Water activity

Azores Marine Birdwatching Expedition

Water activity

Azores Marine Birdwatching Expedition

From US$ 52.80 per person

Eco-certified

Embark on a birdwatching boat tour with marine biologists. Get incredible coastal views while exploring hidden places to observe sea birds, learn about behavior, and see their colonies.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German
Small group
Limited to 10 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Enjoy a birdwatching expedition with biologists and naturalists
  • Explore hidden places to observe local sea birds and coastal colonies
  • Observe the wild behavior up close of dozens of bird species
  • Get with incredible views of the Azores ocean landscape
Full description
Cruise the Azores coastline and stop at the off-coast nature reserve of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo to observe known seabird colonies and other marine wildlife alongside a professional birdwatching team. After a safety brief about the “Zodiac RIB” boat you will be traveling in, start your sea journey with an introduction to you the bird species you will observe, their migration routes, and their behavioral patterns. Follow directions provided by inland lockouts via VHF Radio allowing the boat to carefully approach at an undetected distance. Learn about the field imagery and data collection for local research. Many Birds find an oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks and as an on-route refuge. Marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in abundance in Spring and Autumn with the arrival of migrants and vagrants. See vast colonies of Cory’s Shearwater, Barolo Shearwater, Common and Roseate Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Bulwer’s Petrel, Wilson’s, and Madeiran Storm-petrels. On lucky days spot less-common species like Bridled or Sooty Terns.  Not breeding but regularly sighted are Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel, Manx and Sooty Shearwater, vagrant Northern Gannets, Arctic, Pomarine, and Great Skuas. Shorebirds encountered include  Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Canaries, Little Egrets, Wagtails, and Whimbrels.
Includes
  • Opticron 8x42 binoculars
  • Knowleadgeable Wildlife Guide
  • Experienced Skipper
  • Zodiac Rib Boat (12 pax)
  • Impermeable Suit and Life vest
  • Insurance
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Personal Water Supply
Not suitable for
  • Children under 4 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

From Ponta Delgada city centre by auto, head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo. Once in Vila Franca do Campo, descend towards sea level and the Marina where our Base and Yellow Boats are stationed, and free parking can be found. (GPS: 37.715780, -25.429745) Directions from Google Maps: https://g.page/azoreswhalewatching

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Camera
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Binoculars

Know before you go

  • Light food is permitted onboard
  • The itinerary may change or the tour may be canceled in case of extreme weather conditions
  • As in any wildlife tour in the wild, it is not possible to guarantee that you will see any specific animal
  • English is the official language for the tour, although the team is multinational and will do their best to accommodate your preferred language
Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 1 reviews

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Lorenzo and Joao were amazing on our bird watching tour! Even though the weather was less than predictable, my husband and I had a lot of fun and felt very safe throughout the journey. We learned a lot about the local sea birds and the Azorean marine life. Would recommend this trip to everyone! Thanks again, Ivy

August 28, 2021

Product ID: 391543