If youre in the azores and want to see whales and dolphins, then you have different options. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from april through october, when over 20 kinds of whale flock to the north atlantic. Many of our clients choose to visit the islands out of high season, either to see the migrating whales in the spring, or in september and october when prices drop but sightings are still great. See more ideas about whale watching, azores and whale. Whale watching in the azores espaco talassa pico island. Kayaking and sup this is definitely the best way to enjoy the magical nature of the azores. Peak season is from april through to october whilst in the spring, the larger migratory species are passing through. Whale watching holidays the azores the azores holidays. It is possible to spot them during a coastal dive, but you are more likely to swim with one further off the coast. Fin whales, humpback whales, sperm whales and dolphins are just some of the wonderful cetaceans that youll be watching out for on this magical wildlife holiday in the unspoilt islands of the azores set off with your expert host for three halfday whale watching trips in the waters of three of the islands that make up this. Lying in the middle of the atlantic ocean, more than km west of portugal, the azores comprise an archipelago of nine islands. The best time to visit the azores is quite simply whenever you get the chance.
Daytime temperatures normally fluctuate between 16 c 61 f and 25 c 77 f depending on season. Among the resident and migratory species, some common, some rarer, you can see more than 24 different types of cetaceans in. Yachtbased whale and dolphin research holidays to the azores archipelago. Temperatures are rarely lower than 14c, and they dont tend to get much higher than 25c, which makes it perfectly pleasant all year round. Together, they decided to combine a touristic operation with research, involving guests and volunteers in a philosophy of sustainable, research supportive. During our whale watching trips, guests on board often ask us. Before the ban on whale hunting, these look outs were used to hunt the whales. Late july and august are peak season in the azores, so prices rise and tourist numbers increase, but great encounters can be had throughout the summer. Plan your trip and enjoy these walking tours through nature. Whale and dolphin watching holidays in azores vacations in. Depending on the time of year, different whales can be spotted in the azores. Before leaving for the sea, a brief explanation is given by a marine biologist on how species can be spotted, safety measures and codes of conduct for cetacean observation. During 9 night tours we average 67 species 46 on the short break tours of whale and dolphin, including sperm whales and several species of dolphin.
The atlantic ocean, the archipelago of the azores, is on a migration route for many species of cetaceans, making it one of the best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching activity. Enjoy your whale and dolphin watching holidays in the azores, portugal. The azores are currently one of the worlds largest whale sanctuaries. By 1998 eight tour operators were running tours from the village of only 400 permanent inhabitants, with some running two boats, each making up to two trips per. Diving with whale sharks santa maria island diving with whale sharks santa maria island diving with the worlds largest fish in clear waters is undoubtedly one of the best diving experiences of the azores. Whale watching in the azores islands is unquestionably one of the most exciting and unforgettable adventures. Surrounded by several large tunas and countless other species of fish, these giants of the. The azores, in the middle of the atlantic ocean, is an archipelago of nine islands showing nature in its purest state, and one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Join an exciting marine wildlife tour with biologists and naturalist guides, to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and the season. Swimming with dolphins imagine yourself immersed in the deep blue sea with the dolphins kayaking and sup this is definitely the best way to enjoy the magical nature of the azores. The whalewatching season in the azores lasts from april to october, though sperm whales can typically be spotted all year round. It isnt often that you find somewhere so close to home if your home is in europe that blows you away with the quality of diving.
You can spot whales on the azores from the biggest islands. More than 30% of all the worlds types of whales and dolphins pass the azores on their annual travels between arctic and tropical waters. Dive with whale sharks in azores snorkeling holidays top. Peak season is from april through to october whilst in the spring, the larger migratory species are passing thr. Discover the hiking trails of azores, a network of paths, ideal for your walking holidays in portugal, europe. Among the resident and migratory species, some common, some rarer, you can see more than 24 different types of cetaceans in the waters of the azores. They represent the emerging peaks of a huge submarine mountain chain known as the midatlantic ridge that divides the entire length of the ocean from north to south. I saw a humpback whale, two sperm whales of which one showed the tail when it dived under the water and three fin whales.
