WHALE WATCHING

Place: The Azores

Dates: Trips run weekly from sunday to sunday from May till September

 Cost from £560  + flights from £260

( low, medium and high season rates )

This is a very exciting opportunity to visit the Azores where it is very common to sight sperm whales and a variety of other cetaceans. There is a good chance to see the Blue Whale, the biggest mammal on earth! as well as fin and sei whales. Several other whale species and 5 different species of dolphin live in these waters during the summer months too.

Our trips are arranged from The base for observation cetacean’s in the Azores. This holiday adventure is with one of the most established whale and dolphin companies on the islands with a high standard of professionalism and expertise on the water. You will be hosted by the local team including the resident marine biologist and be part of a group on the boats

In the early summer months there is a good chance to see the " Baleen" Whales ( largest whales )on their migration routtes to their feeding grounds of the northern Atlantic 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, orca and of course Sperm Whales ( many of whom are resident species here )and 5 species of dolphin, Sea Birds, and Marine life, such as Turtles and Manta Ray

"Spyhopping" sperm whale

next to boat

 

 

 

Northern Bottlenose whale breaching summer 2009

We can provide a data list of May and June observations by our whale watch company 2003 - 2009 for full records of sightings.

The Azores is unique and offers some of the best sightings as we are assisted by the "vigia", local land based lookouts. We can meet the animals as they pass the island as the lookouts will direct the boats to a sighting that can be 20 km away!. The Azores is renowned for the abundance and diversity of marine life there to discover!! It is extremely rare to not see dolphins and whales on your trips to sea.

 

 

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.The boats are very sturdy and can move easily even if the sea is choppy. 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.

Costs - Whale watching

Whale Watching trips run from sunday to sunday ( May - Oct )

Costs -   7 nights duration

High Season -  Late July and August    -  £760

Medium season - May, June, early July and sept   -  £620

Low season - April and October   -    £580

FLIGHTS cost £260- £350 from London and also from most european cities

Tour and program of activities

• Transfer from airport to the hotel
• Accommodation and breakfast in hotel **  Family prices and single supplements available. Also upgrade to a beautiful hotel set in charming gardens with a top class restaurant- featured on our accommodation section on this site.
• Full services of local guide who attends to all arangements and any additional requests.
• Orientation, Marine biologist talk about the marine mammals of the Azores, audio-visual presentation and information about the migrations of dolphins and whales through the Azores. Introductory meeting
• Five expeditions (3 Hours) to sea with guide. If a trip is cancelled due to bad weather there will be substitute trips arranged.
• Cultural tour, Jeep tour about the geology of the Island(additional cost)
• local walks, local fauna, observation of the sea from land,
• Visit to the Sperm whale museum ( taxi transfer extra) with marine biologist) and the vigia (expert lookout for sighting the whales)
• Exploring the underground caves ( 3 hrs) or climbing the volcano These are Optional extra excursions with additional cost 

The guides are 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.

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.

For Costs and Booking info  - Also see  Booking Info page

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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 sea and volcano. Food will be available and an introductory briefing will be given on the evening of your arrival. All meals will cost between £5 and £8

Itinerary for Whale Watch Week

Day 1 Arrivals - Transfer from airport and on arraival welcome meeting with your guides.

Day 2 Briefing and marine biology talk by Whale Watch Company and our first trip to sea. Lunch can be taken at the “Whalecome” Orientation walk around Lajes.

DAy 3 Trip to sea - Lunch - Walk to the “Vigia” (Lookout) and cultural tour of Island. Evening presentation "Dolphins and whales of the Azores"

DAy 4 Trip to sea - Lunch - Visit to the Sperm Whale Museum, meet with resident Marine Biologist. Dinner at local fish restaurant

Day 5 Trip to sea - Lunch - Free time or visit to caves

Day 6 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) Alternatively a cultural tour to the unique vineyards with complimentary wine tasting and visit to a cultural museum.  Or Jeep tour

Evening meal followed by slide show presentation and discussion on conservation issues etc, to be at the “Whalecome” and B.O.C.A . We sometimes compile a complimentary DVD of guest photos and our archive photos of whales and dolphins of the Azores which is a great souvenir.

DAy 7 Departure day.  Trip to sea(extra) - if any guests can stay for the morning before departure. Transfer to Airport

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 last day is a backup in case any days are lost due to bad weather. All visits and walks are optional and are arranged in a flexible way.

 

 

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