Azores Ocean Discovery

 

Year round

(Flexible arrival/departure dates to fit with flights)

Prices from £895pp to £1195pp

(based on 2 adults sharing 1 room. Solo traveller prices available below)

 

Take a voyage of discovery beneath the ocean, cultivating your thirst for adventure and knowledge. On this holiday you don’t just go out on the open ocean to meet our resident whales and dolphins but you will learn from the marine biologists about this incredible ocean, the creation of these volcanic islands and their geothermal activity.

Azores Ocean Discovery

An Abundance of Wildlife

Spring is the time to see the many Blue, Humpback and Fin Whales. In summer you are certain to see many species including Sperm whales, Beaked whales, Orca, Pilot whales and super pods of dolphins!

Discover Sao Miguel Island, Azores

One of the best places to see dolphins and whales in the wild. Visit geysers deep in the island’s interior and swim in hot thermal pools.

Overview

Location: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island - Azores

What’s included:  

  • Three half day trips to sea dolphin and whale watching
  • Full day geothermal tour to Furnas with “Cozido” lunch included
  • Talks from local marine biologists
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • Services of local personnel at our boat base who co-ordinate your entire holiday program
  • All airport transfers from/to Ponta Delgada airport

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 and room only options available

Flights are not included. We give you guidance on booking flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) Sao Miguel Island, Azores. See location and flights above

These holidays operate year round

Flexible dates: This holiday can be arranged to start any day of the week to fit with flights

About this holiday

 

Discover marine wildlife and fresh sea air

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feeding baleen whale AzoresYou’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.

Best place to see dolphins and whales in the wild

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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. 

Island tour included in your holiday

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Furnas hot springs AzoresOur knowledgeable local guides will be with you at sea and on land so that you 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 presentations from our marine biologist guides or simply relaxing by the pool.

 

Choice of accommodation

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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.

Location & 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 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).

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).

 

Marine Biologist Azores
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.

Whale research holidays
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 an abundance of whales and dolphins

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Giant pods of dolphins, AzoresThe Azores islands 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.

 

 

Expert guides

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Marine BiologistYou 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.

 

 

Education and conservation

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Marine research centreOur 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.

 

Great choice of boats

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Catamaran holiday AzoresYou 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, 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.

 

Best sightings

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Hump back whale watchingThe ‘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 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.

 

What people said!

I have new respect for dolphins as I’d rather taken them for granted having seen lots before, but observing them behaving so acrobatically and in such numbers so far out to sea was a revelation. Needless to say, the whales were just spellbinding. – Richard Rose-Casemore May 2022

“Seeing the ocean giants so close was amazing. I recommend booking this experience, and think about adding an extra week to visit the other islands. The information given by the guides was fantastic They work with the university, helping with student research as well as taking out holiday-makers. An excellent holiday.” Sarah Grandy

 

“Seeing far more whales, and more closely, than I ever expected… A wonderful experience.” Anne Whittle

“The whole trip was an adventure. The boat trips were amazing. We were lucky enough to see three different types of dolphin on each trip and a manta ray on one of the trips. The animals’ welfare was always taken into account on our approach. The guides were very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. This was a truly amazing holiday!!” Stewart Sinclaire 

“The way the operator looked for the dolphins and whales was very sensitively done, there was no chasing or harassing the animals – it was completely on the animals’ terms at all times and carried out with respect. I was very impressed. Also the staff were all very knowledgeable and able to answer all questions, as well as provide very interesting info throughout the trips. They were great! This was a fab holiday and experience. To experience these animals in their natural environment was just amazing. We also saw flying fish, turtles, three types of dolphins and a fin whale – wow!!” Denise Watson

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 subject to availability

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. 

Azores Ocean Discovery Holiday Prices

 

 
Low Season • 01 Nov - 31 Mar

  • Solo traveller (single room) £995
  • Adult price, per person (2 sharing a double/twin room) £895
  • Price does not include flights
 
Mid Season • 01 - 30 April & 01 - 31 October

  • 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 - 30June & 01- 30 September

  • Solo traveller (single room) £1595
  • Adult price, per person (2 sharing a double/twin room) £1095
  • Price does not include flights
 
Super High Season • 01 July - 30 August

  • Solo traveller (single room) £1695
  • Adult price, per person (2 sharing a double/twin room) £1195
  • 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.