Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
Discover Pico’s remarkable marine wildlife on five RIB Zodiac expeditions, with specialist marine guidance, fascinating volcanic landscapes and a guided walk through the island’s historic vineyards.
Pico Island, Azores Five half day Blue Whale watching outings Expert whale researcher guide Guided tour of Pico Island Learn about marine wildlife research techniques Fin Whales Humpback Whales Dolphin watching
Price
£1695 excluding flights
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More info
Includes: 8 nights B&B accommodation in Lajes do Pico; 5 shared RIB Zodiac whale/dolphin watching expeditions; 2 specialist marine science presentations; full-day Pico island tour with lunch; half-day Criação Velha vineyard guided walk; welcome and farewell dinners; specialist tour leader/coordinator; return Pico Airport transfers.
Maximum DWC group size of 16.
Excludes: international flights, travel insurance, other meals and personal expenses. IMPORTANT: International flights are not included.
Direct UK options are more limited for 2027, so please check flights before confirming dates.
Travel to Pico will normally involve an onward connection, and we can put guests in touch with our flight partner if required.
Maximum DWC group size of 16.
Excludes: international flights, travel insurance, other meals and personal expenses. IMPORTANT: International flights are not included.
Direct UK options are more limited for 2027, so please check flights before confirming dates.
Travel to Pico will normally involve an onward connection, and we can put guests in touch with our flight partner if required.
Description of Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
Enjoy blue whale watching in the Azores on Pico with this specialist smallgroup whale-watching holiday based in the peaceful village of Lajes do Pico It is timed for the spring migration when blue, fin and sei whales may pass through the deep Atlantic waters surrounding the island. Resident sperm whales and several dolphin species can also be encountered, making this one of the most exciting times of year to explore Pico’s marine environment.
Over eight nights, you’ll join five whale and dolphin watching expeditions by RIB Zodiac, travelling close to the surface of the ocean for an active and immersive wildlife experience. The whale-watching boats operate on a shared basis with other guests, while the small group itself is limited to a maximum of 16 people.
A specialist tour leader accompanies the group throughout the week, helping bring together the wildlife, marine science and wider experience of Pico. Two informal presentations explore topics including cetacean biogeography, whale identification, migration and the techniques used to study whales and dolphins in the wild.
The programme also gives you time to discover Pico away from the boats. A full-day guided island tour with lunch explores the volcanic landscapes, communities and culture that have shaped life on the island, while a half-day guided walk through the UNESCO-listed Criação Velha vineyard landscape offers a slower look at Pico’s extraordinary wine-growing heritage.
You’ll stay at the family-run Hotel Bela Vista in Lajes do Pico, within easy walking distance of the harbour, with breakfast included each morning. Welcome and farewell dinners, return Pico Airport transfers and local support throughout the holiday are also included.
Pico sits exposed in the North Atlantic, so weather and sea conditions can change quickly. The programme is deliberately flexible, allowing whale-watching departures and land activities to be rearranged where necessary to make the best use of suitable conditions.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive at Pico Airport and transfer to your accommodation in Lajes do Pico. Settle in before meeting your tour leader and fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome dinner and introduction to the week ahead. |
| Day 2: | Spend the day exploring another side of Pico on a full-day guided island tour. Travel through volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and traditional communities while learning more about the geology, history and culture of the island. Lunch is included. |
| Day 3: | Head out from Lajes do Pico aboard a RIB Zodiac for your first opportunity to experience the wildlife of the Atlantic. Land-based lookouts help the boat teams locate whales and dolphins, with sightings and routes determined by the conditions and wildlife present on the day. |
| Day 4: | Return to sea for your second whale and dolphin watching expedition. Later, join an informal specialist presentation exploring cetacean biogeography, migration and why different species are found around the Azores. |
| Day 5: | Your third expedition is planned for the afternoon, offering a different perspective on the changing conditions and wildlife around Pico. Every departure is different, and species, behaviour and sea conditions can vary considerably from one trip to the next. |
| Day 6: | Head back into the Atlantic for your fourth expedition. Later, learn more about identifying whales in the wild, including the blows, fins, body shapes, flukes and behaviour researchers use to distinguish between species and individuals. |
| Day 7: | Your fifth scheduled trip gives you another opportunity to encounter the spring wildlife around Pico. The remainder of the day is free to relax, explore Lajes or simply enjoy the slower pace of island life. |
| Day 8: | Explore the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape of Criação Velha on a guided half-day walk, discovering how generations of islanders adapted viticulture to Pico’s dramatic volcanic environment. In the evening, come together for a farewell dinner and reflect on the week’s experiences. |
| Day 9: | After breakfast, transfer to Pico Airport for your journey home. |
| Note: | Please note: The order and timing of activities may change according to weather and sea conditions. This flexibility is an important part of whale watching in the Azores and allows the local team to prioritise the best available opportunities at sea. |
Price information
£1695 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Includes: 8 nights B&B accommodation in Lajes do Pico; 5 shared RIB Zodiac whale/dolphin watching expeditions; 2 specialist marine science presentations; full-day Pico island tour with lunch; half-day Criação Velha vineyard guided walk; welcome and farewell dinners; specialist tour leader/coordinator; return Pico Airport transfers.
