Whale watching in the azores espaco talassa pico island. Along with the baleen whales, encounters with the sperm whale and many species of dolphins are plentiful. Look for humpback whales on our whale watching trips from sao tome and principe. The most sighted are the sperm whale, sei whale, fin whale, pilot whale, mink whale, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, atlantic spotted dolphin, striped dolphin, and rissos dolphin. The waters surrounding the nine volcanic islands are frequented by some 24 whale and dolphin species, representing more than a quarter of all cetaceans. Located about halfway between lisbon and new york, the azores are a volcanic group of islands that belong to portugal. That said, sea conditions can get rougher during the winter season so the best time to visit the azores for boat trips is. The azores changed from hunting whales, to whale watching and researching the cetaceans. Although whale season is almost over in october we went out on the.
February started as a spring month and not as winter, with warmer temperatures than normally. These include island tours, nature treks, birdwatching excursions and snorkelling trips. Whale watching in the azores islands is unquestionably one of the most exciting and unforgettable adventures. Marinas all along the algarve coastline offer whale and dolphin watching trips, however, its the waters around portugals islands where the countrys best whale watching awaits. Summer time is when whale sharks arrive to santa maria. Azores whale watching tours to the islands of pico and faial.
Most tours start at the islands of san miguel, faial and pico, and are usually done by high speedzodiacs for up to 12 persons. From midmay to end of june among the giants, the undiscussed stars are the sperm whales. The azores, in the middle of the atlantic ocean, is an archipelago of nine islands showing nature in its purest state, and one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Join us on one of our exciting whale watching holidays. The worlds 8 best destinations for whale watching and. Blue whale migration 2020 is a special whale watching and research program for. The azores are north of the canary islands and madeira, on roughly the same latitude as lisbon and washington dc. When is the best time to see whales and dolphins in the. Whale watching in the azores futurismo is one of the most experienced whale watching companies in the azores, offering yearround responsible whale and dolphin watching tours and swimming with dolphins tours.
Azores best tips for whale watching on azores whaletrips. Sperm whale the azores are known, in particular, because of its constant presence of sperm whales. The azores is one of the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins. The best time to visit the azores is quite simply whenever you get the chance. Sighting of the day dive into our site and find out about. The archipelago forms a meeting place for rich marine life. The azores are among the top 3 places in the world with regard to whale watching edited. For drone pilots, may to september is the best time to fly your drone, but keep in mind weather changes fast in any time of the year. This whale watching activity provides the opportunity to watch up to twenty cetacean species that can be found in the ocean waters of the azores islands. If youre in the azores and want to see whales and dolphins, then you have different options. Accommodations type all types youth hostels local lodging camping parks hotels rural tourism island all islands santa maria sao miguel terceira graciosa sao jorge pico faial flores corvo.
Dont forget to sample the local cuisine of the azores, fresh cheese from sao jorge island and wine and aguadente local azorean moonshine are a must. Whale watching activities are subject to strict regulation that includes a mandatory code of conduct and restricted number of licensed vessels. Whale watching in the azores orca whales jumping youtube. Among the resident and migratory species, some common, some rarer, you can see more than 24 different types of cetaceans in the waters of the azores. Whalewatching tours are available from the larger islands such as sao miguel, terceira, sao jorge, pico and faial, making it a popular activity for visitors to these. Volunteers wishing to see a wider variety of whale species may wish to visit the azores during the spring, as blue, fin, sei and humpback whales tend to be spotted in the area at this time of year. By 1998 eight tour operators were running tours from the village of only 400 permanent inhabitants, with some running two boats, each making up to two trips per. Swimming with the wild dolpins of the azores archipelago is a life changing experience.
In 1987 the international fund for animal welfare ifaw and the european community supported feasibility studies to investigate the potential for whale watching in the azores. It is an impressive figure and it corresponds to a third of the total number of existing species. Our tours of around 3 hours operate daily, depending on weather conditions. Freed from the pressure of the whalers, taking benefits of the clean waters and abundant food, the whales remain near the islands throughout the year, being easily sighted and making the archipelago one of the best observation points of sperm whales in the world. There are 80 species of whales in the world and 24 can be found in the waters around the azores. During this time we have many fin whales, blue whales and sei whales passing the azores on their annual migration.
