Whale Tails and Walking Trails Holiday Azores
2022 & 2023 DATES: Year round
(flexible arrival/departure dates to fit with flights)
This holiday explores the interior of the island as well as the hidden depths of the ocean. This holiday can be taken in the winter as well as the spring and summer. Step into another world as you follow ancient trails through dense forests, traverse along rugged coastlines and circle volcanic craters. At sea, marvel at the beauty and grace of some of the worlds’ largest and most intelligent animals, as you watch whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
About this holiday
Diverse terrains and varying difficulty levels
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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.
Ideal climate all year round
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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.
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. 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!”
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 hotel of 5* or you can opt for a budget option to reduce cost of holiday.
Minimum ages for sea/land tours
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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.

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

BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST FOR THE DAY
£124 (adult) £62 (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.
Day 3 – 6
Overall itinerary of the week will be announced when you arrive so that your trips to sea, whale and dolphin watching, are taken during the best possible weather and sea conditions. Over the course of the next few days you will have the opportunity for one more amazing morning or afternoon trip to sea and you will embark on two half day walks along the coastlines or inner depths of the island. Your routes and durations can be decided with your guide each day.
Day 7
Today is a free day and the perfect opportunity to visit the geysers deep in the island’s interior at Furnas. Here you will find a stunning hot thermal swimming lake set in botanical gardens, designed a 100 years ago by the Kew gardeners. Learn about the geothermal activity on the island and relax in the mineral rich waters as you soak your aching muscles. This is the perfect time to sit back, relax and contemplate all the wonders you have seen this week.
Day 8
Depending on your departure time there may be time for one last spot of shopping after breakfast or even an extra boat trip in the morning. Transfer to airport for flight home.
Highlights
Discover, be inspired! Marine wildlife, sea air and the wow factor
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Land and sea adventure
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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.
Education and Conservation
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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.
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.
Overview
Whale Tails & Walking Trails
(code ADWTWT)
Location: Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island - Azores
What’s included:
- Two half day trips to sea dolphin and whale watching
- Two half day guided walking tours
- 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
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: Standard 4* B&B hotel, with budget and upgrade options available
Meals: Breakfast included. Self catered options available.
Price: From £625 per person. See below for further details.
Flights: Not included. We give you guidance on booking flights to Ponta Delgada (PDL) Sao Miguel Island (see flights above)
2022&2023 dates: These holidays operate year round
Flexible dates: This holiday can be arranged to start any day of the week to fit with flights
What people said!
Our holiday prices below include accommodation at our standard 4**** hotel. You can also upgrade to a boutique hotel or 5***** or you can opt for budget options to reduce cost of holiday
Prices for this Holiday including Accommodation
Use the tabs below to find out more about our different accommodation options
A beautiful 4-star hotel with excellent location and facilities. It is a 15-minute walk to our base for the boats and the city’s beautiful botanical gardens are close by. The rooms are light, quiet and well-ventilated. Even though the hotel has great access to our boats, the hotel is far away from the noise of the seafront or busy city areas. The hotel is ideal for families or large groups and rooms can easily accommodate up to two extra beds. Spacious rooms are sound proofed with air-conditioning and equipped with TV and fridge. There is the option to upgrade to sea/city view rooms (ask us for details). The hotel has a gym, indoor and outdoor pool with sun loungers, sauna, jacuzzi, games room, bar, restaurant with sea views and free parking for guests. A buffet breakfast is included. *excludes some dates Christmas and New Year Whale Tails & Walking Trails Holiday Prices
4* Sao Miguel Park Hotel
Low Season* • Nov - Mar
Mid Season • 01 - 30 April & 01 - 31 October
High Season • 01 May - 30 September
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.