Follow in the footsteps of the first settlers as you trace your way across ancient foot paths and animal trails taking in dramatic coastlines, shimmering blue and green lakes, yawning calderas and misty, ancient sub-tropical forests. Centuries ago the main way to travel around the island was by boat as terrain made it impossible to use oxcarts or carriages, smaller cargo and cattle was transported across land on foot. In recent years great care has been taken to restore these pathways so that you can marvel at glittering waterfalls, witness nature’s bounty of flowers plants and trees and look down into the depths of the deep green crater lakes as you hike along the rim of a volcano, all untouched for millennia.

Our incredible guides will enthuse you with their knowledge of numerous endemic species of birds, flora and fauna and the incredible biodiversity of these islands, which erupted from the ocean over 200 million years ago!

There are numerous walking trails to choose from and we can help you choose the ones that best suit you. Difficulty levels range from gentle to strenuous, with circular and linear options. There are half day and full day routes available and you can opt for self-guided if you prefer. Please call us to discuss the walking trails in detail.

The Azores are a perfect year-round destination. Located in the Northern Hemisphere, they enjoy a mild climate 12 months of the year. In the peak of summer temperatures tend to be around 22°C and don’t often drop below 13°C in the winter. Perfect conditions for walking!

Our whale watching boats operate twelve months of the year. Weather is, of course, changeable out in the middle of the ocean but our expert guides will arrange your week so that you take your whale watching excursions during optimum sea conditions. Walking options inland and along the coast mean you will always have great opportunities to see whale tails or walking trails whatever the weather.

This is an ideal winter holiday, leave behind the wind and the rain and take this opportunity to get some, very, fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors. The mild climate means there is no need for woolly hats and thermals and the biodiversity of the island blooms year round. You’ll see no bare trees here, only lush green foliage! At night gaze up at starry skies and indulge in the thermal hot pools, forty minutes away from your hotel. Some of the walking trails even lead you directly to them in the town of Furnas.

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.

“The ocean around the Azores islands is teeming with resident and transient whales and dolphins. It is one of the best places in the world to see Blue Whales in the spring and an abundance and variety of species all year. These fascinating Islands at sea and on land are easy to reach from Europe on a direct 3 hour flight!”   

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 hotel of 5* or you can opt for a budget option to reduce cost of holiday.

Trips to sea:

– Half day Swimming with Wild Dolphins (3hrs – RIB boat – ages 8yrs and over).

– Half day Whale and Dolphin Watching (3hrs – CAT – all ages). 

–  Full day “Be a Marine Biologist for the Day” whale and dolphin watching trip to sea (6hrs – RIB boat – includes lunch. Ages 6yrs and over).

– July – Sept only full day whale and dolphin watching and snorkelling in the reef of the Islet of Vila Franca – ages 8yrs and over. 

Land tours (with hotel pick up and drop off) can include for example:

– Half or full day jeep/van tours to the “Fire Lake – LAGOA DO FOGO” – suitable for all ages. 

– Half or full day jeep/van tours, walking tours, cycling, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking on the lakes at SETE CIDADES LAKES – ages 8yrs and over. 

– Full day tour to volcanic village of FURNAS (bathe in geothermally heated pools and eat lunch cooked underground)  – suitable for all ages. 

– Half or full day guided hiking tours – suitable for all ages. 

– Half or full day guided cycling tours – ages 8yrs and over. 

– Half or full day canyoning – ages 7yrs and over.  

You’ll 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.

This is a superb opportunity to truly experience everything the Azores has to offer. World renowned for it’s incredible ocean life the Azores is also infamous for it’s incredible biodiversity and geothermal activity. Exploring the island on foot with our expert guides, you will learn about the islands creation over 200 million years ago and witness it’s incredible beauty and majesty. Take a day off and visit Furnas, feel your muscles relax as you soak in the nourishing thermal hot pools.

Our whale watching company has a research base offering a wealth of information and resources and it is possible to learn about the many research projects being conducted around the Azores which contribute to marine conservation. 

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.