Whale watching in the Azores
Highlights
3 to 5 whale watching trips | Chance to see blue whales | Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island or Horta, Faial Island | Expert marine biologist guide on boat | Optional: add on island tours - explore the stunning island by jeep, hiking and nature walks | Bathe in volcanic hot springs and see bubbling hot geysers | Get active with kayaking, mountain biking and paddle boarding on the islands stunning lakesTravel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Buffet breakfasts included in 4**** option or self catered budget option.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.

Research is ongoing on the boats, so these trips are helping to build our knowledge of these fantastic animals. Many of the skippers are professional photographers and maintain a comprehensive photo ID database, in particular sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. The more we can learn about the whales and dolphins of the Azores the better we can understand things like their migrations and social structures. All this moves us closer to protecting them and the marine environment in a more knowledgeable, effective way.
Guests are encouraged to send in any photos they have taken on the whale watching trips that can be used in the ongoing photo identification projects. Every trip has a huge emphasis on conservation and sustaining the marine environment so future generations may also have the privilege of seeing marine mammals in the wild.
The Impacts of this Trip
We only work with local suppliers who employ at least 80% local people which means financial benefits to families here. The land based lookouts whose immense skill at tracking the animals previously earned money from whaling now earn money from tourists - an enormous change that we are passionate about supporting. Many of their adult children now skipper the whale watching boats and work within the small scale tourism.
Our whale watching company offers presentations in local schools to educate the children about the marine life on their doorstep with an emphasis on conservation. They are also planning to host an Azorean Whale Festival to promote the islands as one of the key locations worldwide to see whales. The Dolphin and Whale Connection donates a percentage of it's profits to the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), helping to protect whales and dolphins worldwide.
All the activities we recommend locally are run by Azoreans and are designed to maintain good relationships between visitors and the local people. For example, we sell and promote only local crafts to our guests to support local craft makers and artisans and to spread tourism income to many islanders. Our favourite restaurants are all run by Azorean people, and we do recommend that our visitors try the delicious local cuisine while supporting sustainable local fishermen in particular.
As well as whale watching we offer geological and cultural tours hosted solely by experienced local guides with an in-depth knowledge of their island and its landscape. We support the local vineyards where guests can sample the fantastic Azorean wine and take these locally produced gifts back to people at home.


Research is ongoing on the boats, so these trips are helping to build our knowledge of these fantastic animals. Many of the skippers are professional photographers and maintain a comprehensive photo ID database, in particular sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins and pilot whales. The more we can learn about the whales and dolphins of the Azores the better we can understand things like their migrations and social structures. All this moves us closer to protecting them and the marine environment in a more knowledgeable, effective way.
Guests are encouraged to send in any photos they have taken on the whale watching trips that can be used in the ongoing photo identification projects. Every trip has a huge emphasis on conservation and sustaining the marine environment so future generations may also have the privilege of seeing marine mammals in the wild.

The Impacts of this Trip
We only work with local suppliers who employ at least 80% local people which means financial benefits to families here. The land based lookouts whose immense skill at tracking the animals previously earned money from whaling now earn money from tourists - an enormous change that we are passionate about supporting. Many of their adult children now skipper the whale watching boats and work within the small scale tourism.
Our whale watching company offers presentations in local schools to educate the children about the marine life on their doorstep with an emphasis on conservation. They are also planning to host an Azorean Whale Festival to promote the islands as one of the key locations worldwide to see whales. The Dolphin and Whale Connection donates a percentage of it's profits to the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), helping to protect whales and dolphins worldwide.
All the activities we recommend locally are run by Azoreans and are designed to maintain good relationships between visitors and the local people. For example, we sell and promote only local crafts to our guests to support local craft makers and artisans and to spread tourism income to many islanders. Our favourite restaurants are all run by Azorean people, and we do recommend that our visitors try the delicious local cuisine while supporting sustainable local fishermen in particular.
As well as whale watching we offer geological and cultural tours hosted solely by experienced local guides with an in-depth knowledge of their island and its landscape. We support the local vineyards where guests can sample the fantastic Azorean wine and take these locally produced gifts back to people at home.

