Ocean Giants, Exclusive Small Group Tour
Blue Whales, Fin Whales and Humpback Whales
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
2023 DATES: 29 Apr – 06 May , 06 – 13 May, 13 May – 20 May
Join this exclusive small group tour to witness one of nature’s great events, huge gatherings of the biggest whales on the planet visit these unspoilt Islands to feed in the nutrient rich waters – a breath taking spectacle!
About this holiday
We take care of all the logistics so that you can relax and enjoy the experience
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From the moment you step off the plane, our team will ensure everything is taken care of. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel where you will meet you expert guide over welcome drinks. Your guide will be with you throughout the duration of your holiday ensuring you get the best experience possible. There will be regular briefings and updates with plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
Be part of an exclusive small group tour
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We offer this special, small exclusive group tour in May which is popular with whale enthusiasts and those who want to see whales for the first time. There is a programme of talks and activities led by our expert whale researcher and marine biologist guides. The dates coincide with the annual migration of the Blue whales, Fin whales and Humpbacks. This is a unique opportunity for you to view these Ocean Giants in their Mid Atlantic feeding grounds – sightings have been exceptional over the last few years. Being part of a special small group tour gives you a very informative experience which you can share with others in the group – the whole experience is fun and sociable. Some meals are included for the group in local restaurants with your guide.
You will be accompanied by expert guide and whale researcher
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The guide will be with your small group, ensuring you don’t miss any sightings and that you have a great vantage point for taking photographs and viewing the animals. His explanations really add another dimension to your understanding of the behaviour of the whales. He will also ensure you go out to sea at the optimum times for best sea conditions and weather to maximise your enjoyment.
“Our tour was led by expert guide, Rui, a whale researcher who collaborates with whale researchers worldwide, which is vital for this species protection. Passionate, hardworking, sharing and kind sums Rui up to a tee. He is literally the nicest guy you will ever meet! The guide and the local team were always caring, smiling and super enthusiastic. The trips out to sea were utterly amazing with many sightings of Blue, Sperm and Fin whales together with several dolphin and turtle species. There were numerous other creatures all expertly described by Rui (the man’s knowledge is unbelievable).We were also educated as to the role of the spotters (locally known as the Vigia) and we were fortunate to meet one who guided us to the animals. Learning about this was a real pleasure.
We were given short seminars after the trips, recapping what we had seen and allowing us time to consider these sightings so we could ask Rui questions. He was always passionate about sharing his fascination for these animals and all things nature in general.
I was very worried about getting seasick as I’m not good on the water, however, just taking some travel sickness pills sorted that out and I had no issues at all.” Richard Christie
Why are the Blue Whales ‘Ocean Giants’ choosing the Azores?
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Cetaceans are drawn to the Azores by the fertile water, rich in phytoplankton, which is the perfect place for a stopover to feed en route north.
Every year, a spring phytoplankton bloom warmed by the temperate waters of the gulf stream around the Azores archipelago attracts a unique gathering of huge, ravenous Blue, Fin, Sei and Baleen whales (largest whales) on their migration routes to the feeding grounds of the northern Atlantic. Their numbers are increasing around the Azores.
“This tour was quite simply astounding….epic….beyond belief….it was one of the best days of my life to see and feel these giant whales close to the boat.”
Best time to go
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May dates have been chosen as statistics show that this time will offer you the best chance to see these migrating whales when they stopover and spend a few days to feed on the rich food source here. This is something unique in the whole of Europe. May also offers better sea conditions than March and April with warmer temperatures.
Direct flights from the UK and mainland Europe
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It is easy to get to The Azores on direct flights from the UK, many European cities and the USA. You can also travel via Lisbon and Porto from mainland Portugal. See our getting there section.

Location and Flights
Location: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores. The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago of 9 islands in the mid-Atlantic. Our holidays are based in Ponta Delgada, the capital of Sao Miguel Island – 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. Read more about the Azores here
The following is information about DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM UK TO PONTA DELGADA:
Flights
Flights are not included in the cost of our holidays. This holiday takes place on Sao Miguel island, Azores and you will be staying in Ponta Delgada, a 15-minute drive from the airport.
From April to June 2022
From Stansted (STN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Saturday direct day time flights with Ryanair
From Manchester (MAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Friday direct flights with Ryanair
From July to August 2022
From Stansted (STN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Saturday direct day time flights with Ryanair
From Heathrow (LHR) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Saturday direct day time flights from Heathrow (LHR) to Ponta Delgada (PDL) with British Airways
From Manchester (MAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Friday direct flights with Ryanair
From September to October 2022
From Stansted (STN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Saturday direct day time flights with Ryanair
From Manchester (MAN) to Ponta Delgada (PDL)
Friday direct flights with Ryanair
There are also flights from regional airports to Ponta Delgada via Lisbon/Oporto. Check all options for flights to Ponta Delgada at www.skyscanner.net
For ease we have a dedicated flight agent who can help arrange and book flights (except Ryanair) for you. Please contact [email protected] or call Rupender on 0207 925 1114

Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in the Azores. Transfers to hotel. Welcome briefing and introductions, complimentary drinks, orientation in the local area. You have time for a rest! Schedule of whale-watching boat trips will be discussed and you will have a chance to meet the whole team and your guide during your complimentary dinner a local restaurant with group in the evening.
Day 2
Board the catamaran for morning whale-watching. At convenient times during the week you will be given audio-visual briefing about the whales and dolphins of the Azores, with lots of visuals and information about the history of whaling and whale-watching in the Azores. Your on board guide will provide in depth information about the wildlife, discuss the sightings, share details on current research and help you get the best shots of the whales!
