4 independent reviews for Blue whale Azores family vacation
Reviews for Blue whale Azores family vacation
Hazel Nichols review 6 May 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The best part was getting up close to a pod of 8 orca.They weren't bothered by the boat as they were swimming all around us and under the boat too. They were interacting socially with each other, hunting and sharing food. Given that orca appear quite sporadically in the Azores, we were very privileged to see them so close and for so long. We also got good views of two humpback whales and we saw dolphins (common and bottlenose) on every boat trip, often bow riding very close to us and leaping into the air.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
As you are trying to see wildlife in its natural habitat (much better than seeing them in captivity) there is always the chance that you might not see what you are looking for. While we saw something on all of our trips, we didn't see blue whales as we hoped for, although this was made up for by the amazing and unexpected views we got of orcas! Also be aware that the weather in the Azores is very variable (we went in March/April) and there is quite a wind chill at sea so bring warm clothes in addition to some more summery options, and layer up. A lot of time is spent on boats if you want to see a good variety of marine species, so if you get sea sick, this is not the vacation for you.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, it is clear that tourism brings large benefits to locals, including at the restaurants we went to, the lovely hotel, and the tour companies that were used. It is also nice to see that local people can now make money from whale watching instead of the traditional whaling by repurposing whaling skills and infrastructure (e.g. land-based lookout posts) for tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent! We are a family of wildlife enthusiasts and we very much enjoyed the whale watching as well as spending some time going on the land-based tours (exploring the island by jeep, bike and on foot) and exploring destinations in Ponta Delgada ourselves (e.g. we went to various botanic gardens in the city and to some lava tunnels). The island is relatively quiet and is not so built-up so it is a great place for people who like to get off the beaten track.Deborah Stanley review 26 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing pods of wild dolphins swimming in the sea, and a whale! Eating a meek that had been cooked underground by the heat of a volcano! Kayaking on the huge lakes. And swimming in the volcanic spring waters. I loved how unspoilt Azores was2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for 4 seasons in one day if you go in April! Make sure you have a great camera!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had a really magical time! It made such a difference to have it all organised and it really was a perfect package for us Including fun family activities like kayaking & cycling, dolphin watching, swimming and soaking up the culture and wonderful local cuisine We loved Antillia for a family stay and how close it was to the marina and the shops/cafes etc, while still feeling very tranquil.Robert Jacobs review 29 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So many great experiences… we saw 6 species of whale / dolphin and the boat trips were amazing. The inland tours were also fantastic with breathtaking scenery and oh, the food… and the wine from Pico….!!!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book the tour to Furnas and also visit the botanical gardens in Ponta Delgado. The cafe at Jardim Borges is amazing. The whale watching trips are responsibly run and different every day / morning / afternoon.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people are certainly seeing a rise in tourism and I felt this is being responsibly managed. conservation was definitely supported.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing. Excellent. We will be back and certainly get to Pico and other islands.Lisa Mcdermott review 4 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whale watching trips2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take warm waterproof clothing for the boat. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.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?
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