Maximum DWC group size of 16.
Excludes: international flights, travel insurance, other meals and personal expenses. IMPORTANT: International flights are not included.
Direct UK options are more limited for 2027, so please check flights before confirming dates.
Travel to Pico will normally involve an onward connection, and we can put guests in touch with our flight partner if required.
Maximum DWC group size of 16.
Excludes: international flights, travel insurance, other meals and personal expenses. IMPORTANT: International flights are not included.
Direct UK options are more limited for 2027, so please check flights before confirming dates.
Travel to Pico will normally involve an onward connection, and we can put guests in touch with our flight partner if required.
Check dates, prices & availability
Travel guides
With whales in every corner of the ocean, and so many species, how do you begin to plan a trip?
An introduction to everything from whales in Iceland to lynx and bears in Romania.
Holiday information
Meals:
Self-catering apartment accommodation, with breakfast available if preferred, and the land tours are optional extras.
Dietary requirements:
Dietary requirements should be advised in advance so that arrangements can be checked.
Reviews
29 Reviews of Blue whale watching in the Azores, Pico Island
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026 by Maria Quinnell
Everything was perfect. The hotel and staff were wonderful. The trips were very well organised with very knowledgeable staff. It seems many local people are employed throughout the beautiful island in hospitality sector. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Jun 2026 by Gillian Kniveton
There were so many - seeing the blue whale, the dolphins and a turtle! The jeep ride off road round the caldera and the hot springs at Furnas. Our hotel was super as was our local guide. Read full reviewReviewed on 24 May 2026 by Cathy Reitz
Seeing a blue whale! I never thought I'd be so lucky. Wonderful! Could not have asked for better guides or a more beautiful place to visit. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 May 2026 by Ann Coxall
Magical. Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural environment, being playful and curious around the boats without fear. It was also important to me that the boats approached the animals carefully which the boat company did consistently. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 May 2026 by Julie Nellis
It was fantastic to see the marine animals and seabirds in the wild. Our guide, Rui, was key to the success of the trip. He shared his knowledge easily and his enthusiasm was contagious. I could describe it as a once in a lifetime experience, but I won't only because I hope to see whales and dolphins in the wild again on similar trips. Read full reviewReviewed on 10 May 2026 by MARLENE FRIES
I enjoyed my experience with the whales and dolphins and the beautiful surroundings. Seeing nature at its finest. Such beautiful sea life. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 May 2026 by Alison Smither
Excellent. The whale watching exceeded my expectations, the mixed group were very friendly and easy to get on with. Seeing blue whale and especially orca. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 May 2026 by Julie Page
Amazing. The amazing whale sightings. I personally tried to spend a bit with various locals so yes. They are very good at conservation on the island too. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jun 2026 by Judith Kemp
We were so well informed by the accompanying marine specialist, Rui, his passion and enthusiasm for cetaceans was a privilege to share for the duration of the trip. Conservation of cetaceans is at the heart of these marine wildlife companies & ethos. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 May 2026 by Clifford Curtis
Very good. Sighting of blue whale on last day. The host company staff were excellent. Their enthusiasm was infectious and their organisation was perfect. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 May 2026 by Sue Cockroft
Being close to the whales in the water and riding in a RIB zodiac. I would rate it very highly. Our guide Rui was exceptional. The members of the group were lovely and the whole trip was wonderful. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 May 2025 by Debra Evans
This trip was amazing. We had an amazing group of people that were very like-minded and we all bonded really well. This made it even more special. I couldn’t have wished for more. A week on Pico Island blue whale watching will be something we will never forget. The most exciting bit was seeing blue whales which was the number one item on my husbands bucket list. For me, it was in loggerhead turtles. I have absolutely no idea that turtles would be something we could even hope to see. And to see two of them floating on the water with a heads up noses, touching like they were. Kissing was just beyond belief. The staff at the whale watching base were excellent and very knowledgeable. Russell was amazing. He was so enthusiastic and his talks were amazing. The whole experience was beyond our wildest dreams. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 May 2025 by Khalid Drabu
Really well organised with excellent and caring guide (Ricardo) and marine staff all of whom could not have done more and lovely hotel. Whole experience was beyond our expectations. Read full reviewReviewed on 10 May 2025 by Val Coutts
Amazing. Would love to come again. Really well organised and lovely people. For me it was the whale watching that was most memorable, the main reason I came to Azores. Read full reviewReviewed on 11 May 2025 by KAREN PATERSON
Seeing and learning about the marine mammals on our boat trips: common and bottlenose dolphins, Sei and sperm whales. The company facilitating the trips were helpful, especially Eulalia our guide. The boats and safety equipment and care and consideration for the cetaceans was all good. The hotel La Collegio was good, lovely breakfast. Read full reviewReviewed on 02 Jun 2024 by John Forster
