You’ll leave 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, May 2018.

The Azores archipelago is renowned as one of the best places to see dolphins and whales in the wild, teeming with resident and transient species. March to October is 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, 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

These fascinating islands are easy to reach from Europe on a direct three hour flight 

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. To burn off extra energy or escape for a day, the family can explore the island at  leisure (on foot, on bike or by kayak), visit the stunning botanical gardens, enjoy presentations from our marine biologist guides or simply relax by the pool.

Dolphins tend to prefer the calmer waters closer to the shore and in the summer months the Atlantic Spotted dolphins come in huge pods, bringing their calves to safe waters to feed and play.

Don your mask and snorkel and enter the underwater world of the Azores. Our expert guides will assist you all the way – they will advise you on the best way to get in and out of the water, how to behave once you are in water and will be in the sea with you. It is a good idea to practice with a mask and snorkel before your holiday to help build your confidence in the water and help children feel comfortable swimming in open water.

You can swap a half day excursion whale watching for a half day swim with dolphins or add it as an extra excursion. You could also opt to join the boat for the trip and not get wet. Please discuss with us for the full details.

We offer attractive child prices when sharing a one bedroom self catering apartment (with option to purchase breakfast at the hotel). You can select the style and budget of an accommodation option that suits your needs. Our standard 4* hotel is included in the package price and you can upgrade to a boutique 5* hotel. There is a budget option to reduce the cost of your holiday.

The Azores attract huge numbers of whales and dolphins throughout the year. In the spring you can see the mighty Blue whales, the largest whales on the planet as they migrate past the islands. In the summer there are many species to be seen too – superpods of dolphins with their babies, as well as the resident sperm whales. You will get amazing photos of their iconic tail fluke as they dive down to feed on the squid. During your time at sea in the Azores, our expert team will ensure you get the most amazing sightings, making memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

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 and presentations before heading out to sea so you will be well prepared.

Our whale watching company has a research base offering a wealth of information and resources. It is possible to learn about the many research projects being conducted around the Azores which contribute to marine conservation. Their experience of working with children shines through as they make learning inclusive and exciting.

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. Alternatively, you can choose 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. Minimum age is five years old for the RIB.

The ‘Vigia’ (land based lookouts on the shore) guide us by radio contact to direct the boats to the whales and dolphins. This makes for consistently excellent sightings, said to be some of the best in the world. We see whales and dolphins on 98% of our trips to sea.  Our guests are very impressed by the high standard offered by our boat company who are dedicated to offering you the best experience – nothing is too much trouble.