62 Reviews of Whale watching in the Azores
Reviewed on 13 Aug 2019 by Charlie Henderson
The trips to sea in order to see the wildlife were the most memorable part of the trip. Read full reviewReviewed on 08 Jul 2019 by Chris Jackson
The most memorable and exciting part of the vacation was the " be a marine biologist for a day" trip was amazing, not only did we see whales and dolphins but got to understand a lot more about the research being done and all the conservation and protection measures that are ongoing. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jun 2019 by Julie Watson
The half day whale watching trip out on the small dinghy was very exciting. Horta was our favourite base and Pico and Capelinhos on Faial were fascinating landscapes. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Jun 2019 by David Smith
Actually seeing the dolphins and blue whale was memorable. The trip was a fantastic experience with well informed staff. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2019 by Caroline Sandford
There were so many exciting parts to this trip but if I had to chose one it would be the first day we went to sea, it was on my birthday and we were surrounded by Dolphins. A truly amazing experience. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 May 2019 by Carole Bowman
Seeing whales and dolphins was the most memorable part of our vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Jun 2018 by Vivian Munn
The anticipation and then the excitement of actually seeing the sperm and pilot whales that honoured us with their presence! Read full reviewReviewed on 08 Jun 2018 by Siobhan Chapman
It fully lived up to our expectations.....Seeing a group of four sperm whales resting together on the surface just in front of the boat Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Jun 2018 by Margaret Merris
We were on the cat and a huge gasp went up from everyone on board; a fin whale had swum in front of the boat and opened its mouth out of the water to feed. It was only a split second but that sight is engraved on my memory. My partner didn't see it, he was looking the other way at the time. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 May 2018 by Jennifer Gough
Going out to sea in a small RIB to watch the dolphins and the whales. An excellent vacation with very knowledgeable marine biologists on board the boats. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 May 2018 by Sue Lavender
The Rib boat trip and seeing the Finn whales. Greatly missed out by one day on seeing blue, humpback and whales which would have made it an extra special experience. But they are out there if you’re lucky. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Aug 2017 by Fiona Bashford
Seeing a shark, lots of dolphins and a few whales was the highlight. The land tour of the island was also well worth doing: swimming in natural thermal water, having a traditional lunch, visiting a tea plantation... Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jun 2017 by Dee Searle
The best experience was the Zodiac boat, when we got up close and personal with a huge pod of common dolphins (including some new-borns) and with three fin whales, who stayed with us for ages, plus flying fish and Cory's shearwaters. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2017 by Greta Hughes
We had amazing sightings of a Blue whale and Fin whales and Bottlenose dolphins and Common dolphins and 1 turtle. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Jun 2017 by Emily Bowen
Looking for whales and dolphins in the wild when we knew we were so close to them. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 May 2017 by Lesley Rudling
Several times seeing Blue Whales starting their deep dive with flukes in the air. We saw Blue whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales galore and a solitary Humpback whale which also did a "flukes in the air" dive. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Jul 2017 by Richard Casburn
Seeing the fin whales, sperm whales, striped, common and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins was the most memorable moment. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 Jun 2017 by Abraham Varghese
Beautiful island with ideal temperatures for walking, hiking and surfing... Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2017 by Marijke Doidge
I loved everything about my vacation to the Azores but the whale watching is why I wanted to go there, it did not disappoint. I saw a humpback whale, two sperm whales of which one showed the tail when it dived under the water and three fin whales. Read full reviewReviewed on 19 May 2017 by Anne Lowndes
Great vacation we had three days of storms and still found things to do Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2017 by Maureen Keith
The most memorable was Terra Nostra botanical gardens. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Sep 2016 by Tasha Gray
The RIB was great fun and we were lucky enough to see Sperm Whales with a calf and a huge pod of very playful dolphins!! Read full reviewReviewed on 08 Aug 2016 by Stuart Sinclair
The whole trip was an adventure. The boat trips were amazing. We were lucky enough to see 3 different types of dolphin on each trip and a manta ray on one of the trips. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Jul 2016 by Jacquelynn Morby
Swimming with the Dolphin's was excellent and so exciting, would, do it again in a flash, only wished I had booked for 5 swims. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Jul 2016 by Reba Cast
Best bit: Seeing wildlife in its own environment but in a non intrusive manner Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Jun 2016 by Stephen Lucas
Being in the company of a wonderful people and getting to see some amazing wildlife. Read full reviewReviewed on 09 Jun 2016 by Sue Beckingham
Nothing was too much trouble. Great knowledge of the countryside and of the whales. Very conscious of safety and not getting to close to the whales. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2016 by Steven Yerby
Whale watching-it was amazing to see animals in their natural environment. We saw three of the largest creatures in the world. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 May 2016 by Toby Cantlie