The most exciting part of the holiday was seeing the whales and dolphins. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 May 2024 by Rosemary Evans
I would rate this holiday 10/10 definitely! Read full reviewReviewed on 15 May 2024 by Pat Pitt
Had great time. Lyn and Russel were excellent knowledgeable guides. Pico Island was stunning.30 striped dolphins jumping out of the water parallel to the boat. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 May 2023 by Jacki Leighton Boyce
I loved it. It was fantastically organised and the team were so informative and friendly. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 May 2023 by Benedikte Rathmann
Most memorable was the whale watching, but also the kindness of the people of Pico. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 May 2023 by John Davies
Total success; well organized, super specialists, Amanda great with us visitors; already thinking of going again; I have friends who are likely to want to go. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 May 2023 by Kate Zebidi
Every Day, was a Joy to be out on the water, what ever the conditions... Hope to return, next year for another Azorean Adventure. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 May 2023 by Leslie Lanphear
Best vacation I have had in a long time. I feel sad for my future holidays, as it will be hard to match! Read full reviewReviewed on 15 May 2023 by Alison Sowerby
Fantastic. A privilege to observe an abundance of sea life. Read full reviewReviewed on 08 May 2022 by Sandra Burton
Absolutely loved it...Seeing the whales, Hump back, Sperm Whales, Sei whales and Fin Whales. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 May 2022 by Julie Smith
The daily encounter with whales and dolphins are memories I shall carry with me always. Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Jun 2022 by Clare Bates
Getting to ride in the RIB (so much fun!) and seeing plenty of whales and dolphins. Sadly didn’t see the big Blue which was the main aim of the trip, we just weren’t in the right place at the right time! Read full reviewReviewed on 11 May 2021 by Lilith Hausherr
Seeing a blue whale for the first time in my life - and then for the second time and the third time and so on. Because there is more than one boat trip, you really get the chance to encounter them many times. Some were fluking, one changed direction and came towards the boat - it was absolutly fantastic. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 May 2018 by Richard Christie
Truly amazing with many sightings of Blue, Sperm and Fin Whales Read full reviewResponsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
WHALE WATCHING, ANIMAL WELFARE AND RESEARCHThe five whale and dolphin watching expeditions are operated by a long-established local company with a strong marine biology and research programme. Wildlife welfare is central to the way trips operate, not simply a regulatory requirement.
Whales and dolphins are never fed, trained or artificially attracted to the boats. Traditional land-based lookouts locate naturally occurring wildlife offshore, and crews follow local approach distances and operating rules. The team will also go beyond the minimum required where they believe an animal is becoming crowded. If several boats begin gathering around the same whale or dolphin group, the skipper may choose to leave the encounter — even if their boat arrived first and guests would prefer to remain — rather than add further pressure to the animal.
Research is integrated into the operation, with marine biologists and researchers collecting photographs, species records, locations and behavioural observations that contribute to long-term monitoring and photo-identification work around the Azores.
The company also supports students and researchers, including postgraduate and PhD-level projects and scientific collaborations.
MARINE EDUCATION AND PRACTICAL CONSERVATION
The local marine team is involved in education and community outreach, including work with schools and young people to increase awareness of whales, dolphins and the wider marine environment.
They also take part in practical initiatives such as beach and coastal clean-ups and marine-litter projects. These sit alongside scientific research and public education, helping connect tourism with conservation work taking place locally.
People
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND SMALL-SCALE TOURISMThe holiday is centred on Lajes do Pico and works with locally based whale-watching teams, guides and accommodation providers.
The traditional land-based vigias, once associated with the islands’ whaling industry, now use their detailed knowledge of the ocean to help locate whales and dolphins for wildlife observation. This transformation is an important part of Pico’s modern relationship with cetaceans and marine tourism.
Guests stay at a family-run hotel in Lajes, close to the harbour, while the included island tour and vineyard walk introduce them to local communities, landscapes and traditions away from the whale-watching programme.
EDUCATION AND THE NEXT GENERATION
The specialist talks included during the week give guests direct access to marine science and encourage a deeper understanding of cetaceans, their behaviour, migration and the research used to study them.
By combining repeated wildlife encounters with interpretation and learning, the programme aims to leave guests with a greater understanding of the animals and the wider Atlantic environment rather than treating whale watching as a standalone sightseeing activity.
CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT
We favour local partners whose approach is based on experienced wildlife observation, specialist knowledge and meaningful interpretation.
We regularly review the holidays we offer and work with our local partners to keep the programme accurate, responsible and flexible around the realities of wildlife and North Atlantic weather.
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