São Miguel Whale and Dolphin Watching Experience
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.
Join us on this exciting new whale and dolphin watching experience on the island of São Miguel. This trip is designed to offer a more educational experience for those who want to learn more about these amazing mammals. Based in Vila Franca, the historical capital of São Miguel, with its small harbour and cobbled streets, you will stay at the wonderful Convento São Francisco just 10 minutes walk from the seafront. We have included 4 x 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trips as well as a history of the whales tour and an afternoon with a marine biologist who will tell you about their current research on Azorean cetaceans.
Don’t forget, if you would like more or less trips to see the whales, just let us know.
itinerary
All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.| > Day 1 | Fly Manchester/Gatwick to São Miguel, transfer to your accommodation. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 2 | Briefing and introduction to whale and dolphin watching. Afternoon - half day whale watching. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 3 | Morning - Half day whale and dolphin watching. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 4 | Full day history of the whales tour of São Miguel, visiting the vigias (lookouts) and other places on the island which have a unique connection with whales (includes lunch). Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 5 | Morning - half day whale and dolphin watching. Afternoon – some time will be spent with a marine biologist looking at their current research. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 6 | Free day. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 7 | Morning whale and dolphin watching. Stay at Convento São Francisco. |
| > Day 8 | Fly São Miguel to Manchester / Gatwick. |
| 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 based on direct flights from Manchester or Gatwick to São Miguel. based on standard economy fares/seats, which are subject to limited availability. Prices may increase based on availability when booking. |
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| 2011 Prices with direct flights | ||||||||||||
Accommodation |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Convento São Francisco |
1046 |
1046 |
1046 |
1091 |
1091 |
1046 |
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| Flights also available via Lisbon | ||||||||||||
Price includes:
Accommodation at the Convento São Francisco on a B&B sharing basis, airport transfers, 4 half day whale and dolphin watching trips, history of the whales tour (lunch included), afternoon with marine biologist, pre-departure booklet, flights and airport taxes.
Price excludes:
Meals (other than breakfast), excursions on free days and 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:
Convento São Francisco (Vila Franca)
Operates:
Direct flights - Saturdays (Manchester/Gatwick) April to October
Also, daily scheduled services via Lisbon
Boat type:
Rigid Hull Inflatable (12 seater) / Fibreglass boat (30 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
