Swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores

Description of Swimming with wild dolphins in the Azores

If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the world of wild dolphins, then look no further than this holiday which takes you to swim with wild dolphins in the Azores. Strap on your mask and snorkel in these clear Atlantic waters, and encounter these curious and often playful marine mammals in their natural habitat. Expert guidance and pre-trip training is included. You will be accompanied by our aquatic rescue guides who look after you and help you feel confident swimming with the dolphins in the Azores. Their sounds, movements and gestures of the dolphins take you right into their underwater world. We often see seven species of dolphin; sperm whale sightings are common too. You’ll soon learn which of the dolphin species are the most inquisitive.

You will be part of a small group while on the boat trips but are free to plan other activities in the Azores in between excursions, or just take time out for relaxation and reflection. We have diverse groups of families, friends and independent travellers joining us on these trips, and swimming with dolphins is a great way to meet new people.

The trip

You don’t need to be hugely fit to enjoy this holiday, but an average level of fitness – as well as a good swimming ability – is recommended to be able to enter the water from the boat and swim with dolphins in the Azores. Some experience of snorkelling would be helpful, but if not, the first day offers time to practice using your mask and snorkel, as well as to learn out “in-water encounter” procedures. These mean that when you do encounter dolphins in the water, you will feel more confident, skilled and have a greater understanding of their behaviour, meaning both you and the dolphins will be far more relaxed. All encounters are as sensitive and respectful as possible. This holiday is suitable for children as young as seven; the boats carry groups of eight people and we partner up to enter the water. Our guides keep an eye on the swimmers at all times, and the small group numbers cause minimal disturbance to the dolphins. We provide shorty wetsuits, masks and snorkels – you can bring your own fins or purchase them in the Azores if you prefer to swim with them.

Once in the water with the wild dolphins, you may be swimming with them or simply floating above the pods, observing their graceful movements in the clear water below. The bolder dolphins in the Azores may approach you – looking you in the eye, playing or swimming around you – a truly unforgettable experience.

Holiday duration

The prices and itinerary shown are based on a seven night stay (Saturday - Saturday), although you can add on extra days at the beginning or end if you wish. The quote includes three trips to swim with dolphins in the Azores, which is the minimum number of excursions we offer; we believe that one-off experiences put too much pressure on both passengers and dolphins and can result in less enjoyable experiences. Three or five trips are ideal over the course of a week.

What’s included:

- Three half-day trips to sea (3 hrs each).
- Seven nights in a 4* hotel, including buffet breakfast.
- The services of an expert English speaking guide including training and preparation for the in water activity with the dolphins. Snorkelling equipment and wet suits provided
- Talks about Marine Biology and audio visual presentations.
- A donation to the World Cetacean Alliance

Accommodation

Our guests usually stay in a 4* hotel in a peaceful location just 15 minutes’ walk from the boat base. Rooms are en suite with gorgeous mountain and sea views, and facilities include indoor and outdoor pools as well as a gym, sauna and massage room. The Ponta Delgada botanical gardens are located nearby. Large family rooms with child discounts. The surrounding area offers plenty of superb restaurants, serving traditional Azorean, Portuguese and international dishes. We also offer other accommodation options to suit your preferences.

Other activities

Inland, the Azores offer just as much to enjoy as on the water, with thermal lakes, hiking trails, bird watching, walking tours, mountain biking and jeep tours all on offer – you can arrange these trips at our boat base. Or stay coastal with a day at the beach – swimming in the sea or kayaking. This holiday can be as active or relaxing as you wish.