Whale watching and Swimming with dolphins on São Miguel
For whale and dolphin enthusiasts, the Azores are a "must". Throughout the year there are over 25 different species of marine mammals in the waters around the Azores islands. Despite the sharp eyes of the staff, who search the ocean for whales and dolphins (from the land and with binoculars), every trip to the ocean requires a bit of luck. We would like you to experience this breathtaking nature during the excursions ... and nature is wild and unpredictable. But this very fact makes every sighting an unforgettable experience. No animal is presented to you by using bait, a reward or even compulsion. Everything you can experience is a great gift from nature. Don’t worry, excursions without a sighting are extremely rare. Our biologists and scientific tour guides not only take care of your safety and well-being on board, but will also inspire you with incredible facts. The team will be happy to hear questions during and after the tour. But of course, you are also welcome to just enjoy the moment in silence. Shared happiness is double happiness. Let yourself be carried away by joy, like little kids, at the sight of jumping dolphins. Or stop and listen to the breathing of the giant blue whale, the largest animal in the world.
Swimming with wild dolphins: happy faces, laughter, enthusiasm and even tears of happiness are effects, that the encounter with wild dolphins in the ocean might have. Of course, the animals are not lured with food, and they are also not rewarded for coming to us. Nevertheless, they usually seek the company of boats and often approach the snorkelers in the water. Strict guidelines not only protect the animals but also the guests. Despite all the enthusiasm, all guests must be aware that they’ll meet large and powerful animals in the water; accordingly everyone should behave as a guest, polite and careful. "Respect" is the keyword. The animals react accordingly. Intrusiveness and aggressive approach scare them away. The biologists inform you in advance about the course of the tour and how to behave properly. Of course, you’ll be guided by our staff during the tour and never lose sight of them, so that you can feel safe at all times and enjoy the wonderful encounter with the intelligent animals. Masks, snorkels and swimsuits will be provided on each tour (free of charge). Eye to eye with wild dolphins is one of the most memorable things to experience.
Whale watching:
During the approximately 3-hour excursion (with a zodiac or catamaran), participants have the opportunity to observe some of the 25 different whales that have been spotted in the Azores archipelago. Before departure, a briefing on the safety regulations on board will be carried out and also the species which can be spotted will be discussed. Furthermore, information is given about the history and the rules for the protection of the animals. On the hard shell rubber boat, the so-called Zodiac, it’s mandatory to wear a life jacket during the excursion. On a tour with the larger catamaran, it’s not necessary to wear life jackets. Rainwear is provided, if needed.
This program includes:
- briefing before the tour
- rainwear (jacket and trousers)
- life jacket
- Marine biologists or trained scientists on board
- refreshment after the excursion
Swimming with dolphins:
The half day activity is carried out in small groups, with inflatable boats. It’s accompanied by a qualified biologist or scientist. Each tour is preceded by a briefing. The biologists explain how to swim with wild dolphins, how to get into the water and how to behave in a good way in the vicinity of the dolphins. It also explains how to use mask and snorkel and how to make this experience an enjoyable one.
This program includes:
- briefing before the tour
- mask and snorkel
- short wetsuit
- rainwear (jacket and pants)
- life jacket
- Marine biologists or trained scientists on board - refreshment after the excursion
Swimming with wild dolphins: happy faces, laughter, enthusiasm and even tears of happiness are effects, that the encounter with wild dolphins in the ocean might have. Of course, the animals are not lured with food, and they are also not rewarded for coming to us. Nevertheless, they usually seek the company of boats and often approach the snorkelers in the water. Strict guidelines not only protect the animals but also the guests. Despite all the enthusiasm, all guests must be aware that they’ll meet large and powerful animals in the water; accordingly everyone should behave as a guest, polite and careful. "Respect" is the keyword. The animals react accordingly. Intrusiveness and aggressive approach scare them away. The biologists inform you in advance about the course of the tour and how to behave properly. Of course, you’ll be guided by our staff during the tour and never lose sight of them, so that you can feel safe at all times and enjoy the wonderful encounter with the intelligent animals. Masks, snorkels and swimsuits will be provided on each tour (free of charge). Eye to eye with wild dolphins is one of the most memorable things to experience.
Whale watching:
During the approximately 3-hour excursion (with a zodiac or catamaran), participants have the opportunity to observe some of the 25 different whales that have been spotted in the Azores archipelago. Before departure, a briefing on the safety regulations on board will be carried out and also the species which can be spotted will be discussed. Furthermore, information is given about the history and the rules for the protection of the animals. On the hard shell rubber boat, the so-called Zodiac, it’s mandatory to wear a life jacket during the excursion. On a tour with the larger catamaran, it’s not necessary to wear life jackets. Rainwear is provided, if needed.
This program includes:
- briefing before the tour
- rainwear (jacket and trousers)
- life jacket
- Marine biologists or trained scientists on board
- refreshment after the excursion
Swimming with dolphins:
The half day activity is carried out in small groups, with inflatable boats. It’s accompanied by a qualified biologist or scientist. Each tour is preceded by a briefing. The biologists explain how to swim with wild dolphins, how to get into the water and how to behave in a good way in the vicinity of the dolphins. It also explains how to use mask and snorkel and how to make this experience an enjoyable one.
This program includes:
- briefing before the tour
- mask and snorkel
- short wetsuit
- rainwear (jacket and pants)
- life jacket
- Marine biologists or trained scientists on board - refreshment after the excursion
