Water activity

São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

Activity provider: Picos de Aventura
Water activity

São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip

Activity provider: Picos de Aventura
Likely to sell out

From US$ 64.67 per person

Likely to sell out

Experience the thrill of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat on a half-day cruise led by a team of expert skippers, biologists, and lookouts.

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.
Live tour guide
Portuguese, English, Spanish

Experience

Highlights
  • Discover the Azores, one of the ‘top ten’ whale-watching spots in the world
  • See whales and dolphins in their natural habitat at a safe and respectful distance
  • Learn interesting facts about marine life from the knowledgeable crew
  • Admire the impressive geological formations on the island’s coastline
Full description

Enjoy a half-day whale watching trip in the Azores, one of the ‘top ten’ whale-watching spots in the world, and get the opportunity to meet the ocean giants in their natural habitat. Meet the boat crew and get a short briefing about safety and code of ethics and then put on your life vest and head out in the ocean. Listen as the crew follows the instructions given by radio from the lookouts placed in strategic points along the coastline using military-grade binoculars to find and communicate the position of the animals. Take comfort that the crew has a 99% success rate of sightings. If whales are spotted it´s time to enjoy the company of these magnificent animals, always keeping a safe and respectful distance. It´s usual that more than one group of whales and dolphins are observed per trip. On the way back to the marina, observe the geological formations of the island as the boat sails close to the coastline. If no whales or dolphins are spotted, you will receive a full refund, or you can book another trip for free.

Includes
  • Whale-watching tour
  • Transportation in catamaran or speedboat
  • Crew
  • Tour guide
  • Life jacket
  • Raincoat
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • Children under 6 years
  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with heart problems

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Board the boat in the Marina across from Hotel Marina Atlântico. The boat has the activity provider's name on it.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Reusable water bottle

Not allowed

  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • The tour is very weather dependant and rescheduling or cancellation will be offered in case of extreme weather
  • The type of boat used depends on the number of people booked on that day
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 152 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.7/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

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Star rating:

Exhilarating ride on what's almost a motorised dinghy. Staff were very professional about safety and providing all the information about the animals. The ride was just not as eventful as our group had hoped because there were no whales about at the time. Was still lovely to see lots of dolphins.

March 26, 2023

We start with a 20' delay since the crew was not ready. We were in a zodiac boat which in my opinion minimizes the visibility, as you are watching the whales from a big distance. Overall it was a nice experience, being out in the ocean. We saw dolphins and 4 whales (just the tail when they sink and the water blow). Rain coats are missing almost all of the buttons, so bring warm clothes and sunscreen. Highly recommended for people who like sea, boats, ocean etc.

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March 26, 2023

I was rescheduled by the company but overall it was a good experience. We were on the water for about 2 and a half hours and managed to see two sperm, sharks and plenty of dolphins. The weather was good and the guide answered all of the questions. I did this once but honestly will not do it as it obviously disturbs the whales cause they try to get away after they hear the boat.

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March 26, 2023

Product ID: 389227