Azores vacation, tailor made

Planet

WILDLIFE WATCHING AND RESEARCH

Where whale and dolphin watching is included, we work with licensed local operators whose crews include experienced skippers, lookouts and marine guides. Wildlife is observed in the wild and sightings are never guaranteed.
The traditional land-based vigias, once used during the islands’ whaling era, now help locate whales and dolphins for wildlife watching. Marine teams also contribute to ongoing observation and research, including photographic identification and the collection of sighting data.
MARINE EDUCATION AND PRACTICAL CONSERVATION
Local marine teams are involved in education and community outreach, including work with schools and young people to increase awareness of whales, dolphins and the wider Atlantic environment.
Some also take part in practical initiatives such as coastal clean-ups, marine-litter projects and research collaborations, connecting tourism with scientific and community work taking place in the islands.

EXPLORING THE ISLANDS

Because this vacation is tailor made, we can include experiences such as walking, cycling and kayaking alongside guided land tours, allowing guests to experience the landscapes in different ways.
Where appropriate, itineraries can also include locally produced food and drink, including Azorean tea, wine and other regional products, as well as visits to independently run businesses and producers.

People

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND EMPLOYMENT

Our vacations rely on locally based guides, skippers, lookouts, marine biologists and other specialists who bring both professional expertise and detailed knowledge of the islands.
The vigias are a particularly important part of this story: skills once associated with hunting whales have been repurposed around observing living animals and supporting wildlife tourism.

LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CULTURE

Wherever suitable, we work with locally based accommodation providers, guides, restaurants and activity operators, including independently owned properties and restored historic buildings.
Tailor-made itineraries can also incorporate local food, wine, tea, crafts and cultural experiences, helping visitors engage with the people and traditions of the islands rather than simply moving between sightseeing stops.
EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND THE NEXT GENERATION
Our local partners work with students, researchers and young people through school outreach, field experience, mentoring and scientific collaboration.
We prefer to work with partners whose approach can be seen in practical actions: staff expertise, wildlife research, education, community involvement and careful management of encounters with wild animals.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INDIVIDUAL PLANNING

As each vacation is designed individually, we can take mobility and accessibility requirements into account when selecting accommodation, transport and activities. We discuss these needs before booking and check arrangements directly with local suppliers rather than assuming that one solution will suit every traveler.