20 independent reviews for Azores family adventure vacation, whales and dolphins
Reviews for Azores family adventure vacation, whales and dolphins
Alexandra Sieroslawska review 19 Jul 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching hundreds of dolphins and several whales in their natural habitat.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Its warm but rains so pack light walking trousers and a light waterproof coat.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely, tourism was very measured there.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10. My son cried on the way home cause he didnt wnat to leave.Rebecca Fleming review 6 Jul 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whale watching and canyoning were both amazing but everything was great.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We booked the additional Islet de Villa Franca which was a great addition to the whale watching day. We spent the afternoon relaxing and snorkelling in a volcanic sea crater.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I’m not sure exactly how this helped environmental impact but there were lots of local people employed. We ate in local restaurants and sampled local cuisine.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was another fantastic family vacation booked through Responsible Travel. Our children are almost grown up and this was a great way to get everyone involved and explore a part of the world most people haven’t heard of. We took my mother who is in her 80s and she was able to come with us for everything except the canyoning so it is perfect for multigenerational trips. Probably not the best for children younger than teens. The weather was mixed although mostly nice and generally warm. This was to be expected and preferred to the 40C Europe temperatures.Lucy Maddox review 19 Apr 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The amazing wildlife encounters, including dolphins, blue whale and orca.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you book the whale watching boat trips at the beginning of your stay, in case they need to be rearranged due to the weather.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes absolutely, the tour guides employed were local and the boat trips supported conservation and marine research.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing.Emily Norgrove review 28 Apr 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing common and bottlenose dolphins and a humpback whale! But also the lush geothermal loveliness of the Azores. The trips out on the water were fantastic, and the RIB and catamaran options are very different types of trip. The RIB is more high energy, speeding to sightings of whales and cetaceans; the catamaran feels more chilled and there is more time for commentary on the animals as well as being able to move around the boat. The marine biologists had great knowledge and were also helpful when we got seasick, and thankfully the sightings of dolphins and a humpback whale made it all worth it! We went on a couple of land tours with fantastic guides, a jeep tour to Sete Cidades, which was beautiful, and we enjoyed kayaking, biking and a lovely lunch as well as learning all about the islands and the Azorean way of life. Another day we went to Furnas, which was more chilled, bathing in the thermal baths in a beautiful garden, seeing the geothermal activity and eating a delicious lunch cooked underground!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
We went during the Easter vacations, which was lovely as it wasn’t super busy, but you really have to go prepared for any weather, which can change almost hourly. This also meant that a couple of our whale watching trips were cancelled, but Josie was on the case for us, giving us updates, arranging replacement trips and suggesting alternative options for our day. We finally managed to get on two (of three) whale watching trips, and I was glad of the advice from the host company team who had advised us to book three due to the capricious weather! So don’t expect everything to go to plan, and have ideas in your back pocket in case your itinerary changes - we had a fab time at a pineapple plantation and the botanical gardens on our free days, and the hotel had an indoor pool and steam room which we used every day. Finally, the tour guides don't earn much so if you can tip them it all helps.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The whale watching trips are regulated regarding proximity to the animals, and there is definitely a sense of the different companies working together so everyone gets a look, but the animal is not crowded with too many boats at any one time. The company who ran our trips also put money into lots of marine research and all the tourist trips are spent collecting data to contribute to science as well as showing people the wildlife. The island operated 40% of its electricity geothermally (to go up to 60%), and it was nice to take advantage of the geothermal pools and some food cooked underground! Overall it's hard to judge, the Azores definitely relies on tourism for its economy so our trip would have benefitted some locals and we spent money in local shops and tourist destinations, but I'm not sure environmentally overall, especially with flying there. However we made the decision to go to see the amazing marine life which needs protecting and to give our children a sense of wonder at the natural world, the issues these animals face and how important it is to protect it.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a fabulous family vacation in the Azores! Caleb from the host company really nailed the booking for us, his careful thought on our accommodation requirements and how to squeeze the best out of our budget while maximising our activities and keeping everyone happy made a huge difference to the vacation as a whole and it exceeded our expectations. All of us had a great time and got loads out of it. I have given it four out of 5 stars simply because we were personally a bit unprepared for the itinerary to be so changeable due to the weather - if we had done a bit more research in advance we could have made a bit more of the unexpected changes.Mario Cachia review 27 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation itself.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book with reputable companies as they will take care of every detail.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes it did because economically we left an impact but we also appreciated the wild life.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
