Azores Whale Watching Holiday Faial – 7 nights

The Azores Archipelago is one of the premier whale and dolphin watching sites in the world, and the subject of films by the BBC and National Geographic.

Our whale watching holiday on Faial is based in the cosmopolitan town of Horta in a comfortable hotel opposite our whale watching office. We include four half days whale watching, allowing you a further four full days to explore the beautiful islands of Faial and Pico. Sights to see include Capelinhos, a village that was buried in the 1957/8 eruption that is now re-appearing out of the ash and Faial's volcanic crater which offers great views of the surrounding area.

Don't forget, if you would like more or less trips to see the whales, just let us know.

Book or tailor this holiday

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Itinerary

All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.

> Day 1	Fly London to Faial via Lisbon. Private transfer to your accommodation Overnight Horta
> Day 2	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Horta
> Day 3	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Horta
> Day 4	Free day Overnight Horta
> Day 5	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Horta
> Day 6	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Horta
> Day 7	Free day Overnight Horta
> Day 8	Fly Faial to London via Lisbon

Please note : To maximise the safety of visitors, our boats do not go out in adverse conditions, so days and times of outings will naturally be dependent on prevailing weather conditions.

Dates & Prices

All prices are per person (£) based on twin sharing but we can also quote for single supplements. Prices are inclusive of flights from London based on standard economy fares/seats which are subject to limited availability. Prices may increase based on availability when booking.

Accommodation

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Hotel do Canal

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845

919

845

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Daily flights via Lisbon

Price includes:
Accommdation on B&B sharing basis, airport transfers, 4 x 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trips, flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet
Price excludes:
Meals (other than breakfast), excursions on free days, travel insurance

Useful Information

What to take:
Waterproof, plastic bag for your camera, sun block etc, polarising filter(suggested) Minimum age:
4 years
Duration: 7 nights Accommodation Hotel do Canal (Horta)
Operates:
April to October
Boat type:
Rigid Hull Inflatable (12 seater) / Fibreglass boat (8 seater to 24 seater)

Species

Commonly seen Whales:
Sperm and Pilot Whales
Commonly seen Dolphins:
Bottlenose, Common, Spotted, Risso’s and Striped Dolphins
Occasionally seen Whales:
Blue, Fin, Sei, Minke, Beaked (Cuvier’s, Sowerby’s, True’s and Bottlenose), humpback, pygmy sperm, Orca and false killer whales
Occasionally seen Dolphins:
Rough Toothed Dolphin

Whale Watching Regulations

The main regulations for whalewatching in the Azores are:

Cetaceans should not be chased
Boats should not exceed the animal’s speed by more than 2 knots and should keep at a constant speed
Boats must move in parallel behind each other and at 60 degrees to the rear of the cetaceans
Boats should avoid sudden changes of direction when approaching an animal
Boats should maintain a parallel course slightly to the rear of the animals, maintaining an open field of 180 degrees in front of the animals
Avoid making any noises which may disturb or attract the animals
Boats should not approach any cetacean closer than 50m
Boats should not drive through a group of animals separating them, especially isolating the calves from the adults
No more than 3 boats may approach dolphins closer than 300m at one time and whales closer than 500m
Observation should not exceed 30 minutes equally divided between all vessels
Sailing boats may only approach under engine power
The use of sonar is not allowed, even outside the observation area
Do not feed the whales or dolphins
Do not throw litter or other waste in the water

Swimming with the whales is not allowed