Whale watching & Azorean Whalers Heritage
📍 São Miguel Island, Azores
4.8 ( 2,901 reviews)
See them in the wild
From
DurationFull-day
FitnessEasy
CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time
🔒Secure payment
⏰<2h response
Overview
wildlife highlights
Dolphin
Sperm Whale
Fin Whale
Blue Whale
Why you'll love it
🔹 A conservation success
Commercial whaling in the 20th century killed around 2.9 million whales, with some populations, such as humpback whales, lost 90% of their global population. In 1986, commercial whaling was banned, and species were able to recover (although three countries continue to hunt whales - Japan, Norway and Iceland).
🔹 Support local communities
Whale watching is a major source of income for some communities, especially those around no-take Marine Protected Areas, where fishing and other commercial activities are banned. There are strict guidelines for responsible whale watching, which largely involve speed limits, never chasing the pod, never separating mother and calf, and not getting too close.
🔹 See them in their natural habitat
Seeing them in the vast ocean is an experience one’ll never forget. We believe responsible whale watching is a great way to educate the public about these majestic giants and to support their conservation.
What you will be doing
Briefing
The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour
11:30 - Lunch
Return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.
13:30 - Meet back at the Marina
We'll have a short presentation introducing to Azorean Whaling tradition, starting at the authentic 1945 azorean whaleboat 'Senhora de Fátima', the only fully operational and sea-worthy reminder of the era in São Miguel
14:00 - Van tour to Vigia da Furada
At 14:00, we'll take a van tour to the whale lookout 'Vigia da Furada', and learn the ancient 1830 whale spotting techniques which helped evolve Azorean Whale Watching to one of the world’s best. Experience how searching for whales has always been yourself using specialised long-range binoculars in the lookout role!
16:00 - Ponta Garça’s 1957 Lighthouse
Join a lighthouse keeper guided tour with interesting facts about the building, its importance for maritime activities and seamen, and to appreciate the beautiful island and ocean views
17:15 - Return
Time to head back to the Marina for check-out
Things to know
AccessibilityChildren friendly
Fitness levelEasy
Tour languageEnglish
Licence requiredNone
- Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended - protect any personal equipment
- Minimum age is 4
- NOT FOR anyone with weak back or in delicate health condition.
Inclusions and Exclusions
✅ Included
- Lunch
- Tour transport
- Marine biologist
❌ Not included
- Water
- Pick up and drop off transport
Where we'll meet
Meet up/Pick up location: São Miguel - Azores Islands, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
Instruction: Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.