Whale and dolphin watching experience (São Miguel)
A more educational week designed for those who want to learn more about these amazing mammals and their importance to the Azores both now and in the past.
from £1097 per person
Full detail
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 an island tour, an afternoon with a marine biologist who will tell you about their current research on Azorean cetaceans and a talk about the history of whaling in the Azores.
Don’t forget, if you would like more or less trips to see the whales, just let us know.
Accommodation
-
Convento Sao Francisco
Stay amidst the cloisters of this stunning 16th century convent
Activities included
Itinerary
| Day1 | Fly London to São Miguel. Transfer to your accommodation (30 mins). Overnight in Vila Franca |
| Day 2 | Briefing and introduction to whale and dolphin watching. Afternoon - half day whale watching. Overnight in Vila Franca |
| Day 3 | Morning - Half day whale and dolphin watching. Overnight in Vila Franca |
| Day 4 | Full day island tour of São Miguel, visiting the vigias (lookouts) and other places on the island which have a unique connection with whales as well as other scenic highlights (includes lunch). Overnight Vila Franca |
| Day 5 | Morning - half day whale and dolphin watching. Afternoon – some time will be spent with the resident marine biologist looking at his/her current research and with a whaling history enthusiast talking about the Azores whaling history. Overnight Vila Franca |
| Day 6 | Free day. Overnight Vila Franca |
| Day 7 | Morning - Half day whale and dolphin watching. Overnight Vila Franca |
| Day 8 | Transfer to airport. Fly São Miguel to London |
Prices & Dates
| 2013 | ||||
| Month | Price | Notes | ||
| Jan | Does not operate | |||
| Feb | Does not operate | |||
| Mar | Does not operate | |||
| Apr | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| May | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| Jun | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| Jul | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| Aug | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| Sep | £1158 | Based on direct flight from Gatwick | ||
| Oct | Does not operate | |||
| Nov | Does not operate | |||
| Dec | Does not operate | |||
| Price info |
Prices are per person on B&B sharing basis and include airport transfers, 4 x 3 hour whale and dolphin watching trips and 1 x full day island tour (lunch included), afternoon with marine biologist and Azorean whaling history expert, flights and airport taxes (guide price only), pre-departure information booklet Prices do not include meals (other than breakfast and 1 lunch), 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:
Convento São Francisco (Vila Franca)
Operates:
Direct flights - Saturdays (Gatwick) April to October
Also, daily scheduled services via Lisbon
Boat type:
Rigid Hull Inflatable (RIB - 12 seater)
On RIBs you usually sit astride a seat which runs down the middle of the boat (your bottom on the seat and feet on the deck)
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
Comments
Most exciting holiday I’ve had – it was brilliant on the small boats – I never knew whales had such awful bad breath.
The whole crew were so friendly. All spoke english very well so we could always ask questions about anything and we learned so much. The whales were amazing - something different everyday. Nature at its best - just breathtaking. Thank you so much, we have memories that will stay with us always.
We have never been made to feel so welcome on holiday. The whale watching staff were superb and Arianna was a brilliant guide. We have never had such personal attention, nothing was too much trouble.
Excellent, well organised, good guides with lots of knowledge about the whales and dolphins and excellent language skills. A fabulous experience.
The boat trips were amazing and the staff were so helpful. We even went swimming with dolphins which was a fantastic experience. We are now completely in love with the Azores.
Tour of the island : We felt like VIPs - Antonio was very knowledgeable and interesting.
Whale and dolphin watching trips : These were excellent. Staff were knowledgeable, friendly - first class.
Whaling history and research sessions : Both talks gave a further insight into the whales and dolphins.
The whole holiday more than exceeded our expections!