A Magnificent Place for Nature Lovers and Eco-tourism!
The abundance of dolphins and whales around the islands make the Azores one of the key locations worldwide for whale and dolphin watching. However, the fun doesn’t stop there. Incredible hikes, bikes rides and jeep safaris show off the islands immaculate landscape. For a different perspective, you can kayak, paddle board or go canonying. Not forgetting the Azores is one of the worlds top destinations for geotourism and birdwatching!
Some of these tours are featured in holidays. If you would like to book an itinerary featuring any of the tours below, please get in touch for a tailor made quote.
Where are the Azores?
The Azores are a mid-atlantic archipelago of 9 islands and are part of Portugal. They lie between Europe and America. It takes 1 hour from mainland Portugal to the big island of Sao Miguel which is our main holiday destination and 2 1/2 hours to fly to the central group of islands including Pico and Faial where we also offer holidays.
The Azores are situated in the Atlantic ocean 1000 miles west of Portugal. There are 3 groups of islands, the Eastern group ( Sao Miguel, Santa Maria), the Central group ( Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Teceira and Graciosa) and the Western group ( Corvo and Flores) It is the only land between America and Europe.
A Portuguese territory, the nine islands, dominated by a volcanic mountain range, offer a rare and unspoiled natural beauty, having retained their cultural integrity and escaped the ravages of commercial tourism. There is a wild and elemental quality here, the ocean’s presence is never far away and breathing the air alone is invigorating. Some people say, it is the last vestiges of the lost continent of Atlantis! Hot springs steam into the fresh and
unpolluted air. There are meadows filled with the scent of wild herbs and vivid, colourful flowers line the roads. It is quite the perfect setting to relax and slow down.
“With active volcanoes, crater lakes, moss-‐draped forests and shores composed of swirls of lava, this is an archipelago packed with natural drama” Emma Gregg, Travel Writer
We are a long standing member of the World Cetacean Alliance. In April 2023 the WCA announced that the Azores had been awarded Whale Heritage Site status – becoming one of only six fully certified Whale Heritage Sites worldwide! We are absolutely thrilled by this and proud of the achievements of our partners in the Azores with whom it is a privilege to work with. The World Cetacean Alliance said at the time of the award:
“all of the islands in the Azores archipelago have a strong cultural connection with cetaceans, progressing from their history of hunting sperm whales to their present-day responsible whale watching and conservation activities. By granting Whale Heritage Site status to the Azores, the World Cetacean Alliance recognised the commitment to protecting the many whales and dolphins around these beautiful islands, as well as helping people to watch them safely and responsibly”
Furnas day tour
Prices From:
£85 per adult and £50 per child
Sete Cidades, activity day
Prices From:
£55 per adult and £35 per child
Full day land tour to Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
Explore Sao Miguel Island and the surrounding areas
Prices From £80 (adult) £50 (child)
This full day land tour takes you on an adventure, visiting some of the most beautiful locations on Sao Miguel Island. This unique tour allows you to experience the magical properties of the Island, taking you to a wide variety of landscapes.
“Be a Marine Biologist for the Day”
Prices From: £118 (adult) £67 (child)
You will be accompanied by our expert local guides and marine biologists who love sharing their extensive knowledge of these incredible creatures. They will teach you research techniques such as data collection, photo ID and listening to underwater acoustics using the hydrophone.This activity can be added onto your holiday program.
Lagoa do Fogo & Caldeira Velha
Prices From:
£50 per adult and £25 per child
Islet of Vila Franca do Campo Marine Reserve
Snorkel in a salt water lagoon and spot whales and dolphins at sea
£107 per adult and £72 per child
Full day Sete Cidades – Jeep tour & activities on lakes
Prices From:
£80 adult £47 child
A full day out, with the first half travelling in a jeep, exploring the interior of the island as you head towards Sete Cidades. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will have the opportunity to kayak, cycle or paddle board on the lakes at Sete Cidades, or the “Blue Green Lakes”.
Activities have a minimum age of 8.
Biking Tours
Prices From:
£45 per adult and £25 per child
Canyoning
£95 per adult/child
If your adrenalin levels aren’t raised high enough seeing breaching whales and dancing pods of dolphins at sea then perhaps a spot of canyoning will help. Fully equipped and with guidance from the trained experts, you abseil, slide, swim and jump your way through the islands forest streams and pools.
Walking Tours
Prices From:
£45 adult and £25 child
Birdwatching Full Day Tour
Sao Miguel Island is a wonderland for any Ornithologist
Half Day Coasteering
£95 per adult/child
(Note cost of transfer is extra subject to number of guests booking)
Experience the coast lines of Sao Miguel Island.
Coasteering across the rocky coast, climbing, exploring and swimming in the magical waters. Fully equipped with guidance from the trained experts.