FantasticDuncan Codd review 9 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Kayaking inside a volcanic crater on the mid-Atlantic ridge was absolutely unforgettable. Paddling across the serene lake surrounded by steep, lush slopes felt like something out of a dream. Our whale-watching day was another highlight—we saw four species of dolphins and a Bryde’s whale, guided by marine biologists who were both informative and passionate. Their insights into the ocean’s unique conditions added depth to the experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book your whale-watching early: Weather can be unpredictable, and early bookings give you flexibility to reschedule. Pack for variety: From thermal springs to hiking trails, you’ll want swimwear, walking shoes, and layers. Learn a bit of Portuguese: Even basic phrases were appreciated, though Azorean Portuguese differs slightly from the mainland version. Expect some changes: Activities like snorkeling may be affected by conditions, but the alternatives are often just as rewarding. Take advantage of the payment plan: our host company allowed us to pay by instalments, which made budgeting easier.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, absolutely. The guides were deeply knowledgeable about marineconservation and respectful of wildlife. The tours were low-impact and focused on education and sustainability. We visited local farms, plantations, and used locally owned services, which felt like a genuine way to support the community. The flexibility and transparency from our host company also helped us make responsible choices throughout the trip.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a fantastic, well-organised adventure. Our host company did a great job with transfers, packing guidance, and itinerary planning. The local team was outstanding and the Azores themselves are breathtaking. We’re already thinking about returning to explore more islands and try the snorkelling we missed. Highly recommended for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a meaningful, memorable escape.samia lalmas review 7 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Dolphins very close.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be patient when out on the boats.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local company seem to employ local people which is brilliant. The only negative would be regarding the be a marine biologist for a day. We went out on a zodiac completely full, not sure what we would have achieved that would have made the trip different to any whale/dolphins watching trip even if the weather had been better.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good trip overall, would improve the be a marine biologist for a day. Trip rated 4.5Ioan Lavery review 4 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So much to choose from! Having spotted on a daily basis a mix of Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, Common Dolphins, Pilot Whales and Sperm Whales (10 abreast at one point) was so much more than anticipated. I don't think we appreciated just how "resident" these cetaceans are to the Azores. On behalf of my son, I'd say that the 'be a marine biologist for the day' was possibly the most memorable. Getting to understand how the wildlife is spotted, identified, listened to and monitored each day, brings you so much closer to understanding a small part of their environment. The team at in the Azores do a wonderful job and are incredibly knowledgeable. It was also great to see how they engaged with my son (10yrs old)2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Enjoy the ease of which the host company have thought of/planned everything for you! From transfer from and to the airport, to the ease of just turning up at the boat base at your designated time, to eating at restaurants, and/or providing picnics for you and the entire group (of which were always small groups). We travelled during end of July - 1st week of school summer vacations. It was not busy, at all! For the boat trips - I think it paid off that our first trip was on the large catamaran motorboat. It had all the expected rushing around from one side to another at those first sightings, but after a while everyone adjusted and realised you'd see so much more by staying at your seat/standing area. Take a re-usable water bottle with you for the duration - these can be filled up easily. Windproof jackets can be taken with you, but to save space in your rucksacks, the team also provide jackets - of which can be rolled up and stored under your seat/by your feet until needed. We were at sea in t-shirts and shorts for the entire day. There is limited shelter on the RIBs, so take hats and plenty of water and sunscreen. It's refreshing whilst under move, but when you're sat still on the water waiting/watching the wildlife it can get really hot!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes very much so! The way the itinerary was structured to get a fine balance between on-water, in-land and "free days" allowed you to learn so much from the local people. A visit to the working tea factory (oldest in Europe) provides a real insight to the ways of working that has been in place for generations. Being able to plan daily meals around the local restaurants also supported local businesses and allowed them to showcase what the island could provide. Interestingly, despite how small the island is, there are variations to a lot of the dishes (and desserts) provided. The whale watching company is on top of their game when it comes to environmantal impacts and supporting conservation - you can witness that with all of their resources and classroom /briefing room that you will attend. It was interesting to hear that a review of hybrind engines are underway - getting that balance of fuel and electric.