The swim with dolphins season is already up and running at this time of the year. The baleen whale season from march to june sees one of the largest concentrations of ocean giants in one place at one time and is world renowned for whale watching and dolphin swimming. The azores, a remote portuguese archipelago in the north atlantic ocean, sit within one of the worlds largest whale sanctuaries. There are four animals that swim in these waters all year long. The azores islands, owing to their geographic position, in the middle of the atlantic ocean, a mild climate and natural beauty of the bottom of its sea are undoubtedly one of the best paces for diving in europe, allowing in its crystal clear waters the observation of an amazing diversity of underwater fauna and flora. Nine green dots in the vastness of the atlantic ocean, the azores are currently considered one of the best places for whale watching in the world. Go whale watching from sao miguel in the azores retired. Whale watching in cabo season 2015 2016 cabotrek promo duration.
Whalewatching in the azores which whales to see and when. Whale watching, swim with dolphins and scuba diving on the island of pico azores portugal. From the biggest and in my opinion, also the most beautiful island. During 9 night tours we average 67 species 46 on the short break tours of whale and dolphin, including sperm whales and several species of dolphin. Whale heritage sites azores promo world cetacean alliance. With sightings possible all year round, the azores islands are one of the best places for whale watching in the atlantic. Call 01768 721050 and talk to someone who has been to the islands and can help you plan your tailormade holiday. Set sail around the princess ring islet of vila franca do campo on a cruise, accompanied by a marine biologist guide, and look out for sperm and pilot whales, bottlenose and rissos dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Whale watching in dominica 2020 sperm whales, dolphins. Join an exciting marine wildlife tour with biologists and naturalist guides, to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and the season s marine biodiversity of the azores islands. Our base for the week was lajes, a small town on the west coast facing out into the atlantic, and prime whale watching waters. April to september is peak whale watching season in the azores, with spring and early summer the best time to spot the blue whale the mightiest mammal on the planet. There 80 species of whales in the world and in the azores may be observed 21 and it is normal to find them throughout the year, including the blue whale. In the azores we booked whale watching from sao miguel.
Swimming with dolphins imagine yourself immersed in the deep blue sea with the dolphins kayaking and sup this is definitely the best way to enjoy the magical nature of the azores. It was the peak of whale watching season when we visited the azores. Dolphins in the channel between pico and sao jorge image courtesy of marinhera fernanda. Before the whale watching trip a briefing is given to go over the characteristics of the species to be observed as well as safety measures aboard, procedures of. Whale and dolphin watching holidays in azores vacations in. The main season runs from april all the way through the summer to october and during these months different species pass by the azores on their migratory paths april and may are usually a good time to go for a chance to see the larger whales such as blue, fin and sei whales, whilst october can be a good time to spot humpbacks. All tours are preceded by a briefing in which one of our. The azores are europes leading whale watching destination, home to sperm and pilot whales, beaked whales and false killer whales, and bottlenose, common and northatlantic spotted dolphins.
Whale watch terceira the islands of the azores are shaped by the peaks of the midatlantic ridge, surrounded by the endless deep blue of the ocean. Which species of whale have been spotted in dominica. Dolphin and whale connection whale watching swimming with dolphins ethical dolphin and whale watching holidays. A week long whale watching holiday in the azores islands. From today, direct flights to the azores from the uk return for their summer season, with a weekly nonstop link from gatwick to the largest island.
