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 popular tour leader Terry Goble 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
Day1: 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.
Days2-7: 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.
Day8: 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.
Key info
Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 daysfrom £2,795 pp
Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 daysfrom £2,495 pp
A member of the Wildlife Worldwide team, Helen is a qualified South African safari guide who following a trip to Baja California, discovered a passion for cetaceans.
Extending her marine mammal knowledge accordingly, she has also turned her attention to improving her ornithological knowledge throughout the different destinations she leads to, including South America and Europe. With her boundless energy, enthusiasm and eye for perfection, Helen will ensure you get the most from your time on her trips whilst sharing her passion for wildlife.
Terry has held a lifelong fascination for wildlife and as an ecologist is fascinated in how plants and animals exist and fit together, their behaviour and their impact on each other.
His self-taught knowledge of British wildlife has led him into voluntary survey work for the RSPB, Bat Conservation Trust, Vincent Trust and British Butterfly Conservation, as well as funding raising for many wildlife charities. Alongside this, he organised day trips and weekends away for birdwatchers from local ornithological societies in the south east of the UK. Eventually his interest led him to return to university and study a host of courses including British Cetaceans, Biological Field Studies and finally a degree in Environment and Conservation.
Alexa is an ecologist and cetacean researcher with a passion for conservation. She is a keen wildlife photographer and combines research with a love of guiding and sharing knowledge of the marine environment.
Alexa began studying cetaceans in the Hebrides 25 years ago and has since worked as a researcher, guide, campaigner and consultant on marine mammal research projects worldwide. Her research projects have included visual, acoustic and aerial surveys in the North and Baltic Seas, Iceland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Belize and a research voyage across the Atlantic.
She lives on the Isle of Mull in the former lighthouse keepers’ cottages, which she spent three years renovating. She returns to the west coast of Iceland each winter, but for the rest of the year, she enjoys Mull’s wildlife and has spent recent years exploring the Inner and Outer Hebrides by boat.
In the midst of the Atlantic Ocean, São Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and is the gateway into this beautiful archipelago. This island in particular is renowned for volcanic peaks cloaked in verdant forests, shimmering lakes, rugged coastline and incredible whale watching.
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Where: Azores archipelago
Ideal for viewing: Risso’s dolphin, sperm whale, blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, Azores bullfinch
Situated on the beautiful and rugged coastline of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago, the Caloura Hotel Resort has stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and its own direct access to a black sand beach. The comfortable en suite also have excellent views as they all face out towards the sea.
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