3 independent reviews for Whale conservation holiday in the Azores
Reviews for Whale conservation holiday in the Azores
Sue Hyslop review 4 Jun 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Numerous exciting boat trips in pretty rough seas watching an array of whale species and a sea alive with dolphins!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Use the waterproofs available from The Whale Project. Take seasickness tablets. Don't expect to be super useful all the time but enjoy the wonderful opportunity to learn about and observe whales.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - helps to fund the Whale ID Project which is contributing to whale conservation. Used local facilities and shops so supported the economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant - saw many more whales than I ever expected. Lovely accommodation.Alison review 30 Apr 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was fantastic to see so many species of whales and dolphins up close, especially mothers and calves together.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You need to be prepared for long days out on the boat with no toilet facilities. Inevitably the boat trips are dependent on the weather and whale sightings by the spotters too so you can be hanging around for lengthy periods waiting for the off. Laundry is done once a week by the cleaners so you need to pack enough clothing to last seven days.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did not feel that my vacation contributed to whale conservation, the people leading the project did not want our photos as they took their own. I left feeling uncertain as to what my contribution had been.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I loved seeing the cetaceans but was uncertain about my contribution to wildlife conservation. I felt that the vacation was inaccurately described on the website and that information about accommodation and boat facilities should have been made clearer.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Alison, thank you for your review, and we’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed seeing so many cetaceans up close, including mothers and their calves. We are, however, sorry that you left feeling uncertain about your contribution and that the information about the accommodation and boat facilities could have been clearer. We will review the information provided about the facilities to ensure everyone is as prepared as possible and has a full understanding of what to expect. Additionally, the photos taken by volunteers and staff on this project contribute to the marine biologists' photo-ID study and are an important aspect of the project. The team can be quite particular about the specifics of the photos required; therefore, we will be reviewing the process of training all participants with them to ensure everyone can actively participate and fully contribute to this study. Thank you for taking the time to join and be a part of this project, and we hope you left with some great memories!
Sylvain Masse review 18 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a blue whale for the first time in my life2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring warm clothes for sea even in May it is quite chilly. Sea sickness pills: even if you are not sensitive some rough day at sea it may bring extra comfort. I did not bring but it is easy and cheap to buy at a pharmacy in Horta.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope it will help for the conservation and understanding better local populations of whales4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was a great experience, Tiago and Joana are really super nice people who care a lot about volunteers. Even when we could not go in the sea because of the weather they were offering other activities. They also spend a lot of time on the education part, sharing their knowledge on whales biology, Azores and much more. Seeing so many whales, including blue whales, was pricelessHoliday Reviews
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