News from the Azores

Unusual whale sightings – September 2025

At this time of year, Sei whales are often spotted in the Azores Whale Heritage Area as they pass through on their migration to northern waters. However, this year, a more unusual species has taken centre stage: Bryde’s whales! The team in the Azores have enjoyed plenty of encounters with these little-studied baleen whales off São Miguel Island throughout August and September. The guides on board quickly put their skills to use, photographing the characteristic three ridges on the whales’ heads to confirm the species ID.

They told us: “We observed a stunning array of behaviours: dramatic lunge feeding, spyhopping, breaching, and even interactions with Sei whales. Frequently accompanied by Atlantic spotted dolphins, these encounters offered incredible opportunities for observation and learning. One unforgettable highlight was the week-long presence of a mother and calf. The playful calf delighted everyone—approaching boats, turning belly-up in the waves, and spyhopping with curiosity. Bryde’s whales have definitely been a highlight of the summer season, yet we cannot forget that their presence in higher latitudes is also an obvious indication of warming waters in the North Atlantic…”