Help a team of researchers and scientists in the Azores with an ongoing study of sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. Not only does this itinerary enable active participation in cetacean watching and research, but there are opportunities to explore the volcanic interior of Faial or neighbouring islands too.
Enjoy full day whale watching trips as you search for and record data on sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins in particular. Both are resident species in the Azores, along with Risso’s and common dolphins, but during March to May, the islands are an important resting point frequented by migrating goliaths such as blue, fin, sei and humpback whales, amongst others. A scheduled shore day provides the opportunity to explore the stunning volcanic yet lush interior of Faial or visit neighbouring Pico.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Depart UK & fly to the Azores
Depart the UK and fly via Lisbon to Horta on the island of Faial. On arrival, transfer to Hotel Horta and settle in before meeting your group for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Horta, 5-nights
Days2-5: Whale watching tours & explore Faial
Take to the water for three full days of whale watching during your time in the Azores, searching for and contributing towards research projects, concentrating especially on sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins. In addition to resident Risso’s and common dolphins, you may come across an astonishing plethora of marine life in these crystal clear waters such as pilot and other whales, Atlantic flying fish, Portuguese man-of-war, sea turtles and a variety of seabirds.
Stroll down to the marina, a short 10-minute walk from your hotel, ready to board your catamaran, Physeter, every morning. Scour the Atlantic Ocean, constantly searching for signs of activity on the water, aided by land based lookouts using their clifftop locations to your advantage. During every sighting, help the onboard marine biologist conduct their research through observing behaviour, noting environmental conditions and by photographing tail flukes and dorsal fins to facilitate the identification of individuals. This leads to the maintenance and expansion of ID kits that can be used in global collaboration with other researchers as whales traverse the waters of our planet. Enjoy a packed lunch onboard and expect to return to port at around 4pm (subject to sightings). After time to freshen up back at your hotel, meet the rest of your group for dinner to chat, no doubt in an animated fashion, about the amazing experiences of the day!
Although the whale watching season in the Azores is actually year round, migrating baleen whales such as fin, sei, humpback and blue whales pass through the islands between March to May en route to their Arctic feeding grounds. If these giants are on your wish list, there's no better time to visit these beautiful islands.
Giving you the opportunity to explore the island of Faial itself, one shore day is scheduled during your stay and this is deliberately left free for you to explore under your own steam. It's also possible to visit the neighbouring islands of Pico or São Jorge, as they're just a short ferry ride away.
Please be aware that all whale watching trips are weather dependent, so please approach this holiday with an open mind. Your crew will keep you informed locally and shall arrange contingency plans if necessary.
Day6: Return UK
As your time here comes to an end, transfer back to the airport in order to commence your journey home.
Please note: We also offer longer versions of this trip (please see Departure Dates). As flights are via Lisbon - please feel free to contact your travel consultant if you would like to spend a few nights in Portugal's wonderful capital city, either before or after your time in the Azores.
Conservation scope
Study the sperm whale’s ecology, population, habitat and behaviour, and compare historical data trends as they migrate north via the Azores in an effort to address future conservation issues.
Conservation role: Field learner
Lectures and workshops
Field observation and light general research tasks
Physical demand: Gentle
Generally easy and comfortable trip
Easily accessible with low involvement and gentle pace
Sperm whales are the largest of the toothed whales, feeding on large squid species, which they hunt at depths below 4000 metres, making them the deepest diving whales in the ocean.
The aim of the research is to complete studies on these mysterious creatures as they migrate north via the Azores, study their behaviour, breeding season and collect data that will help support the conservation and protection of the species and their environment.
Study the charismatic bottlenose dolphin
The greatest characteristic of the bottlenose, beside its charisma, is its intelligence. Research on bottlenose dolphins has examined mimicry, use of artificial language, object categorisation and self-recognition.
Assist with the whale and dolphin survey
Led by Dr Lisa Steiner, the data collected by your research will help provide the necessary information to address future conservation issues.
In addition to photographing whales and dolphins, researchers also record the time of day of each sighting, the size of the group, the presence of any calves, the exact position and direction of travel, the length of time spent on the surface, and any behavioural patterns manifested.
Other general environmental information such as water temperature, sea conditions, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, cloud cover, visibility, as well as the boat's position, speed and heading are also recorded.
The work of the project also involves the occasional catching and tagging of loggerhead turtles, who are susceptible to getting entangled with drift nets and long trailing lines.
You can help Lisa by taking photographs of sightings and submitting them for research purposes.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 6-10 daysfrom £1,595 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 6-10 daysfrom £1,275 pp
Faial Island is part of the central group of the Azores, and offers good walking trails. The views from the caldera – the extinct volcano that created the island – are spectacular. The capital, Horta, is a base for whale watching trips to see species which include sperm and fin whales, plus bottlenose and Risso's dolphins.
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Where: Central Islands
Ideal for viewing: bottlenose dolphin, pilot whale, Risso’s dolphin, sperm whale, sei whale
