Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching Holiday Pico – 7 nights

Itinerary

All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.

> Day 1	Fly London to Faial via Lisbon.  Ferry from Faial to Pico (30 mins).  Private transfer to your accommodation Overnight Lajes
> Day 2	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Lajes
> Day 3	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Lajes
> Day 4	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Lajes
> Day 5	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Lajes
> Day 6	3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Lajes
> Day 7	Free day Overnight Lajes
> Day 8	Private transfer to ferry terminal.  Ferry from Pico to Faial.  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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Dec

Whalecome Lodge

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Daily flights via Lisbon

Price includes:
Accommdation on B&B sharing basis, airport and ferry transfers, 5 x 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trips, flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet.
Price excludes:
Meals (other than breakfast), Faial/Pico ferry cost (£4pp), 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 Residencial Whalecome ao Pico (Lajes)
Operates:
April to October Boat type Rigid Hull Inflatable (8 to 12 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