Whale and Dolphin watching
Cetaceans you can see in Azores
In recent years over 25 cetacean species have been identified in the Azores. That is almost 35% of all the world’s known species! The Azores are regarded by some as being in the top three destinations worldwide for whale and dolphin watching browse our species guide for further information on what you are likely to see on your voyage with us.
How it all started
Whale watching started to flourish by boat and land in 1989 two years after the end of the traditional whaling in the islands. The ‘vigias’ (shore based whale watching towers) originally used by whalers to find whales are now restored and used by the whale watching companies to spot whales and dolphins. They usually allow clear sightings, weather permitting for up to 30km. ‘Vigia da Queimada’ is not far from our base and clients are invited to pay a visit.
A variety of species
There are an astonishing wide variety of cetaceans due to the islands’ central Atlantic position on the mid-Atlantic Ridge and sheer drop-off close to shore.
- Cetaceans are attracted to the islands mainly due to the good abundance of food.
- Sperm, blue, fin and sei whales, minke; northern bottlenose and other beaked whales including Cuvier’s; bottlenose, spotted, common, Risso’s and striped dolphins
- False killer, pilot whales and orcas can be found hunting the volcanic canyons around the Azores.
Our voyages
The season lasts from mid-April to mid-October however please remember that successful sightings are dictated by the weather and not the migrations of the whales and dolphins which are seen all year round.
We average 4-5 species per voyage, although during the summer we see more averaging 7-8 species per voyage.
It is highly unlikely that you will not see any whales or dolphins at any time during the season however please bear in mind that we have no control over nature and the weather! There are lots of other marine wildlife to see including the seabirds, Cory’s Shearwater and Roseate tern. There are regular sightings of loggerhead turtles, sharks, swordfish, marlin, and tuna.
Whale and dolphin watching
Whether it’s their amazing size, gentle charisma, intelligence or close bonds to people an encounter with a whale or dolphin is an experience that you will never forget.
Being in the presence of these magnificent and enigmatic creatures is simply amazing.
The union between people and nature is truly special. We encourage and invite you to take the opportunity for such an adventure with us.
Responsible whale watching offers the possibility of observing these magnificent mammals in nature at close range and on their terms. We strive to ensure that our voyages are based primarily on the welfare of the animals. Read our code of ethics.