Our most recommended things to do in Pico Island

Pico Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour with Biologist Guides

1. Pico Island: Whale Watching Boat Tour with Biologist Guides

Lying in the middle of the mystical Atlantic Ocean, the Azores Islands are a permanent home or point of passage for more than a third of the entire world’s whale and dolphin species. Dive into a lifetime adventure with these ancestral creatures during this guided Pico Island whale-watching trip. Away from the masses and close to the desirable peace, you will be the guests to nature guides and marine biologists, certified and, most importantly, sharing the contagious passion for the islands and its fauna and flora. Your adventure starts at Lajes do Pico harbor, where you’ll be welcomed by staff and check-in. Afterward, head to the boat where the marine biologists will give a briefing. Hear about the species you might see, whale watching history in the Azores, as well as how to respect the animals. Then, you’re ready to navigate and look for cetaceans in the wild. On the way, have a look at the coast of the island, full of magical landscapes. Whales live in the deep ocean and some of them simply pass by the waters during their migration. It is in this dark-profiled paradise of basaltic landscapes and silky vegetation that a rough sea awaits to introduce the visitor to some of the most spectacular aquatic specimens, freely swimming in their element. Prepare for awe-inspiring moments where time suddenly freezes and natural magic happens right in front of your eyes. After the boat trip, head back to the harbor with a heart full of good memories.

Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

2. Pico Island: Azores Whale & Dolphin Watching on Zodiac Boat

Uncover the beauty of the marine wildlife of Pico Island on this dolphin and whale watching tour. Stay safe with the use of a life jacket and keep dry with the use of a waterproof top. Approach the whales slowly and carefully to ensure the well-being of the animals.  Enjoy a short briefing before boarding the Zodiac boat in the town of Lajes do Pico. Snap some pictures of the shoreline as your cruise along. Look for birds, turtles, whales, and playful dolphins as you make your way to locations where they are most active.  Get an introduction to cetaceans (whales and dolphins) from your guide. Hear about other marine species, their natural habitats, communication styles, migration patterns and behavioral features. Return to your starting point on Pico island. 

Tours on Pico Island - Cultural and Natural Landscape

3. Tours on Pico Island - Cultural and Natural Landscape

Visit Pico Island following the path on Estrada Regional nº(s)1/2 along the north and south coast. Tour and visit the three villages, Madalena, São Roque do Pico and Lajes do Pico. The route includes the sites of “Lagoa do Capitão”, where you can appreciate the endemic vegetation found on the Island. Discover the remarkable Pico´s Vineyard Culture Landscape, Classified World Heritage by Unesco. Tour to the popular places of “Cachorro” and “Lajido” and along the seashore, the particularities of the Island´s volcanic nature, namely through the presence of vast lava fields. Route through the emblematic places of Whaling Culture, including a visit to the Whaling Museum. Historical information and nowadays facts concerning the Island, especially that of “Mistérios” from which it shaped. The Itinerary described lasts approximately 8 hours.

Wine Tour and Tasting with a Winemaker! at Pico Island

4. Wine Tour and Tasting with a Winemaker! at Pico Island

A terroir like this needs not only to be explained, but felt and lived! By feeling and living with Art of Wine you'll be able to have Fábio Rocha's explanation. A 10 years experienced winemaker that after a long journey being a "travelling winemaker" (Australia, Chile, New Zealand and several Portuguese wine regions), decided not only to produce wine in Pico Island but also to offer a complete experience for those who visit the Island. With a degree in Food Engineering and a Master in Viticulture and Winemaking, Fábio will be a singular source of information, aiming to explain everything that leads a wine from this region to "taste the way it tastes". Geology, Meteorology, Biology, Microbiology, Viticulture and of course... Enology, a lot of Winemaking is what you will learn with Fábio, and so making your days on Pico Island much richer, and complete.

Climb Mount Pico with a Professional Guide

5. Climb Mount Pico with a Professional Guide

Pico Mountain is the tallest mountain in Portugal and can be very difficult to climb, especially for newcomers. On this full-day outing, climb the mountain and sleeping volcano with a professional, certified Pico Mountain guide belonging to the Association of Azores Mountain Guides. It’s a 5-mile (8 kilometers) hike to the top at 7700 feet (2350 meters), with your guide watching out for the proper routes and your safety and well-being. Is rated as a medium degree of difficulty, for that reason a good physical preparation and motor coordination are necessary, and preferably have experience in trails with accentuated slope. With an average duration of 7 to 9 hours, it starts early in the morning to reach the summit around lunch time and finishes the descent during the afternoon.

