Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching Holiday São Miguel – 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 São Miguel is based in Ponta Delgada where you have a choice of accommodation on B&B basis. As well as your four half days whale watching, there’s lots to see on São Miguel including a visit to the Sete Cidades crater, the volcanic basin of Furnas with its boiling pools and spa, and exploration of Ponta Delgada’s museums, shops, marina and historic churches.
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 London to Sao Miguel. Private transfer to your accommodation Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 2 | 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 3 | Ponta Delgada 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 4 | Free day Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 5 | Ponta Delgada 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 6 | Ponta Delgada 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trip Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 7 | Free day Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 8 | Fly Sao Miguel to London |
| 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 Sao 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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| 2010 Prices with direct flights | ||||||||||||
Accommodation |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Carvalho |
628 |
628 |
664 |
694 |
734 |
791 |
791 |
751 |
664 |
|||
Hotel do Colegio |
655 |
655 |
844 |
874 |
998 |
998 |
998 |
958 |
844 |
|||
| Flights also available via Lisbon | ||||||||||||
Price includes:
Accommodation 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 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:
Hotel do Colegio / Residencial Carvalho Araujo (Ponta Delgada)
Operates:
Direct flights - Saturdays (Manchester/Gatwick) February 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