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Simply put - The best vacation I have ever had! The ease from first engaging with the Responsible Travel team, to having a simple yet effective itinerary and being with some of the most friendliest people you could wish for; our trip provided everything we could have asked for. Thank you so much to the entire Responsible Travel team, the boat base and the hotel staff. Not forgetting my son of course - who got himself well and truly stuck into enjoying each day too, and of course, the hotel swimming pool :)Amelia Kyazze review 3 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything was perfect, from the late-night (early morning) taxi driver meeting us at the airport, to every excursion. We really appreciated the depth of knowledge of the local guides who took us to the two volcanic sites, complete with delicious local meals. Kayaking on gorgeous volcanic lakes, going at our own speed as a family, was one of the big highlights. We also really loved the two dolphin and whale watching trips, led by marine biologists. We saw a humpback whale dive deep, and we were enchanted by dolphin pods playing all around the boats, coming so close. Seeing these animals in the wild will stay with our family for a long time. The 4* accommodation was excellent, as was the local advice about places to visit in the charming town of Ponta Delgada on our relaxed days. We really would not have changed a thing. Thank you so much to Responsible Travel and the tour operator for an unforgettable and rewarding experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a range of clothes, as the weather can be changeable and you don't want that to affect your enjoyment. However, there were beautiful days, and we found that it was very relaxing to do both the excursions and wandering around local areas, such as the botanical gardens.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the local guides were all trained marine biologists and very knowledgeable about the environment and the wildlife, as well as agriculture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
5 stars. It was just perfect, thank you so much.Lisa Crawford review 30 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trips we did were incredible. Our daughter was completely enthralled by it although we much preferred the RIB boats (2 trips) to the catamaran (1 trip). She learnt so much from the marine biologists and did not stop asking (and later answering) questions. It cemented her existing love for nature and her current ambition to be a marine biologist when she's older. We saw three types of dolphins, Sperm Whales, Sei Whales, a blue shark and a flying fish jumped right over the boat! The two land trips we did were also fantastic. We had the same guide both times who was friendly and very knowledgeable. We felt totally safe at all times and were given plenty of time to enjoy the sites.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book it - it's a stunning place. We preferred the RIB Boat (did this twice) compared to the Catamaran (did this once) but it depends on your personal preference. Take something to take photos and a charging pack. On the full day excursion that includes the bike ride make sure any children are confident riders as there is a stretch along a fairly busy road. We stayed around the lake to cycle as weren't comfortable our daughter was a strong enough road cyclist.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely - the local company that manages the tour is very conservation focused and it's really impressive to hear about the approach the Azores is taking to sustainability more generally. The fact there is so much marine life shows what a positive impact their interventions have had and the (controlled) tourism on the island helps to support that.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had an amazing vacation - the best we’ve ever had as a family. This review is very late but has been prompted by my parents starting their own vacation in the Azores based on how much we loved ours (August 23) and reminding me I needed to send this in. We'd love to return at some point in the future. The service we received ahead of arriving was also fantastic and the pre-departure information was really helpful.Kate Pettican review 11 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
My most memorable part of the vacation was seeing dolphins swimming and playing very close to our boat. The White Ocean festival held on the first Saturday of August in Ponta Delgada was great to see. It's a local festival that celebrates the ocean that surrounds and supports them. Loads of blue and white sea themed decorations are hung from buildings and across the sea and everyone is out celebrating and all dressed in white.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try and book restaurants in advance in the summer months or eat a bit early, as they get very booked up.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that it benefit local people, as everyone that took us on a trip or provided us with food or a service was local. I don't know if it reduced environmental impacts, as we had to fly there, but the islands are certainly benefitting from tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Different from the usual beach and kids club and lots of fun.Jenny Samuels review 3 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whale and dolphin watching2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack for wet weather3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely supports conservation as the revenue supports ongoing whale research. It provides jobs to local marine biologists (most popular degree at local university) and also to tourism. Tourism always has negative impacts on communities but the balance feels quite good in the Azores.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentRachel Latimore review 21 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Whales and Dolphins in the wild and kayaking in a volcano crater.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have a go at everything on offer and appreciate international tourism is still a relatively new offering. English is no barrier and is well spoken across the island.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so. The local guides were all very knowledgeable and delivered interesting tours.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant. A perfect choice for older children and teens.Jennifer Creevy review 7 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Our most memorable part of the vacation was swimming with Atlantic spotted dolphins. We swam with a ball of sardines and the dolphins were darting beneath us, feeding on the fish. It was like something out of a National Geographic documentary. Incredible, we will never forget it.