From Madalena: Pico Volcanoes and Lakes Guided Day Tour

6. From Madalena: Pico Volcanoes and Lakes Guided Day Tour

Discover the volcanic landscape of Pico island, elected one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. Explore lakes, lagoons, viewpoints, and enter a mysterious lava cave on this guided day trip. Begin your tour by visiting beautiful lakes and several viewpoints. Pass by Casa da Montanha, the highest point reached in a car. From here, the adventure trail to Portugal’s highest summit starts and you can admire the panorama. Pass by the volcanic complex of the eastern part of the island. Stop for a light lunch in between volcanoes and lagoons and tuck into sandwiches while enjoying a scenic view. Hear stories and facts from your local island guide. In the afternoon, continue your adventure as you join a guided tour through Portugal’s longest lava tube, Gruta das Torres. Walk along the 3.2-mile-long tube which was created 1500 years ago from an eruption in Cabeço Bravo. Observe different geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, side benches, and lava balls. Finally, head back to van and be dropped off back in Madalena.

Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour

7. Pico Island: Full Day Wine Culture Tour

Enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience and discover the rich diversity of Pico's wine landscape. Begin the tour with a pickup from the Hotel Caravelas in Madalena before walking through the vineyards of Criação Velha. Next, visit a regional wine laboratory and meet a professional winemaking engineer. After lunch at a local restaurant, the group will travel to São Roque on the North Coast. On the way, the group will pass former wine production sites including Cachorro and Lajido. End the tour in a local adega (or wine cellar) of a local producer, and taste the finest wines Pico Island has to offer.

Pico Day Tour: Get to know Pico Island with a local guide

8. Pico Day Tour: Get to know Pico Island with a local guide

Meet the main sights of the Pico Island, and be involved by the very exotic and unique Wine Culture of Pico classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site, visiting many little traditional villages surrounded by the volcanic stone vineyards, contemplating the landscape of the Vineyard Culture - a World Heritage site by Unesco - the Azorean Whaling Tradition and the natural beauty of the island's biodiversity, as well as different and unfamiliar sites to visitors, always accompanied by our experienced and professional guide and different views of the highest Mountain of Portugal. Also, visit the most iconic lagoon of Pico (Captain's Lagoon) formed by the secondary volcanoes and lava flows of the Central Plateau of Pico Island.

Discover the Unique Pico island | Azores

9. Discover the Unique Pico island | Azores

A guided trip on Pico Island is an excellent way to bond with a friend or have an unforgettable time with your family. Discover the stunning landscape of the island of Pico through a walk along its coast, also covering the landscape area. You will also get to know up close the ancestral tradition of the shipbuilding and whaling industry, as well as the beauty of the island's biodiversity.

From Praia da Vitoria: 8-Day Azores Private Sailboat Tour

10. From Praia da Vitoria: 8-Day Azores Private Sailboat Tour

Ahoy, matey! Hoist the sails and let's set course for adventure on the high seas! There's nothing quite like the thrill of the wind in your hair and the salty spray of the ocean on your face. Whether you're an experienced sailor or a landlubber looking for a new experience, a sailing trip in the Azores is sure to satisfy your thirst for adventure. With stunning landscapes, crystal clear waters, and rich cultural history, the Azores is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. So come aboard and join us on a journey you'll never forget! Day 1: Overnight passage to Sao Jorge island Embark on an overnight sailing passage from Marina Praia da Vitoria, Terceira to Sao Jorge Island, covering approximately 64 nautical miles in 11-12 hours. Enjoy stargazing, Milky Way, and the sight of dolphins playing around the boat in the glow of fluorescent plankton. Day 2: Visiting Sao Jorge island Rent a car and explore Sao Jorge Island, visiting natural parks, lighthouses, natural pools, and waterfalls. Day 3: Light sailing to Horta, Faial island Set sail in the morning from Sao Jorge Island to Marina Horta on Faial Island, witnessing amazing panoramic views of the Pico Mountain, the highest point in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Catch some fresh tuna for lunch and enjoy the steady winds and calm seas. Day 4: Visiting Faial island Explore Faial Island at your own pace with a car rental and visit nature parks, historic lighthouses, the Volcano Museum, and the famous caldeiras. Day 5: Sailing passage to Pico island Embark on a scenic and exciting sailing passage from Horta to Pico Island, offering beautiful views of the Azorean coastline and the great Pico Mountain. Day 6: Сlimbing mount Pico Climb Pico Mountain on Pico Island, with an elevation of 2,351 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. Day 7: Overnight passage back to Terceira island Experience an unforgettable night passage from Pico to Terceira Island, gazing at the starry sky overhead, spotting dolphins and whales, and enjoying the peacefulness of the journey. Day 8: Exploring the beauty of Terceira Island Explore the natural beauty of Terceira Island, visiting caves, geysers, and natural pools with a car.

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What people are saying about Pico Island

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 108 reviews

It was great, they had everything to protect you from being wet, you can’t bring much on the boat so put your sunscreen before leaving and keep the minimum things on you. There is nothing to put a water bottle for example. One guy took his back pack and tied it to the seat

Very good organization, competent guides who pay a lot of attention to animal welfare and at the same time made some sightings possible thanks to radio and experience. We liked it very much :)

Saw dolphins and whales on the assembly line. 6 different types. Enthusiastic guide and skipper. Extensive and knowledgeable explanation.

Saw 2 different types of whales. The guide could speak good English.

Good experience! A lot of interesting informations.