Dolphins, whales and humans; 1-week Whale Watching package on Pico

Dolphins, whales and humans – one week Whale Watching package on Pico Island

Watching whales and dolphins in the wild is a unique experience, which many people dream about all their lifes. On Pico Island it can become reality. Pico is known to be one of the best places in the world when it comes to whale watching. Spend a week searching for Moby Dick, accompanied by the team of Espaço Talassa. The Azores are among the best places in the world to spot whales and dolphins. About 25 different species live in the Azores archipelago or pass by the islands. Focusing on the waters around the island of Pico, the dream of spotting whales and dolphins up close will become a reality. Almost nowhere else in the world it’s possible to observe so many different species within only one season. The ocean provides a richly set table for these various mammals. The most frequently spotted whale is the sperm whale, Moby Dick, which can grow up to 18 meters long. The most spotted dolphins in this area are bottlenose dolphins and the so-called common dolphins.

Espaço Talassa – Sustainable Whale Watching on the Azores since 1989

Since 1989 Serge Viallelle has explored the ocean around the Azores. He investigates the stunning world of the local Cetacean (commonly known as whales and dolphins). With increasing passion he founded the first sustainable Whale Watching and Cetacean Research Station of the Azores in 1991.
On each of your 5 boat excursions you’ll have a 98% chance to get to spot cetaceans. You not only get the opportunity to observe one of the 28 registered species of marine mammals, but also actively participate in their research and protection. With respect for the animals, their environment and our ethnic principals, you will help collecting data for our research; taking pictures, creating underwater audio files and observing the animals.
By choosing Espaço Talassa, you decide to limit your ecological footprint. Espaço Talassa, in collaboration with Quercus, is planting trees and participating in the micro-reserve project to partially offset the environmental deficit and CO2 emissions caused by our whale watching activity. For each client of Espaço Talassa, 50 cent will be donated to replant the mountain range of Carmulo, called “Cabeço Santo”. After a horrific fire in 2005, it is now reforested with our help.

1 week holiday with dolphins and whales
The hotel you’ll be staying in for 7 nights is directly linked to the Whale Watching agency Espaço Talassa and the Whaler’s Museum of Lajes do Pico. Most rooms have sea view or a view of the impressive mountain of Pico. Breakfast is included. You’ll also have included transfers to and from the airport or the harbors of Pico. In case you’ll arrive on Faial, the transfer from Faial to Pico is bookable for an extra charge.
During your stay you’ll participate in 5 boat excursions, each will take approximately 3 hours. Before the excursions important data will be collected, to make the trip as successful as possible. The afternoons are free. It’s recommendable to visit the Whaler’s Museum in Lajes, which provides interesting information about the history of whaling in the Azores. Our Whale Watching office provides information about the whales and other marine mammals. It’s possible to rent goggles, entire snorkel equipments, bikes or kayaks; go for a hike and enjoy the wonderful views Pico’s hiking trails provide; or book individual tours to the other islands with vista verde azores.
This description is only a rough summary of your package. Depending on climatic conditions, safety and health issues, and of course the presence of the animals, the tour operator might modify the program.