The azores are europes leading whale watching destination, home to sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales, and bottlenose, common and northatlantic spotted dolphins. Whales and whaling play an important part in the history and culture of the azores. Accommodations type all types youth hostels local lodging camping parks hotels rural tourism island all islands santa maria sao miguel terceira graciosa sao jorge pico faial flores corvo. Before the whale watching trip a briefing is given to go over the characteristics of the species to be observed as well as safety measures, procedures of protection of species and some historical facts. Spotted dolphins are more common during the summer, while blue whales can be easily spotted at the end of the winter. Most tours start at the islands of san miguel, faial and pico, and are usually done by high speedzodiacs for up to 12 persons. Go on this whale trip and spot the majestic mammals and playful dolphins in the wild. Whalewatching in the azores which whales to see and when.
Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. In fact, you can see whales in the azores year round, but the best time to spot them is probably around spring and summer april, may, june and july. How to go whale watching in the azores wapiti travel. The main season runs from april all the way through the summer to october and during these months different species pass by the azores on their migratory paths april and may are usually a good time to go for a chance to see the larger whales such as blue, fin and sei whales, whilst october can be a good time to spot humpbacks. Due to the marine influence, temperatures remain mild yearround.
Azores best tips for whale watching on azores whaletrips. Although it is possible to spot whale sharks on several islands of the azores, santa maria is the island most visited by this colossus of the sea. Includes information about the area and the cetaceans living there, research project details, environmental policy, newsletter, and photos. The azores island group is located in the central atlantic, 900 miles 1,450 kilometers off the portuguese mainland. Along with the wishes in the picture, we also wish you a 2020 full of whale and dolphin sightings, including some rare ones, such as the northern right whale eubalaena glacialis we only saw once in our history in 2009. Based in pico, espaco talassa is the first sustainable whale watching tourism base dedicated to the observation and research of cetaceans in the azores. Azores whale watching and dolphins is known to be among the best in the world. Azores whale watching join responsible marine wildlife eco expeditions to go whale watching and swim with dolphins in the azores islands portugal.
Marinas all along the algarve coastline offer whale and dolphin watching trips, however, its the waters around portugals islands where the countrys best whale watching awaits. I went on boat trip with fiturismo azores adventure to see whales and dolphins we didnt see any whales but we saw lots of dolphins it was exciting to see the dolphins coming out of the see in. Welcome to the azores whale watching joana and tiago, both marine biologists and with a natural passion and respect for marine wildlife, have been working at sea with cetaceans since 2000. Azores whale watching terra azul vila franca do campo. Actually, there are whales around each and every island, but not all of the islands offer whale watching trips. Whale watching and swimming with dolphins in azores. Join an exciting marine wildlife tour with biologists and naturalist guides, to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and the season s marine biodiversity of the azores islands. Miguel island, azores whale watching activity provides the opportunity to watch up to twenty cetacean species that can be found in the ocean waters of the azores islands. There are 80 species of whales in the world and 24 can be found in.
No two tours have the same itinerary since we go where the whales and dolphins are. Dolphins, whales and the azores dolphin and whale connection. Lying about a third of way across the atlantic between portugal and north america, its the permanent or temporary home of more than a quarter of all known cetacean species mark carwardine, whale watching specialist. Dolphin and whale connection whale watching swimming with dolphins ethical dolphin and whale watching holidays. This whale watching activity provides you the opportunity to watch up to twenty cetacean species that can be found in the atlantic ocean. Swimming with the wild dolpins of the azores archipelago is a life changing experience. Includes information about the area and the cetaceans living there, research project details, environmental policy, newsletter, and. There are 80 species of whales in the world and 21 can be found in. Whalewatching tours are available from the larger islands such as sao miguel, terceira, sao jorge, pico and faial, making it a popular activity for visitors to these. Dolphin and whale connection whale watching swimming with. Joana and tiago, both marine biologists and with a natural passion and respect for marine wildlife, have been working at sea with cetaceans since 2000. Although whale season is almost over in october we went out on the. From the biggest and in my opinion, also the most beautiful island.
