Spring Blue Whale Discovery
Holidays operates April – June
Prices from £995pp to £1195pp
(based on 2 adults sharing 1 room. Solo traveller prices available – see below)
Join us in the Spring to witness one of nature’s great events, huge gatherings of the biggest whales on the planet to these unspoilt Azores Islands to feed in the nutrient rich waters – a breath taking spectacle!
Overview
Location: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island - Azores What’s included: Optional activities: Book additional trips to sea and land tours Extra nights: Option to extend your stay in the Azores, with extra nights at your hotel, visit another part of Sao Miguel or visit other islands Accommodation: Standard 3* or 4* hotel, with budget and upgrade options available Meals: Breakfast included. Lunch included during full day tour to Furnas. Self catered options available Flights are not included. We give you guidance on booking flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) Sao Miguel Island (see flights above) Travel Dates: 01 April - 01 June Flexible dates: This holiday can also be arranged to start any day of the week to fit with flights
About this holiday
Join us at the optimum time to see the majestic Blue Whales, Humpback and Fin whales migrating past the islands.
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Spring is an incredibly exciting time in the Azores and definitely the best time to go. Take a voyage of discovery beneath the ocean with our local marine biologists. This holiday takes you out to the open seas to see these ocean giants and teaches you all about these incredible creatures and the creation of the islands, that took place over 20 million years ago.
Be inspired! Marine wildlife, sea air and the wow factor
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You’ll all come away bursting with facts about the world’s largest whales and the unique biodiversity of the islands. We hope you will deepen your passion for the natural world and more importantly return home with memories that will last a lifetime.
“We were on the cat and a huge gasp went up from everyone on board; a fin whale had swum in front of the boat and opened its mouth out of the water to feed. It was only a split second but that sight is engraved on my memory.” Margaret Merris
Why are the Blue Whales “Ocean Giants” choosing the Azores?
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Cetaceans are drawn to the Azores as they know there is a plentiful food supply. In the Springtime there is a phytoplankton bloom warmed by the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream around the Azores archipelago which has resulted in a unique gathering of huge, ravenous Baleen Whales: Blue, Fin and Humpback on their migration routes to the feeding grounds of the northern Atlantic. This is one of nature’s great events, the whale equivalent of an all you can eat buffet – this is why we call it the “Gulp Stream”.
“The Azores is one of the best places in the world to see Blue Whales with such an abundance and variety of species. These fascinating Islands at sea and on land are easy to reach from Europe on a direct 3 hour flight!”
The Azores archipelago is renowned as one of the best places to see dolphins and whales in the wild. Throughout the year, March to October being the best time to visit for abundant sightings and diversity of species. The whale numbers and sightings seem to be increasing around the Azores, as are the super pods of various species of dolphins riding in the bow wave of the boat and leaping and twirling with joy. All our trips are with responsible operators who have sensitivity and respect for the wellbeing of the whales and dolphins. The ethos on the Islands is to preserve the natural environment and develop responsible and sustainable tourism that contributes to conservation.
Island Tour included in your holiday
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Our knowledgeable local guides will be with you at sea and on land so you will have a truly authentic experience! They will take you to the geysers deep in the island’s interior at Furnas and teach you about the geothermal activity. Your visit will include a swim in hot thermal pools and lunch (cooked underground) in a local restaurant. Free time can be spent exploring the island at your leisure, on foot on bike or by kayak, visiting the stunning botanical gardens, enjoying talks from our marine biologist guides or simply relaxing by the pool.
Choice of accomodation
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You can select the style and budget of an accommodation option that suits your needs. We include a 3* or 4* hotel subject to availability in the package price but you can upgrade to a 5* hotel or boutique property if you wish.
Location and Flights
Holiday location: Ponta Delgada (PDL), Sao Miguel Island, Azores. The Azores are an archipelago of 9 islands in the middle of the Atlantic - the only territory between America and Europe. There are 3 groups of This holiday takes place in Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel Island, in the eastern group and the largest island in the archipelago. The abundance of dolphins and whales around the islands make the Azores one of the key locations worldwide for whale and dolphin watching. Few locations in the world offer such immaculate landscape and exceptional marine wildlife. 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 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 the perfect setting to relax and slow down. Flights are not included in the cost of our holidays. For 2025, weekly DIRECT day time flights from the UK to Ponta Delgada are available with Ryanair from Stansted on Tuesdays (April - October) and with British Airways from Heathrow on Saturdays (April to end of September). On most days of the week there are flights from the UK to Ponta Delgada via mainland Europe. Direct flights also operate from America and Canada and some European cities including Paris. See all current flight options at Skyscanner. For ease we have a dedicated flight booking agent, Rupender Bhoday from The Flight Centre. Rupender knows our holidays and can book the best flights for you. Please email: [email protected] or call: 07442 857639. You can also reach her via The Flight Centre main contact number 0207 925 1114 (ask to speak to Rupender Bhoday on the “Associates” team). 
islands: the eastern group (Sao Miguel, Santa Maria), the central group (Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira and Graciosa) and the western group (Corvo and Flores).
BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST FOR THE DAY
£118 (adult) £67 (child 12yrs and under)
All of our holidays offer the once in a life time opportunity for you to “Be a Marine Biologist for a Day” – the perfect program for those with a keen appetite to learn. You will enjoy talks from our marine biologists before spending a full day with them on a small RIB learning research techniques such as data collection, photo ID and listening to underwater acoustics using the hydrophone. You will get away from the main tourist trail and have opportunities for a lot more contact with the animals. This a fully immersive day allowing you to step inside the shoes of our marine biologists and learn about their research. This activity can be added onto your holiday program.
Your day starts at our local boat base, walking distance from your hotel, with talks from our marine biologists. You will then board the sturdy RIB zodiac boat and spend a full day at sea, travelling further along the coast to rich feeding grounds, giving you a closer look into the lives of the whales and dolphins you’ll meet – some are even known by name!
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.
You will break for lunch, on land, joined by your marine biologist so be sure to ask lots of questions!
You’ll learn about the biology, habitat and behaviour of the cetaceans and participate in valuable research and conservation initiatives helping to preserve the oceans for future generations.
This is a superb addition to any trip and is ideally suited to adults and children who are keen to get hands on in the world of conservation.
This is a 6 hour tour consisting of 4 hours out at sea and 2 hours at the boat base with talks and presentations. A packed lunch is given with the choice of eating out at sea or at the boat base.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day – You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2
After a leisurely morning exploring the local town with its stunning architecture and walking around the botanical gardens, head down to the boat base for your first half day whale and dolphin watching trip to sea. You will be given the onboard briefing all about marine life in the Azorean Ocean, how we work and how best to spot the whales.
Days 3-4
Days 3 to 4 inclusive: Overall itinerary of the week will be announced when you arrive to fit with best weather. Each day will be either morning or afternoon boat trip. If there is any weather disruption your trips will be moved to another day or later in the day so that you go out during the best possible weather and conditions.
Day 5
Free day to add on an activity that suits you. Join a walking or mountain bike tour, try kayaking or SUP on the lake, or take the plunge and go canyoning.
Day 6
Full day Geothermal tour to Furnas : You will be taken to see the Island’s hot springs, geysers & hot bubbling mud. Take a dip in the hot thermal lake surrounded by the tropical plants and trees of a magnificent Garden which was planted by Kew gardeners 100 years ago!
Day 7
Free day or take another half day at sea whale and dolphin watching giving you more chances of sighting the giant whales or visit the local lava caves.
Day 8
Departure. If you have time before your flight you can do some souvenir shopping. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport
Highlights
Best time to see Blue Whales
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The dates of these holidays are the best time to see the largest whales on the planet as they migrate past the Islands ensuring you get the most amazing sightings and memories that will stay with you.
Expert Guides
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You will be accompanied by our expert local guides and marine biologists who love to share their extensive knowledge on the whales and dolphins you’ll meet – what they don’t know isn’t worth knowing. There will be talks before heading out to sea so you will be well prepared.
Education and Conservation
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Great choice of boats
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You choose your preference of boats from the large stable catamaran with excellent viewing platforms, railings and a great vantage point for taking photos. There is plenty of space to walk around outdoor or indoor seating and toilet facilities OR our smaller RIB zodiac hard hull boats with comfortable seats for an exhilarating ride to get you close to the action. The boats are very sturdy and can move easily even if the sea is choppy.
What people said!
Prices for this Holiday and Acccommodation
Use the tabs below to find out more about our different accommodation options
Our holiday prices below include accommodation at a 3* or 4* hotel
You can also upgrade to a boutique hotel or 5* or you can opt for budget options to reduce the cost of your holiday.
As specialists, we have chosen a variety of hotels within Sao Miguel Island that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers. Every hotel has been carefully selected and reviewed to guarantee a pleasant stay for all our guests. The prices listed will include either a high end 3 star or a 4 star hotel, subject to availability. Once we have your enquiry we will check availability and choose the best hotel available within the correct price range, this way we can always offer the best property available for your individual stay.
Blue Whale Discovery Holiday Prices
Mid Season • 01 March - 30 April
- Solo traveller (single room) £1395
- Adult price, per person (2 sharing a double/twin room) £995
- Price does not include flights
High Season • 01 may - 30 June
- Solo traveller (single room) £1595
- Adult price, per person (2 sharing a double/twin room) £1095
- Price does not include flights
Upgrade Accommodation Options
All of the accommodation featured has been visited by us and checked for quality, good reviews, facilities and distance to our boat base and the harbour (5-20mins walk). They are also a short walking distance to good restaurants and shops.
Budget and Self Catering Accommodation Options
All of the accommodation featured has been visited by us and checked for quality, good reviews, facilities and distance to our boat base and the harbour (5-20mins walk). They are also a short walking distance to good restaurants and shops.