I was really taken by the Azores, the people and the wild-life. I would happily come again and explore more. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 May 2015 by Sylvia Hanlon
Seeing whales and dolphins in the sea. Fantastic! Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Sep 2015 by Ian Flindall
One of our best (and in our 60s we have been on some!) Read full reviewReviewed on 19 Jul 2015 by Denise Watson
This was a fab vacation and experience. To experience these animals in their natural environment was just amazing. We also saw flying fish, turtles, 3 types of dolphins and a fin whale - wow!! Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2015 by Mary Gardner
The best parts were the 3 whale-watching trips where we saw many sperm whales and several different types of dolphin, and also a trip to Furnas where we spent an hour or so in the hot pool there. Worth a visit, and the gardens are lovely. Read full reviewReviewed on 16 Jun 2015 by colin wilkie
Most memorable or exciting part of your vacation? Seeing Sperm Whales in the Atlantic Ocean! Read full reviewReviewed on 28 May 2015 by Shirley Keyworth
Good weather and many sightings of whales; 10 out of 10. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 May 2015 by Joy Marshall
Whales, whales and more whales! Fabulous. The tour operators were awesome. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Apr 2015 by Claire Ashton
I cannot recommend the team highly enough, they showed great respect for the animals whilst providing a brilliant Whale and Dolphin watching experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip; the people, animals and islands were a joy. The travel company were highly efficient and our itinerary was delivered faultlessly. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 May 2015 by Barbara Moinet
The most exciting part? Seeing Bottlenose Dolphins up close Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Jul 2014 by Alison Andrews
Fantastic we think it is the best thing we have done so far. The whale watching was spectacular, but the island is also beautiful and unspoilt with great views and lovely walks. Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Jul 2014 by julie harris
11 / 10 if you wish to see the marine life with environmentally respectful people. Read full reviewReviewed on 30 Jun 2014 by Peter Ellis
Fantastic, a perfect honeymoon. Such a beautiful place. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Jun 2014 by Barbara Watt
Simply the best! The accommodation was simple but all that was needed. Everyone else on the group all had the same goal - to see whales and we certainly did. I had a fantastic time and have to admit to having a lump in my throat when I saw my first Blue Whale... Read full reviewReviewed on 29 Aug 2014 by Alison Woodland
The most memorable parts were the 5 boat trips - each in different conditions with different dolphin/whale sightings. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Aug 2014 by daniela gallo
I loved to follow whales in their natural environment. The organization provides a low environmental impact whale watching vacation Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Jun 2013 by Carl Allen
I really enjoyed the whole experience. It was my first trip on my own and I was i was quite scared about it all. It was very well organised and the people there were great and met everyone of your needs and exceeded themselves. The company who i booked this through was spot on and there communication with me was excellent. I cannot wait to go again. Read full reviewReviewed on 20 Jun 2013 by Diane Mulloy
One of the best vacations I have ever had. It was exciting , humbling, awe inspiring and such an amazing experience .. Unforgettable and just beautiful. The tour operator, the skippers and all the staff were so interesting, informative and very friendly. If you love whales and the thrill of speeding across the ocean and beautiful scenery all in one the this vacation is a must. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Jun 2013 by Margaret Waterman
The encounters with marine life exceeded expectation. Nine species in one week including blue, fin, sperm and false killer whales...Excellent. The encounters were exceptional; the expertise impressive; and we had fun. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Aug 2013 by Jane Milton
Well worth the money. We really enjoyed it. Seeing the whales and dolphins so close up was just amazing. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 May 2013 by David Thompson
Excellent...The whale and dolphin watching company has good eco credentials and visibly took the welfare of the animals seriously Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2013 by Soli Hillel
Hearing the whales breath was the most memorable part of the vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 May 2013 by William Hassey
Seeing pods of killer whales and amazing dolphins in their natural environment was the most memorable part of the vacation. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Jun 2012 by Richard Burgess-Gamble
Really hard to choose due to so many memorable and exciting moments. We saw whales and dolphins everyday and every sighting was special in its own way. Seeing a Sei Whale was particularly impressive due to its size and rarity of sightings at that time of year. Read full reviewReviewed on 26 Jul 2012 by Lindsay Adams
Seeing a female whale with 3 babies on the surface and having the privilege to see babies feeding from their mothers. Although the first day that we went out on the water was amazing skipping over a 4 metre swell. This was exhilarating and exciting! Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2011 by Rebecca Bower
The most memorable part was having dolphins swimming along with the boat, seeing a sperm whale breach and holding a loggerhead turtle...Excellent - very enjoyable. Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2011 by Catherine Barnes
Most memorable was watching young Sperm whales swimming with adult whales and then breaching in the water... Fantastic and would definitely go again, and book using responsibletravel.com. Read full reviewOur travel guides
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