Join us in the Azores as we head out on daily boat trips to enjoy the astounding diversity of the whales and dolphins that frequent these waters of the Atlantic during the spring.
From our hotel looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, we head out on daily whale watching excursions from the local marina onboard a specialised Zodiac boat guided by a marine biologist and accompanied by either Wildlife Worldwide team member Helen Bryon or tour leader Alexa Kershaw as we go in search of rewarding sightings and memorable encounters with the cetaceans that reside in these waters.
During the spring months when our departures are timed, an incredible 28 species of cetaceans can be encountered from these enchanting islands including some of the largest baleen species in the world - blue, fin and sei whales - who are migrating through the archipelago towards their summer feeding waters in the North Atlantic. Some of the other species we may observe are sperm whale, bottlenose, Risso’s and common dolphin which are resident in the Azores all year round.
We will also find time to explore the interior of São Miguel, which is renowned for its stunning scenery, forested peaks, rugged coastline, shimmering lakes and volcanic landscape as well as some unique wildlife, such as the Azores noctule which is the world’s only diurnal insectivorous bat and the archipelago’s only endemic mammal.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Depart UK & fly to the Azores
Today, we depart the UK on flights to the Azores via Lisbon heading specifically to the island of São Miguel which is the largest island in the archipelago. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our accommodation looking over the Atlantic Ocean and the rest of the day is free to spend as we wish before dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: Caloura Resort, 7-nights
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Days 2-7
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Whale watching boat trips & explore São Miguel
Whale watching in the Azores is arguably one of the finest wildlife experiences in Europe and for the next few days we'll be able to enjoy morning boat trips in search of the cetacean species that frequent these waters.
We will be transferred from our hotel to the local marina each morning, around a 15-minute drive away, where we board our specialised Zodiac vessel. The journey starts with a short informative briefing for onboard safety and introducing some of cetacean species that we may encounter, their natural habitat, communication, migration and behaviours as well as some of the bird, fish and even turtle species we might observe too.
With our life jackets fitted, we board the vessel and head out to sea with our marine biologist guide in search of whales and dolphins. The boat operators have a lookout on land scanning the waters for whales and dolphins. When they spot something, they will contact our vessel by VHF radio to provide us with directions and we set off to watch these magnificent marine mammals where we hope to see blue and fin whales.
There are smaller cetacean species that can be encountered during the spring with spotted and striped dolphins both frequently sighted at this time of year. Other marine wildlife can be observed all year round in the Azores with four cetacean species being resident - sperm whales, bottlenose, Risso's and common dolphin.
After three hours at sea we return to land where we then head off to explore more of what the island of São Miguel has to offer whilst also stopping for lunch at local restaurant where we can enjoy some of the island's and Azores' cuisine if we wish.
During the afternoons of our week-long stay here in the Azores, we will get to visit some of the iconic locations on São Miguel such as the active volcano at Lagoa do Fogo, Sete Cidades, Furnas and the lighthouse at Ponta Garça as well as some of the other wildlife that can be seen here.
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Day 8:
Departure
Today is free until it's time to transfer back to the airport to check in for our return flight or continue with any other onward travel arrangements.
Please note: We fly 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 our time in the Azores.