The daytime temperature across these months tends to average between 17c 5563f. There are variations from year to year, for example the season of the baleen whales mostly fin whales, blue whales and sei whales can begin. Before the whale watching trip a briefing is given to go over the characteristics of the species to be observed as well as safety measures aboard, procedures of protection of species at sea. Over 20 species of whale have been spotted in the waters around the island, with the most common including shortfin pilot whales, false killer whales, melon head whales, pygmy sperm whales, and humpback whales. With an area of just only 90 km2 and a population of 5,000 inhabitants, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches of azores, crystal clear waters and beautiful bays and natural pools. Whaletrips azores best tips for whale watching on azores. Enjoy the whales, dolphins and other marine life of the azores. Tourist frequentation is still small, the quantity and diversity of the whales observed is high, theres little visual pollution and pico mountain lies in the background. To maximize our chance to see whales, we decided to try on sao miguel first and see how things went. We use small and efficient boats with limited size groups in order to limit the impact on wildlife. You can spot whales on the azores from the biggest islands.
Whens the best time to go whale watching in the azores. Among resident and migrant species, common or rare, more than 20 different types of cetaceans can be spotted in the azores. Nobody knows sao tome and principe like archipelago choice. Before the ban on whale hunting, these look outs were used to hunt the whales. The azores, and especially lajes do pico, is undoubtedly one of the 10 best whale watching spots in the world, and for sure the best in the azores.
Peak season is from april through to october whilst in the spring, the larger migratory species are passing thr. Includes information about the area and the cetaceans living there, research project details, environmental policy, newsletter, and. More than 30% of all the worlds types of whales and dolphins pass the azores on their annual travels between arctic and tropical waters. But, the overall whale watching season in the azores is from april until october. The commondolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, the risos dolphin and the sperm whale. Whalesong trips guarantee sightings of the awesome humpback during whale season and the boat comes complete with an underwater camera and three tv monitors on. Whale watching holidays the azores the azores holidays. The best time for whale watching is the summer from april to october, though.
Enjoy your whale and dolphin watching holidays in the azores, portugal. Jul 16, 2014 the whale shark is a titan, known to reach up to 41. These animals can be seen in many places around the azores but the waters around the islands of pico and sao jorge harbour some of my favourite spots. Dolphin and whale connection whale watching swimming with. Peak season is from april through to october whilst in the spring, the larger migratory species are passing through. Careful with winds picking up and rain appearing from nowhere rather quickly. Although winter is not the best season for whale and dolphin watching, these warmer temperatures may attract some not so common visitant species to the archipelago. Blue whale migration march 2020 cw azores whale watching. Whilst visiting the azores in 20, i had the privilege to go whale watching and see the extraordinary orca whales orcinus orca or more commonly known as killer whales up close. The best whale watching and swimming with dolphins location in europe, and a beautiful adventure playground in a very top sustainable islands holidays destination.
In may and june, baleen whales including blue, sei, fin and humpback whales pass through these waters on their annual migration to their summer feeding grounds in the north. Please click below to download the publication 434kb, pdf. More information here whale watching in the azores in the early summer months is the best time to see the baleen whales largest whales on their migration routes to the feeding grounds of the northern atlantic passing close to the. The azores whale watching practices and rules seek a balance between supporting economic activities involving the cetaceans whale watching and the animals welfare and conservation. Whale conservation project in the azores the great projects. The azores island group is located in the central atlantic, 900 miles 1,450 kilometers off the portuguese mainland.
Avenida infante dom henrique, 71 solmar avenida center loja 128 9504529 ponta delgada azores. In all 21 species, the encounter with a blue whale is really a must. Air temperatures range from 1726c during the season with mainly sunshine but occasional rainy days should be expected throughout the summer. Our whale watching trips have a strong educational element with multimedia briefings before each trip and debriefings on return to shore. When is the best time to see whales and dolphins in the azores. In may and june, baleen whales including blue, sei, fin and humpback whales pass through these waters on their annual migration to their summer feeding grounds in the north atlantic. Jul 12, 20 whilst visiting the azores in 20, i had the privilege to go whale watching and see the extraordinary orca whales orcinus orca or more commonly known as killer whales up close.