Whens the best time to go whale watching in the azores. Vacation whale watching activities in portugal expedia. Their geographic location in the atlantic between europe and the americas puts the azores in the unique position to enjoy a perfect balance of seclusion and visitation from transatlantic explorers. Futurismo azores whale watching loja 26 portas do mar, 9500771 ponta delgada mit 4. Get the ultimate whale watching experience during the peak season from april through october. Dolphin and whale connection whale watching swimming. Seeing a whale in the wild is an unforgettable experience. The islands of sao miguel, and pico are two of the best places for dolphin and whale watching, so we did our research and chose futurismo, one of the first companies responsible for transitioning from whale hunting, to whale watching in the azores.
Description of whale watching in the azores with so many species of whales and dolphins surrounding this archipelago, this is one of the best places in the world to witness these marine mammals up close, with sightings on 99 percent of whale watching trips to sea. If you like big fish and clear blue seas, diving in the azores is a real winner. Set in the middle of the atlantic ocean, sperm whales, whales and dolphins are found in great abundance in these waters, which are also rich in fish. The azores are located about 850 miles 1,360 km off the coast of portugal. With 30 years of experience, futurismo is a pioneer and leader in whale and dolphin watching. Tours operate from march to october and are of either 5, 7 or 9 nights duration. So there you go, that pretty much sums up what happens during a typical whale and dolphin watching. Watch for minke whales, dolphins and humpbacks on a whale watching cruise from reykjavik, and take in views of the coast from an open viewing platform or an enclosed cabin. Air temperatures range from 1726c during the season with mainly sunshine but occasional rainy days should be expected throughout the summer. Mobydicktours is a company that allows you to enjoy our beautiful sea landscape of the azores and enjoy the best that we have to offer.
The best time for whale watching is the summer from april to october, though. Serge left in front of his whale watching base on pico. It is an impressive figure and it corresponds to a third of the total number of existing species. Weitere informationen buchung visit our new website whale watching azores. Whale watching futurismo azores adventures, ponta delgada. There are four animals that swim in these waters all year long. I loved everything about my vacation to the azores but the whale watching is why i wanted to go there, it did not disappoint. Before the whale watching trip a briefing is given to go over the characteristics of the species to be observed as well as safety measures aboard, procedures of. Best time to visit the azores responsible vacation. There are 80 species of whales and dolphins on the planet and 2425 of them have been sighted off the coast of the azores depending on the source of information. Dive with whale sharks in azores snorkeling holidays.
The commondolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the risos dolphin and the sperm whale. There are numerous organizations that offer azores whale watching tours. The azores is one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins. Oct 16, 2017 whale watching in azores islands portugal. The most sighted are the sperm whale, sei whale, fin whale, pilot whale, mink whale, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, atlantic spotted dolphin, striped dolphin, and rissos dolphin. An important thing to remember about the area is that in the azores the whalewatching season mayoctober is dictated by the weather and not by the migrations of the whales and dolphins, which are seen year round. Join us on one of our exciting whale watching holidays. That said, sea conditions can get rougher during the winter season so the best time to visit the azores for boat trips is.
In addition to resident species, such as common dolphins and common bottlenose dolphins, with which you can swim, there are also the whales that pass through the azores in their migration routes. The climate of the azores is very mild for such a northerly location, being influenced by its distance from the continents and by the passing gulf stream. With a donation or an adoption of a whale you can help to make the world a place where whales and dolphins are free and safe. Swimming with dolphins imagine yourself immersed in the deep blue sea with the dolphins. This is an an ecosystem with unique characteristics. Whaletrips azores best tips for whale watching on azores.
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