Azores Whale Watching

Half day whale watching for up to 28 guests, led by a marine biologist in one of the world’s top areas for wild cetacean encounters.

• Starting point: Meeting point at a central Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island; final harbor details in your voucher. No road transfer included.
• Everything you get: Ride a Zodiac RIB with safety briefing, wildlife interpretation, waterproof suit, and life vest
• Species spotted: Up to 28 whale and dolphin species recorded in this area, with sightings like sperm whales which are seen year-round, alongside resident dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and seasonal migratory whales which can vary by season and sea conditions.
• Ethical considerations: Land based lookouts and skippers follow respectful approach rules, keeping boats at a safe, non intrusive distance from animals.
• Why choose this: Focused on learning as much as spotting, ideal if you want clear explanations on local marine life, geology, and Azores ecology.

Inclusions

• Half-day cruise in one of the world's top ten whale-watching areas
• Zodiac RIB boat (12 to 28-person capacity)
• Marine biologist or wildlife guide
• Professional skipper and crew
• Impermeable full suit and life vest
• All admissions, fees, and insurance

Exclusions

• Food
• Hotel transfers

What to bring

• Voucher: Bring your voucher in digital or printed form to present at check-in.
• Warm clothing: Bring warm clothing, since it can feel cooler and windier on the open Zodiac boat.
• Sun protection: Bring sunscreen and chapstick, as you will be exposed to sun and salt air during the cruise.
• Water: Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the half-day tour.
• Snacks: Bring light food if you wish to eat on board, since full meals are not included.
• Camera: Bring a camera and protect your equipment from water, especially if you love photography.
• Seasickness medication: Consider bringing motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness.
• Footwear: Wear non-slip, closed-toe shoes suitable for boarding and moving around the boat.

What’s not allowed

• Wildlife interaction: Do not attempt to touch or feed any wildlife at any time during the tour.
• Restricted participants: Pregnant women and people with weak backs or delicate health conditions are not allowed on this tour.
• Young children: Children below 4 years old are not allowed to join this experience.
• Unaccompanied minors: Minors must be accompanied by an adult and cannot join the tour alone.

Additional information

• Tour conditions: The tour is subject to weather and safety conditions and may be modified or canceled without prior notice.
• Minimum participants: Departures require a minimum number of participants and may be rescheduled if this is not met.
• Language: English is the official guiding language, but the multinational crew will try to assist in other languages when possible.
• Vessel type: The experience uses a Zodiac RIB boat that accommodates between 12 and 28 guests.
• Sighting guarantee: Sightings of whales or dolphins are not guaranteed, as wildlife encounters depend on natural conditions.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

• On a 3-hour guided tour, explore the breathtaking scenery of the Azores islands, the verdant landscapes, hot springs and the thriving marine life.
• Gain insight into the diverse species that inhabit the sparkling waters and learn what ethical principles to follow from your expert guides.
• Navigate through the oceans and witness the majestic blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales, and a variety of birds and turtles.

Inclusions

• Zodiac boat tour of Azores islands
• Multilingual guided tour (English & Portugal)
• Marine biologist guide
• Life jackets
• Raincoats (if needed)
• Free entry for children (up to 5 years old)

• Tip: In unlikely situations of no whale-sightings, you can visit another tour, free of charge.
• The tour is free for children below 5 years of age.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

A Zodiac whale watching tour from Lajes do Pico, guided by marine biologists and experienced skippers.

• Starting point: Depart from Aqua Açores Whale Watching Center at Lajes do Pico harbor.
• Everything you get: Marine biologist guides, experienced skippers, raincoat and pants if needed, life vest, and insurance.
• Species spotted: Look for over 25 cetacean species found in the Azores, including whales and dolphins, alongside seabirds, turtles, and other marine wildlife.
• Ethical considerations: Whales are approached slowly and carefully to support responsible observation and animal well-being.
• Why choose this: Includes a 100% money-back guarantee if no cetaceans are spotted during your tour.

Inclusions

• 3-hour whale watching boat tour from Lajes do Pico
• Zodiac boat tour (as per option selected)
• Marine biologist guide
• Experienced skipper
• Land-based lookout network (vigias) (as per option selected)
• Raincoat and pants (if necessary) (as per option selected)
• Life jacket
• Insurance

Exclusions

• Food or drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to bring

• Voucher format: Bring your voucher in digital or printed form for check-in.
• Clothing: Wear weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and a windbreaker for time at sea.
• Sun protection: Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.
• Dry storage: Carry a waterproof bag to protect your phone, camera, or valuables.
• Motion sickness: Take seasickness medication 30 minutes before departure if you are prone to motion sickness.

What’s not allowed

• Footwear: High-heeled shoes are not permitted on board.
• Pets: Pets are not allowed on this experience.
• Smoking: Smoking is not permitted during the tour.
• Children: Unaccompanied minors are not allowed.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks are not permitted on the vehicle.

Accessibility

• Age restriction: This experience is not suitable for children under 2 years.
• Health restrictions: This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests or people with back or heart problems.
• Medical restrictions: This tour is not suitable for guests who have had recent surgeries.

Additional information

• Languages: The live guide speaks Portuguese and English.
• Food policy: Light food is permitted on board.
• Weather policy: The tour may be canceled or rescheduled if sea or weather conditions are unsuitable.
• Sighting policy: A 100% money-back guarantee applies if no cetaceans are spotted.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Swim alongside wild Atlantic dolphins in a small group of just 8 participants under expert supervision.

• Everything you get: A guided dolphin swimming experience in the Atlantic, with instructors overseeing every stage from briefing to water entry.
• Your experience: Head out by boat in search of dolphins before entering the water in carefully supervised sessions if conditions allow.
• Swim & fitness level: Suitable for confident swimmers only. Not recommended for pregnant guests or anyone with back or heart conditions.
• Conditions & safety: Swimming depends on sea conditions, dolphin behavior, and instructor assessment. Wildlife interactions follow responsible observation practices.

Inclusions

• Swimming with dolphins experience
• Experts to guide

Exclusions

• Snorkeling gear
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Voucher format: Bring your voucher in digital or printed form for check-in.
• Swimwear and towel: Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel plus dry clothes for after the activity.
• Footwear: Wear practical shoes that can get wet.
• Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water.
• Dry storage: Carry a waterproof bag for your phone or camera.
• Sea layers: Bring a windbreaker, lycra shirt, or neoprene gloves if you get cold easily.

What's not allowed

• Wildlife interaction: Do not touch, feed, or deliberately disturb dolphins.

Accessibility

• Age restriction: This experience is not suitable for children under 6 years.
• Swimming ability: This experience is not suitable for non-swimmers.
• Health restrictions: This experience is not suitable for pregnant guests or people with back or heart problems.

Additional information

• Languages: The activity is conducted in Portuguese and English.
• Group size: This experience is limited to 8 participants.
• Weather policy: The activity may be modified or canceled depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Wildlife sightings: Swimming opportunities depend on dolphin behavior and environmental conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.