Days 3-5
Days 3 to 5 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. There will be opportunities for excursions around the island to fit with your five half-day trips to sea. 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. Evening meals will be a combination of eating in the hotel restaurant and eating with the group and guide (subject to group preference). There will also be further talks and presentations from the marine biologist giving you a rich understanding of the whales of the Azores, local history and culture.
Day 6
You will be collected from your hotel this morning for a full day tour to the village of Furnas on the East of the Island (approx. 45 mins journey time). One of the most active thermal locations on Earth with steaming fumeroles, the Valley of Furnas is a volcanic crater which has been dormant since 1630, the date of the last eruption. The most popular attraction for most visitors to Furnas is no doubt the thermal baths and you will enjoy bathing in water from the interior of the earth, charged with minerals at the thermal pool of Terra Nostra Park. You will also sample the local “Cozido” at lunch time in a local restaurant – a meat or vegetable stew cooked geothermally underground.
Day 7
An opportunity for an additional trip to sea or another land tour. The evening will be an opportunity for a celebratory drink in the bar where you can share some of the photos taken and remember your highlights of the holiday followed by a complimentary meal with your guide.
Day 8
Departure day. Transfer to airport from hotel.
Highlights
Excellent boat
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This small group tour takes place on a large stable catamaran that has other passengers on board. The catamaran has excellent viewing platforms, railings and a great vantage point for taking photos. There is plenty of space to walk around, outdoor and indoor seating and toilet facilities. Your group will be together accompanied by your expert guide who will be there to ensure you are looking in the right places to see the whales.
“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, May 2018.
Exceptional sightings
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In recent years, we have been blessed with some exceptional sightings. Our groups have seen Blue, Fin and Humpback whales on many occasions, some so close to the boat you could smell their ‘exhale’ which had the aroma of their over-indulgent feeding on the krill. Even when the weather is challenging, we are usually able to reschedule cancelled boat trips to another day.
“We saw Humpbacks on our trip and to our astonishment, 50 metres from the boat one leapt out of the water and crashed backdown with a mighty splash! We really got an idea of just how ginormous these animals are.”
Land based lookouts to locate the whales
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Our expert lookouts or ‘Vigia’ can spot the whales from land as they pass close to the volcanic islands and they direct the boats by radio contact to locate the whales. This makes for consistently excellent sightings, said to be some of the best in the world. It is a much more efficient system than searching for whales when out at sea. The lookouts were historically used to sight whales for hunting which was banned in the Azores nearly 30 years ago. The lookouts are employed by the whale watching companies instead for tourists to appreciate the beauty of these magnificent creatures rather than killing them – a true win for conservation.
Responsible boat operators
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Our whale watching company has a research base offering a wealth of information and resources for our guests. It is possible to learn about the many research projects and conservation efforts being conducted around the Azores. Our guests are very impressed by the high standard offered by our boat company who are dedicated to offering you the best experience, as well as ensuring that all boat approaches are done in a responsible way where the welfare of the whales comes first.
Luxury harbour view accommodation
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You will stay in the harbour-front Hotel Marina Atlantico in a superior ocean view room with balcony. A delicious breakfast buffet is included as well as two group evening meals with your guide. The group are all in the same place making it a good place for a social drink in the bar as well as informal group meetings. There is a single supplement for solo travellers to suit all budgets.
Your hotel is ideally located – everything is within easy walking distance from where you can explore the delights of this lively harbour town which is an international port.
Have an authentic experience on the Sao Miguel island tour
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Your tour includes a full day island tour. Our local guides will take you to the hot thermal pools and 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 presentations from our marine biologist guides or simply relaxing by the pool.
Overview
Blue Whale Ocean Giants Small Group Tour, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
(code OGPDL)
Location: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island - Azores
What’s included:
- 2 Full day and 1 half day trips to sea
- Expert marine biologist guide and whale researchers to accompany guests on the boat
- Maximum small group of 14 guests with guide onboard large catamaran boat (there will be other guests onboard that are not part of our small group).
- Sturdy catamaran boat (40 - 60 capacity) with spacious viewing decks, tiered seating and toilet facilities.
- Full day geothermal tour to Furnas with "Cozido" lunch
- 7 nights accommodation
- Group meal with guide at the beginning and end of the holiday
- Welcome drinks on arrival
- All airport transfers from/to Ponta Delgada airport
Optional activities: Option for an additional half day trip to sea with your guide and land tours to explore this stunning island.
Nights: 7
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: Luxury harbourside 4* B&B hotel with sea view room with balcony. Budget options available
Meals: Breakfast included. 2 dinners and 1 lunch group. Self catered options available.
Price: From £1190 per person. See below for details.
Flights: Not included. We give you guidance on booking flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) Sao Miguel Island. See location and flights above
2023 dates: 29 April - 06 May, 06 - 13 May, 13 - 20 May
Flexible dates: This holiday can also be arranged to start any day of the week to fit with flights
What people said!
Prices for this Holiday including Acccommodation
Please contact us for details of other accommodation options
Over looking the harbour with views out to sea and just a few minutes walk from our boat base, this contemporary 4**** hotel has excellent facilities and spacious, well equipped rooms. Facilities include a modern health suite with indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. The restaurant has views over the harbour and serves a delicious buffet breakfast. Free WiFi is available in all areas of the hotel. Rooms are sound proofed and come equipped with air conditioning, cable TV, minibar and en-suite facilities. Guests on our Ocean Giants Small Group Tour are allocated sea view rooms with a balcony. Ocean Giants Exclusive Small Group Tour, Sao Miguel Island, Azores Prices
Including 4* Superior BB at Hotel Marina Atlantico
£1190 per person
Single person supplement £440
2023 available dates:
29 April - 06 May, 06 - 13 May, 13 - 20 May