23 independent reviews for Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores
Reviews for Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores
Fiona Ferguson review 15 Jun 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The excursions were amazing, we saw orcas, blue whales, fin whales and a sperm whale as well as two species of dolphins. Seeing these amazing creatures in the wild was wonderful.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book the whale watching trips at the beginning of your journey as they are weather dependent. The company is very well organised and if weather conditions are bad they will rebook you for later in the week.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local guides on the tours are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to supporting conservation efforts. Tourism is an important income for the islands and by supporting this local industry and staying in small local hotels I felt that we were benefiting the community.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing trip, seeing whales up close in their natural habitat was incredible.Julie Burton review 12 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the whales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just remember you are at the mercy of the weather and nothing is guaranteed. Relax and ho with the flow.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely supported conservation. Sandra the marine biologist was very informative about the research they are able to do by people traveling with them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Paul Steele review 9 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching a large pod of Orca whales, and delighted with a variety of whales that we saw.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Hold on tight when it's rough and don't try and take your own photos and spoil the moment.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
To a degree but it's a contradiction in terms. he local company did seem to make an effort to reduce the impact on the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. The only negative was the huge cruise ships and their aerobics class music blaring over the harbour.Wendy O review 4 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing all of the different types of marine wildlife.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The sea can be quite rough be prepared. If staying at Hotel Ponta Delgada it is good 20 minute walk up to 4 times a day or the tours.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company showed respect for the wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good though would have been better if the hotel pick up advertised for the land tours were implicated.Lorna Langford review 30 Apr 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whale watching trips on the zodiac rib. We saw blue whales, orcas, bottlenose and common dolphins up close.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for variations in Azores weather, and possibility of needing to shift trips around due to weather conditions.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the local guides were really knowledgeable, and on the whale watching trips the marine biologists explained how the animals would be approached to ensure minimal disruption and emphasis on their welfare.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic and exceeded our expectations.Sarah-jane Lewis review 21 Apr 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing blue whales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would book the trips so you get to see all of the island.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate locally every night and utilised the locals by booking the tours. The tour guides were great.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The Azores are beautiful will definitely be back.Emily Clark review 24 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing different whales and driving to both ends of the island.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
One couple in our group stayed a few days extra to do a walking trip.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I certainly hope so. Island ecology is fragile and deserves respect.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our guide Rodrigho was lovely—friendly, knowledgeable and organized. The marine biologists were informative as well.Marion Albone review 27 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The one sea trip which we did go on was quite amazing and was looking forward to the further two trips. Unfortunately we were unable to go due to weather conditions.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book sea trips at the beginning of your vacation just in case they are cancelled. You may then be lucky enough to re-book.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Serious consideration was taken into account regarding the animals at sea. The vacation was financially beneficial to local people due to the tourist attractions and hospitality business.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very pleased with the vacation having no complaints. The reason for 4 stars due to not being able to go out on 2 of 3 sea trips. This was outside everyone’s control: the weather.Gillian Jew review 10 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whale watching.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be flexible to go with the weather and sea conditions.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in that there is the financial aspect but the more popular sites are damaged by the large foot fall.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Good. I think it would be helpful to link up solo travelers by staying at the same hotels and where possible on the same land excursions.Elayne Farmer review 10 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a baby humpback whale and pods of bottlenose and common dolphins. The sight of baby whale flukes and dolphins jumping in pairs or swimming right next to the Rib were special.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Put in the work with the host company to understand what your options are as they have a wealth of knowledge. Prebook as much as possible. The weather may not always be in your favor so book Land Rover and Van trips to see other parts of the island. Sete Cidads is a long day but worth the effort and Furnas gardens and pool are lovely. Ponta Delgada is not very big and so has limited options on inclement days. Booking a hire car locally can be a good option if your boat trips get cancelled.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a duel edged sword. It provides jobs and opportunities for the Azoreans, but it can overwhelm small towns. The local hotels all promote reducing the environmental impacts and how you can help. The local tour companies whilst keen to share the beauty of the island are also looking to manage the impact especially to the wildlife. At the moment they seem to be getting it right.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
You have to be aware that you are relying on two big unpredictables to work with you in having a great time - the weather and the wildlife. We fully enjoyed our vacation and whilst some days could have gone better we are conscious they could also have gone a lot worse.Terry Williams review 5 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The rib boat trips.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take lightweight waterproof jackets, it was too hot on some days to wear the thicker jackets supplied by the operators.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, in both employment for their staff and sale at other shops and restaurants. Made you realise (even more than normal) the environmental issues.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10 both for friendly and helpful staff and for the hotel accommodation.Richard Buckingham review 30 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The marine life encounters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check to establish if there are any public vacations or Religious festivals occurring during the period of the vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted the local people…hotel / restaurants etc…. Not sure it reduced environmental impacts… air travel / traveling around in older vehicles / 4 wheel trip. I don’t remember conservation being spoken about but any encounters with marine life was appropriately handled..4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good…well organised. Wonderful people on the Island.Richard Buckingham review 24 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The marine life encounters.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check to establish if there are any public vacations or Religious festivals occurring during the period of the vacation.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefitted the local people…hotel / restaurants etc. Not sure it reduced environmental impacts…air travel / traveling around in older vehicles / 4 wheel trip. I don’t remember conservation being spoken about but any encounters with marine life was appropriately handled...4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good…well organised. Wonderful people on the Island.Martha Davies review 18 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having orcas swim under our rib!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We probably booked vegetarian restaurants as we are vegetarians! Which was great as they were very popular. Ate with our group a lot too which was lovely. The hotel Marina Atlantica was great for getting to the boat base too and easy to get everywhere.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The operator were very strict about following the rules regarding whales and dolphins. We were pleased to see how much people in the azores respect the environment and seem to care about environmental issues.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! Transfers guides on the boats and everyone was super helpful and friendly.The meal on the first night, as in food quality, was pretty poor compared to everywhere else we ate.Katherine Brown review 13 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Also visiting the island and volcanic craters was surreal.. such a beautiful place....2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
