiences to be significantly different than your experience.

The guides were amazed at the difference in what appeared between the two groups, it was like two extremes of a scale. If we described the scarcity of interactions that you experienced on our site it would be unrepresentative of the true overall picture - I am sorry your group was so unlucky!!! but that is the nature of the wild. We give a broad assessment of what our clients generally experience during an average 10 day holiday.

If our advertizing misrepresented a fair description we would be inundated with comments from clients saying the advertizing is inaccurate or that they were misled. This is NOT the case, I have not received any comment from another client saying we misrepresented their experience. Also your comment "we had expected to spend hours in the water, clutching fins and touching / playing with the dolphins" These words are certainly not how we would describe the experiences with wild dolphins in the Azores. We try and encourage our clients to come with a really open mind and no expectations. We describe range of possible experiences. The video we showed was of dolphins that are very habituated to human contact and had taken a very long time to get such footage. We do sometimes have those kind of interactions as on the film with the dolphins of the Azores but I would say that is for about 10% of our clients so not that common

The comment about the owner of the boat company who "told off" Chrissy for falling asleep during a talk. This was the result of a "short temper" at the end of a long day. He was immediately pulled up on this behaviour by our guides who said he was being extremely unprofessional and that he must never approach our clients directly in a situation such as that. Instead we reminded him that we require he always speak to our guides about our clients if there is anything he needs to say. They will then communicate with the clients if necessary in a more appropriate manner. Chrissy was given an apology at the time by our guides. I am sure it must have been a real shock to be so humiliated unjustly and he was completely out of order in doing so.

I hope these comments explain our position. I am glad there were many things in the whole package that you enjoyed and once again I am sorry you had such bad luck on the length of time seeing dolphins underwater.