Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores

Description of Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores

The Azores, the Portuguese archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean 1,400km west of Lisbon, is renowned as one of the best places on Earth to see whales and dolphins. But in the spring months of April and May, a very special event takes place, as blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, pass through the Azores’ deep, nutrient-rich waters on the way to their North Atlantic feeding grounds. This whale watching holiday is a fantastic opportunity to see these gentle giants up close in the wild, a truly breathtaking experience.

On this trip, you will be based on the main Azorean island of Sao Miguel, in a hotel just a short walk from the boat dock. The town has many good restaurants where you can enjoy locally caught seafood. Viewing towers, a reminder of the islands’ bloody whaling heritage, are dotted around the coast, but they are now put to better use by expert spotters who help to direct whale watching boats with precision.

As with all of our whale and dolphin watching trips here, and elsewhere, the welfare of the wildlife is always prioritised. Boat captains will never get too close to the whales, get in between them, or pursue them. Marine biologists accompany every boat tour, providing an illuminating commentary for your sightings (success rates are exemplary).

This is a tailor made tour, so your itinerary can be customised according to your interests, and Sao Miguel has many excellent activities to try. As well as three boat trips to see blue whales, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and canyoning if you prefer more active pursuits, or relish a soak in a volcanic hot spring if you’d like something more relaxing.

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