Azores Swimming with Dolphins
Swim with the wild dolphins of the Atlantic This is a true wild dolphin experience and undoubtedly the highlight of many of our client’s holidays. With 25% of the world’s known cetacean species and the largest variety of dolphin species worldwide, this has to be the ultimate swimming with dolphins destination. There are 8 species around the Azores with but you’re most likely to see Common, Atlantic Spotted, Risso’s and Bottlenose dolphins and the pods are usually large of between 50 and 200 individuals. Super pods of up to 1000 have been sighted though!
Some species are more curious and exuberant than others leaping out of the sea and swimming close to clients beneath the water. A glance from a dolphin is an unusual, memorable even spiritual experience. They are intelligent, highly organised and present no danger to humans and the symphony of communication sounds you’ll hear beneath the water is extraordinary.
Itinerary
You will be venturing out with one of our operators, all of whom adhere to the stringent rules governing swimming with dolphins in the Azores designed to have minimal impact on the dolphin’s daily routines. A typical trip will involve a briefing where you will learn about the different species you may see. You then head out into the ocean in RIBs (semi rigid inflatable) until the dolphins are sighted, then don your snorkels, fins and masks and enter the water. Each boat is limited to 6 swimmers; and at any one time only 2 people are allowed in the water.
All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.
| > Day 1 | Fly Manchester/Gatwick to Sao Miguel, accommodation at Hotel do Colegio. |
| > Day 2 | Morning and afternoon swimming with dolphins (includes: briefing, snorkelling practice followed by your first swim with dolphins). |
| > Day 3 | Half day swimming with dolphins, |
| > Day 4 | Half day swimming with dolphins, |
| > Day 5 | Free Day |
| > Day 6 | Free Day |
| > Day 7 | Free day. |
| > Day 8 | Fly Sao Miguel to Manchester/Gatwick |
| Options If you prefer not to have a week of swimming with dolphins we offer half day trips on Sao Miguel and Faial for £65pp |
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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. |
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2011 Prices with direct flights |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
947 |
977 |
1102 |
1102 |
1102 |
1062 |
947 |
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| Accommodation:Hotel do Colegio Flights also available via Lisbon |
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Price includes:
Accommodation at the Hotel do Colegio on a B&B sharing basis, airport transfers, 2 x half day and 1 x full day swimming with dolphins trips (including: adult wetsuits, buoyancy aids, snorkel and masks), flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet. We recommend you bring children’s wetsuits if necessary.
Excluded: meals (other than breakfast), optional excursions and travel insurance.
Useful Information
What to take :It can sometimes get fairly wet on board the boats so we recommend you take a waterproof along and a plastic bag to put your camera in, as well as all the usual sun stuff. You will also need to have your swimming costumes on under your clothes and should take a towel and warm top. Snorkel, mask and adult wet suits are provided. Please bring children’s wetsuits if necessary.
Minimum age : 8 years
Accommodation : Hotel do Colegio
Operates : April to September
Boat type : Boat type : RIB- Semi ridged inflatable
