Whale watching & Azorean Whalers Heritage

📍 São Miguel Island, Azores

4.8 ( 2,892 reviews)

See them in the wild

Whale watching & Azorean Whalers Heritage

From

DurationFull-day

FitnessEasy

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

⏰<4h response

Overview

Enjoy a 3-hour whale watching tour, a local food lunch by the sea, and learn about whales and dolphins, and how ancient Azorean whaling traditions transitioned to nowadays wildlife observation and research.

wildlife highlights

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.

You will be able to select payment currency and enter any promo and gift card code at checkout. Our typical response time to confirm the booking is within 4 hours. You will not be charged until the booking is confirmed.