Whale and Dolphin Watching in the Azores

Whale watching in the Azores, mainly in Faial and Pico, appeared as a sustainable substitute of the whaling activities. It is a small scale activity when compared to several places in the world. Whale watching boats are small in number and size and the impact of this activity on the natural environment is believed to be neglectible. Norberto Diver has collaborated with the University of the Azores in order to evaluate and reduce the impact of the whale watching on the whales and dolphins.

Whale watching activity occurs during the entire year whenever the sea conditions allow. However, the best season is definitely from April to September. Several whale and dolphin species use the Azores archipelago has a course for they journey during the year allowing us to have a successful whale watching trip almost every time we go to the sea. The Azores are, with no doubt, one of the best places for whale and dolphin watching in the whole Atlantic. Visit the Azores and live an aquatic adventure, where you can find the largest animals on earth.

Our whale watching methods

We use very similar methods to spot the whales to those used during the whaling activity. To assure a trip with cetacean's observation we employ former whalers in outlooks ("vigias" in Portuguese) on Faial and Pico that seek for animals since sunrise. In 2003 we had 75% of trips with whale sightings and 88% in 2004.

We organize two daily trips with 3 at 4 hours of duration. The time schedule is 08:30 am for the morning trip and 15:00 (03:00) pm for the afternoon trip. This schedule is flexible and we may accommodate the group requirements. A briefing is made at the beginning of each trip explaining what will happen during the tour and what kind of species are likely to be watched.

Our whale watching boats

We own 3 semi-rigid boats with 12 individual seats and a vessel that holds 12 persons. This vessel called "Jonas" has inside and outside seating, 2 cabinets and one toilette, the best choice for tourist with children, tourist with physical disabilities and seniors. All the boats carry life vests for all passengers and all other required safety equipment, and are equipped with navigation devices, marine radios, and depth sounder.