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book at least 3 sessions if you want to swim with dolphins. They are wild, there is no guarantee, and even weather can disrupt the trips. Remember they are wild, be considerate, it's their home you are in!! Also, take a smaller boat out whale watching, it's much more exciting being closer to the water. For the land tours, take the long hike, and do visit at least one of the beautiful lakes in the craters, they are breathtaking.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Mostly I felt that we helped with the conservation efforts for the marine life. The marine biologists there do an incredible job and the trips are set up to enjoy the marine life but not to disturb. Also, having meals in local restaurants around the island felt like it helped local people. In terms of environmental impact, please remember your reusable bottles!!4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was one of our favorite family vacations ever. If you are a family that likes activities, animals and an outdoor lifestyle, it's definitely one for you. It's not a sitting by the pool vacation!LIZ DEACON review 26 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The trips whale watching , swimming with dolphins furnas and Citades2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you book other activities before you go no chance to book once there are as everything v booked including places to eat . Choose a hotel with spaces to relax.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefit to local people and was an ecological way to see wildlife4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent once in lifetime experienceIngrid Bethell review 25 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Both of the whale watching trips, especially the rib trip, as we managed to see hundreds of dolphins come near the boat as well as four sei whales. Furthermore, both of the additional trips we did, especially the Furnas trip were very memorable thanks to the geothermal pool experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book two whale watching trips ideally 1 catamaran and 1 rib, however I would advise going on the rib as a priority for younger people (I am 13).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that our vacation didn't adversely affect local people, as we remained respectful of the environment around us and we supported local restaurants and cafés by visiting them. We also believe that our vacation maintained respect towards the whales and dolphins, specifically with the whales, the boats we went on were not within 100 metres of the whale, which is the correct distance. Instead, both the whales and dolphins came close to our boat, so we weren't intruding on their habitat too much.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Our trip was only short, 4 nights but packed with wonderful trips-2 whale/dolphin watching trips and 2 island trip visiting 2 different thermal hot springs. We also visited a pineapple plantation, war museum and the presidential gardens,which were all thoroughly enjoyable. The tour operator in the UK were efficient and planned the perfect itinerary for our short stay. The dolphin/whale watching trips were excellently planned by the local whale watching operator and the marine biologists were very knowledgable. Many thanks to you all ! We will be back!Susannah Grant review 20 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The canyoning and breathtaking scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring the clothes you recommend ie waterproofs, trainers etc.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes because we had great interaction with local people and were respectful of the wildlife and fauna.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
10/10 - a huge hit for the whole family. Especially teens disinterested in traditional sightseeing tourism. Our 9 year old was able to do the canyoning and SUP for the first time.Claire Walmsleymoss review 14 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing beautiful dolphins playing in the water. And the geothermal pools2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Find out all the inforamtion about your trip before you go. It wasn't what I was expecting (although still lovely).3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people and supported conservation, for sure. I'm not sure our environmental impacts were reduced though compared to any other tourist.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was nice and enjoyable, but didn't give me the experience I was hoping that would have been different to booking via any other travel agency.James Leaton review 23 Apr 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trips were really good and we got lucky and saw Sperm whales on our third and final outing.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The weather is pretty variable - you are in the middle of the Atlantic so the waves and wind can mean whale watching is not possible - so expect resident dolphins but whales only as a bonus in calm conditions. The island is really relaxed and food and drink very reasonable, with some great restaurants.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
There were marine biologists on all the boats whose research is supported by the company.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great family vacation with lots of activities without having to spend lots of time traveling around. Not the ultimate in whale watching on our trip, but overall a lovely place to be.Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for your great review James and so sorry your sightings were not the best they can be! The migrating Fin whales, Blue whales and Humpbacks arrived later than usual this year so sadly you were unlucky with sightings of the Ocean Giants. However, great you had good
sightings of other large species that are resident.
Paul Purslow review 6 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whale and dolphin watching trips - the full day marine biologist trip on the RIB was the best of all of the trips.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The trips on the RIB boats were much better than on the catamaran as the boat is much smaller and closer to the water so you get closer to the animals.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was fantastic - a brilliant family vacation with two children (6 and 9)Holiday Reviews
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