A whale and dolphin watching tour is definitely on my list of Top 5 Things to do in the Azores. This will probably be the most expensive activity you’d do in the Azores but is absolutely worth it.
Many whales and dolphins pass through the region as part of their migration routes while some are resident species. Although I had read that April and May are the best months to spot some whales, we were lucky to have a very successful whale and dolphin sighting (late March).
Read: Looking for an itinerary for the Azores? Here’s my Ultimate Travel Guide to São Miguel Island in the Azores.
Tour Company
We booked the tour with a small company called Sea Colors. When I was researching about the tour companies in Ponta Delgada, I was particularly interested in Sea Colors because they believe in conducting their tours in a responsible and ethical manner. They work with small groups of 12 people at a time so it felt more personal.
Booking
We wanted to do it on the best day weather-wise during our 5-day visit. Hence, we did not pre-book the tour. We simply spoke to them a day before to confirm our slot in the 1:30 pm tour. It was just a matter of showing up at their kiosk the next day with a few minutes to spare.
Before the Tour
On arrival, we paid them and were then briefed about the types of species of whales and dolphins that are found in the Azores. We were told that it was possible to swim with the dolphins (without getting too close or causing them any distress) and those who wanted to could borrow the wetsuit from them. Finally, we were each given a waterproof jacket and trousers, a dry bag to keep the stuff we may need on board and an opportunity to use the toilet. We decided to carry only the essentials on board the boat and left everything else behind in the room which would then be locked.
Into the Wild
It was now time for action. We were in the ocean for almost 3 hours although we only realised this at the end of the tour. The initial part of the tour was focussed on whales and we saw a few Fin Whales as the boat moved from one place to another based on information coming from a person at a lookout point.
We then headed for another location and encountered a big bunch of Common Dolphins. They were extremely fast moving and seemed to dart from here and there. The final stop was where we saw almost 50-60 Bottle Nose Dolphins. It was mesmerising to watch them elegantly swimming past our boat, almost rhythmic.
About the Boat
Sea Colors uses a 12-seater inflatable-style boat with two parallel log-like structures on which we sat in a straddling manner with handles to hold on to. The boat was actually quite small and cramped. The ride almost felt like a continuous roller-coaster on bumpy, choppy waters (hence the poor quality of photos). However, it gave us a feeling of being on an expedition and a chance to be very close to the animals. If you’re looking for a more comfortable tour with the convenience of moving around, toilet facilities, etc. then this is not for you. You’d be better off booking with bigger boat companies like Picos de Aventura or Futurismo. I am extremely scared of being in the sea but I loved seeing the whales and the dolphins up close in the wild. I don’t think it would’ve been the same on a very big boat.
Good to Know
If you decide to book with Sea Colours, use the toilet before going on board. Leave the valuables behind. Carry a bottle of water. Remember that the tour length is variable because nature doesn’t wait for you 😊 Also when you pay, make sure that they note it down against your name to avoid any confusion later.
Ticket: 50€ pp
Duration: 3-4 hours
Being out in the ocean on a brilliant day with lovely sunshine, clear skies and sapphire-coloured shimmering waters and getting an opportunity to watch the whales and the dolphins in their absolute natural element was an incredible experience, to say the least. If you plan to visit the Azores, please make this a part of your itinerary. I would highly recommend it.
Have you ever been on a whale or dolphin watching tour? Where was it? Please leave me a comment, I’d love to know!
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Cheers,
Ameeta xx
It’s amazing how many dolphins you saw! Tbh I thought that they could not be seen in Azores. Since they are in my bucket list, I will add it to my to-do-things. Besides that, thanks for the tips (specially about the toilet hahaha). Nice read!
Dolphins in the wild are such a thing of joy… if you are lucky they will swim along with the boat and sometimes swim upside down in the wave of water the boat pushes up in front of it. A sight that everyone should see at least once in their life!
Wow this looks like such an incredible experience! So happy you were able to book with an ethical tour company as well!