An absolute must!! Fulfilled a dream but surpassed my expectations - was awesome inspiring and humbling at the same time. Definitely book minimum of 3-4 trips - we had 4 booked but arranged an additional half day at sea as we were so totally hooked on seeing these majestic creatures.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The marine biologists on board every trip were always respectful and never outstayed our welcome during a sighting, they always gave informative talks during the trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Out of this world!!Liz Greengrass review 7 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching hundreds of dolphin hunt fish and watching humpbacks and Risso dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring warm clothes for the boat (I wore my winter trail running gear). Be prepared for the weather to turn and trips being cancelled: for example, I added a trip one afternoon, as I knew the weather later in the week was going to be bad3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This is a genuine eco-tourism experience where the welfare of the animals are put first and on which the local community is dependent (eco-tourism has replaced whaling). The richness of the ocean in terms of its biodiversity is well demonstrated, augmented by the talks given by the marine biologist, inciting a greater awareness of the importance of protecting the world's oceans4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I highly recommend the Azores as a great destination to see cetaceans. However, the culture and the history of the islands are unique and worth visiting in their own rightSue O'Hara review 3 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the wildlife (whales and dolphins) was the main objective of the vacation and we considered it an objective acheived well. The trip operators team in Ponta Delgada who run the boat trips were very very knowledgable friendly and well organised. They were very respectful of the animals and made sure the boats didnt out stay their welcome.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We had 3 x boat trips booked as part of the package, but we decided to pay for 2 additional trips when we were in Ponta Delgada and they were the most succesful in terms of whale sightings. Top tip, buy as many trips as you can afford.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supports conservartion definitely. The trip operators team were very ethically minded and gave a strong, sensible message in this area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was fantastic, the trip operators team were amazing and the vacation couldn't have been planned or run better. Top marks.David Brierley review 1 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Whales and Dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take your Camera and Binoculars3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely the ground agent was excellent in every way and environmentaly aware4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent from start to finishTina Yarrow review 10 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Whales and Dolphins in their natural habitat was an absolute privilege.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do as many trips to sea as you can because you see different things on different days. We’d also recommend going on the zodiac rib boat as you get a closer encounter but you do need to be sea-faring!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We feel that tourism is of benefit for the locals. There were many restaurants, bars, ice-cream parlours etc.that rely on tourists and provides jobs for the islanders. The Portuguese are very proud of their home and strive to maintain its beauty. Everyone at the whale watching operator benefit and are reliant on tourism and the trips out to sea. Marine biologists accompany every boat and collect data which is shared internationally to other Biologists - tourism enables the crew to earn a salary and continue their studies.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had the most amazing time and the organisation led by Rosey Responsible was perfect. The staff at Sao Miguel Park Hotel were friendly, helpful and courteous. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable and close to all amenities - if you’re willing to take a 10 minute walk! Such a wonderful experience.Sheila Weber review 15 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a blue Whale in all its glory2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't expect everything to be perfect. Nature can be unreliable. The weather can stop boats going out and, even when they do, sightings are not guaranteed. The animals are not there for our benefit. So be prepared for disappointments.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good. Organisation was excellent and the team on the ground couldn't have been better. The only negatives came from nature itself! Well done everybody.Pamala Wilkie review 28 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
By far the most memorable part of our vacation was seeing the whales, dolphins and other sea life in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert marine biologists who were always on hand to tell us what we were seeing. They really made you feel part of the expeditionary team. All the trips were very well run and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Fortunately we were in luck, and on our 9 hours of excursions we had sightings of sperm whales, hump back whales, bottlenose, risos and common dolphins as well as flying fish. A wonderful, wonderful week.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions, including warm clothing as it is always cooler at sea. Also, take a good supply of sea sick tablets as you are often sitting waiting in a stationery, wallowing catamaran or rig for some time before or during sightings. Make sure you are well prepared for this as it is a real shame to miss such a marvellous event because you do not feel well once you are on the boats. Also, have good walking shoes as there are lots of lovely walks and places to explore.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely - as the Azores is a small island complex and any monetary input from abroad would be of benefit to the local population. I think that tourists coming to the islands should be respectful of the conservation and biodiversity put in place there, as it is evident that the islands and the surrounding seas benefit from the care given to them by the local population.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an excellent week away. The tour operator could not have been more obliging or helpful from start to finish, especially as this was originally booked for a special birthday in 2020. The accommodation was excellent and very central to all the restaurants and facilities of the town. The rooms were comfortable and the hotel was well decorated. It was great to have the benefit of a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, and multi lounges to relax in, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was very good quality. The trips organised by the tour operator were excellent; we were only in small groups of people which allowed for an intimate, friendly feel to the whole week. I cannot thank everyone enough at the tour operator for a really memorable vacation.Teresa Fullilove review 5 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whales and dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a good rain coat and trousers. Lol.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all places were doing their bit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
SuperbRob Curtis review 14 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole experience of seeing and hearing cetaceans including Blue Whales!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book as many additional day or half day trips to take in the terrestrial beauty of Sao Miguel. Ponta Delgada is quite a densely populated town with an air pollution to match. It was good to get out once in a while!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - it supported the monitoring and advocacy work of the local operator as well as the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great vacation with welcoming locals, wonderful wildlife and local experiences. The scenery was shrouded in Atlantic fog with occasional rain but that didn't dampen my spiritsHoliday Reviews
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