There are numerous organizations that offer azores whale watching tours. Actually, there are whales around each and every island, but not all of the islands offer whale watching trips. Blue whales are sighted every year around the azores islands, which apparently provide an important seasonal foraging area. Therefore, whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, mobulas and pelagic fish are abundant in these waters. In fact, you can see whales in the azores year round, but the best time to spot them is probably around spring and summer april, may, june and july. Oct 16, 2017 whale watching in azores islands portugal. Tourism in the azores was on the increase, and whale watching was a new form of marine tourism that was taking off in coastal areas around the world 3. Join an exciting marine wildlife tour with biologists and naturalist guides, to see and learn more about whales, dolphins, turtles, fish, birds, and the season s marine biodiversity of the azores. We debated whether to go whale watching from sao miguel at the beginning of our visit or wait until we visited faial later in the trip. Dive with whale sharks in azores snorkeling holidays top. During the spring months, you can see larger whales like blue, fin, and sei whales. Miguel island, azores whale watching activity provides the opportunity to watch up to twenty cetacean species that can be found in the ocean waters of the azores islands.
Yachtbased whale and dolphin research holidays to the azores archipelago. This is an an ecosystem with unique characteristics. Influenced by the gulf stream, the islands enjoy a mild, breezy climate, with daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 14 c in winter or rising above 25 c in july, making them a good choice for an outdoorsy break in any season. The islands of sao miguel, and pico are two of the best places for dolphin and whale watching, so we did our research and chose futurismo, one of the first companies responsible for transitioning from whale hunting, to whale watching in the azores. An important thing to remember about the area is that in the azores the whalewatching season mayoctober is dictated by the weather and not by the migrations of the whales and dolphins, which are seen year round. Azores whale watching and dolphins is known to be among the best in the world. Whale watching in august azores message board tripadvisor. Whale watching in the azores gives you a good chance to see the blue whale, the biggest mammal on earth. Vacation whale watching activities in portugal expedia. Surrounded by several large tunas and countless other species of fish, these giants of the sea pass close to the archipelago as they make their way across the atlantic. See more ideas about azores, whale watching and whale. Whale sharks the worlds largest fish are appearing more frequently near the azores islands, due to climate change, a new study finds. Futurismo whale watching azores had an active role in the transition between the old whaling tradition and the sustainable tourism that is practised nowadays.
Book with whale watch azores, atlantiangra or azores adventures futurismo, which are all approved by the world cetacean alliance. Plenty of other big whales pass by the islands, too, including sei, fin and sperm whales. Swimming with dolphins in sao miguel, azores dolphin and. Diving with whale sharks santa maria island diving with the worlds largest fish in clear waters is undoubtedly one of the best diving experiences of the azores. Multiscale habitat preference analyses for azorean blue whales.
Located right in the course of the gulf stream, the azores. From 17th to 23rd february 2020 shortfinned pilot whale globicephala macrorhynchus. Azores whale watching tours ethical sao miguel options. Temperatures are rarely lower than 14c, and they dont tend to get much higher than 25c, which makes it perfectly pleasant all year round. During 9 night tours we average 67 species 46 on the short break tours of whale and. How to go whale watching in the azores wapiti travel. Whale watching in the azores is unique and offers some of the best sightings in the world as we are assisted by the vigia, local land based lookouts. The azores are currently one of the worlds largest whale sanctuaries.
The pod of sperm whales is the biggest draw though. Whale sharks escape warming in azores live science. There are 80 species of whales and dolphins on the planet and 2425 of them have been sighted off the coast of the azores depending on the source of information. We are based in lajes do pico, recognised as one of the top 10 best spots for whale watching in the world. Best time to visit the azores responsible vacation. Whale watching in the azores, check our programs futurismo. Peak season is april through september, but visit in april and may for the best chance of spotting a big blue. In general, the best time of the year to see whales in the azores is during the spring time, with april and may being our strongest months. Here you can find information on the cetacean sightings in our outlets to the sea. Mobydicktours is a company that allows you to enjoy our beautiful sea landscape of the azores and enjoy the best that we have to offer. Santa maria, the island of sun, is the southernmost and smallest of the azores islands. Lying about a third of way across the atlantic between portugal and north america, its the permanent or temporary home of more than a quarter of all known cetacean species mark carwardine, whale watching specialist.
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