WHALE WATCHING

Place: The Azores

Dates: Sat 23 May - Sat 30th May 2009  Cost £680  ( €945 )  

 ( Fully escorted tour may whitsun break)

Other dates for independent whale watching from April-October 2009

Cost: £530 ( €740)  Departures sunday to sunday

 

This is a very exciting opportunity to visit the Azores at a time when there is opportunity to sight big whales with a good chance to see the Blue Whale, the biggest mammal on earth!

B.O.C.A. The base for observation of cetacean’s in the Azores, will be the meeting and starting point for this holiday adventure.

May & June is the time that the Baleen Whales are migrating to their summer feeding grounds, passing close to the islands of the Azores.

It is possible to observe Sei, Fin and Blue Whales, at this time, as well as Short Finned Pilot Whales and of course Sperm Whales and Dolphins, Sea Birds, and Marine life, such as Turtles.

See data list of May and June observations by our whale watch company 2003 - 2007 for full records of sightings.

Assisted by the "vigia", local land based lookouts we can meet the animals as they pass the island. You will be amazed at the abundance and diversity of marine life to discover!!

We shall work with the team at the Whale Watch Base using their knowledge and skill to gain the best advantages to see the Whales. Their research base has a wealth of information and resources and it is possible to learn about the many research projects being conducted around the Azores.
The Base use Rigid Hull Inflatable boats to get us close to the action quickly.
Lookouts, "the Vigia" on the shore guide us from the local harbour out into the ocean on the south side of the Island. They direct the boats by radio contact.

The price includes

Independent Holidays

• Transfer from airport to the hotel.
• Accommodation and breakfast in hotel **
• Five expeditions (3 Hours) to sea, dependent on conditions.

 

Fully Escorted tour

• Transfer from airport to the hotel.
• Accommodation and breakfast in hotel **
• Full services of tour leader who attends to all arangements and any additional requests.
• Evening meal on arrival
• Six expeditions (3 Hours) to sea with guide. If a trip is cancelled due to bad weather there will be substitute trips arranged.
• Orientation, talk about the marine mammals of the Azores, audio-visual presentation and information about the migrations of dolphins and whales through the Azores.
• Cultural tour, local walks, looking for migratory and local birds species, local fauna, observation of the sea from land, guided visit to the Sperm whale museum ( with marine biologist)and the vigia ( expert lookout)
• Exploring the underground caves ( 3 hours )

The guide is there to make sure everything runs smoothly and to make extra arrangements that clients require such as climbing the volcano with an expert guide if requested. You will be given a complimentary CD of photos from your trip and our archive of top photos form the Azores.

Please remember these are wild animals of the open ocean. Sightings are not guaranteed, but in The Azores, you are in one of the most abundantly populated areas to see cetaceans.

Accommodation

Our accommodation will be at the “Whale come” lodge which is next to the base, close to sea and with great views of the volcano. A complimentary Buffet and introductory briefing will be given on the evening of your arrival. All other meals will cost between £5 and £8 and are a la carte or arranged as a group buffet

Your Guide

The week will be fully guided and supported by Malcolm Barradell who as been visiting and working in the Azores over the last 4 years. He has worked with Dolphin Connection as a guide and life guard, and worked a long season as second skipper for our whale watch company in 2004. Malcolm is studying Marine Biology at the University of Glamorgan where he is exploring cetacean research. He contributes his knowledge and a passion for the marine life of the Azores. He will guide the group in a personal and informative way making the experience as enjoyable, inspiring and memorable as possible.

Itinerary for Whale Watch Week ( fully escorted tour)

Saturday 23rd Arrivals - Complimentary evening meal and welcome meeting with your guide, Malcolm.

Sunday 24th Briefing by Whale Watch Company and our first trip to sea. Lunch at the “Whalecome” Orientation walk around Lajes.

Monday 25th Trip to sea - Lunch - Walk to the “Vigia” (Lookout) and cultural tour of Island. Evening presentation "Dolphins and whales of the Azores"

Tuesday 26th Trip to sea - Lunch - Visit to the Sperm Whale Museum, meet with resident Marine Biologist. Dinner at local fish restaurant

Wednesday 27th Trip to sea - Lunch - Free time

Thursday 28th Trip to sea - Lunch - Wildlife walk, part climb of volcano. Arrangements can be made for those who want to do the whole volcano climb ( additional activity)

Friday 29th Trip to sea - Lunch - Visit to Caves/Pico Mountain

Saturday 30th Trip to sea(extra) - Evening meal followed by slide show presentation and discussion on conservation issues etc, to be at the “Whalecome” and B.O.C.A . Presentation of a complimentary DVD compilation of guest photos and our archive photos of whales and dolphins of the Azores

Trips, Visits and Walks will be AM or PM according to the whale watch company’s schedule, but will as a rule be AM The trip to sea on the 2nd is a backup in case any days are lost due to bad weather. All visits and walks are optional.

 

 

 

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