Tailormade Holidays in the Azores

Tour Code: TAZO

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday in the Azores with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

Sperm Whales & Cetaceans of São Miguel

7 Days

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Whales, Wines & Wonders of Pico

6 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

April to October

Best Time to Go

May to September

Speak to a travel expert

Georgie Dodds

Tailormade Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

São Miguel
Pico

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Summary

Few people know much about this far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic – yet scarce other places in Europe offer better cetacean watching! These attractive, isolated and unspoilt Atlantic islands combine a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with a fascinating natural history and geology. An autonomous region of Portugal, the Azores archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands, and stretches for more than 600 kilometres midway between Europe and North America. These lush and fertile lands enjoy a wonderfully warm oceanic climate in the summer. The surrounding seas are warmed by the Gulf Stream, and the islands shelve steeply into the sea, creating an underwater topography that is perfect for attracting deep-diving cetaceans such as Sperm Whales. Our tailormade holidays focus on the islands of Pico and Sao Miguel, with the option to visit other islands if you wish. The Azores are home to an interesting array of birds and delightful plantlife, but it is the marine life - in particular the whale and dolphin-watching – that is simply world class. 28 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise have been recorded in the waters around the Azores, including Sperm Whales, Blue Whales, many dolphin species and even the elusive beaked whales. During a whale watching holiday, one may be privileged to locate a family group of Sperm Whales with their calves, as well as an abundance of dolphin species – typically Atlantic Spotted, Short-beaked Common, Bottlenose, Risso's, and Striped Dolphins.

Our Locations

Pico Island is most famous for its imposing volcano, Mount Pico, which, with an altitude of 2,347 metres, is the highest peak in Portugal. The volcanic nature of the island is weaved into the architecture of the buildings, and the traditional houses are made from blocks of black lava, with striking use of white paint and vibrant flowers blooming in the gardens.

Whale-watching boat tours from Pico are exhilarating, utilising both on-board guides and professional onshore spotters (known as ‘vigias’) to greatly increase chances of unforgettable whale and dolphin encounters. There is always a sense of great excitement as the skipper is carefully led into the heart of the action with the help of the onshore spotter via the boat’s radio. As well as the numerous cetaceans, one might also hope to see Portuguese Man O’ War, as well as numerous sharks, turtles and flying fish. Inland, the island’s verdant landscape has an extensive network of lava caves, the ceilings of which glitter under torchlight with silver and gold actinomycete bacteria. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no visit to Pico is complete without walking through the island’s unique vineyards, accompanied by chattering Atlantic Canaries, Blackcaps and the Azorean subspecies of Chaffinch.

Wine tasting is a popular activity here, and the island’s cuisine is also superb. There is no better way to round off a day of enthralling whale-watching than to relax on a warm terrace overlooking the sunny vineyards, with a glass of cold white wine and tucking into a delicious local delicacy, often consisting of fresh, locally-caught seafood.

Accommodation in Pico

Hotel Caravelas

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Sao Miguel, Azores shutterstock_16878796.jpg

The largest of the Azores archipelago, the beautiful island of São Miguel - nicknamed the ‘Green Island’ – has much to offer the keen naturalist. From the rugged, volcanic coastline and vast ocean to the lush green interior, the flora and fauna here is superb, as are the landscapes. Direct flights from London to the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, make this a great choice for those looking for a quick burst of winter sunshine or a long-weekend escape.

Half-day whale watching excursions are the real draw of a visit to the island and can be enjoyed from either a large, comfortable catamaran or an exhilarating RIB. These generally focus on Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales with the chance of a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. Spring and summer are generally the most productive months for cetaceans which are attracted by the annual spring plankton bloom. Fin Whales are the most frequently recorded species at this time, although small numbers of Minke, Sei and Blue Whales are also seen each spring. They join the resident Sperm Whales, plus three dolphin species: Bottlenose, Risso’s and Short-beaked Common Dolphin. Striped and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins arrive with the warmer currents during the late spring and early summer. Whale watching guidelines are strictly adhered to in the Azores, allowing us to only approach within a comfortable distance for the whale. Feeding animals move quickly, however, and we may find that a whale chooses to swim alongside our vessel; it is an unforgettable thrill to see the vast outline of an animal the length of two school buses end-to-end just metres away!

Accommodation in São Miguel

Hotel Marina Atlântico

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Sample Itineraries

Enjoy half-day boat excursions to search for the Great Whales of São Miguel that include Fin, Sei Blue and Sperm Whales.

Day

Fly directly from London to São Miguel

Days

2 - 6

Half day boat excursions in search of Great Whales and other cetaceans

Day

Fly London

7 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Enjoy a series of half-day whale watching excursions interspersed with time to relax and explore the cultural delights of the island.

Day

Fly to Faial and take a 25-minute ferry crossing to Pico

Days

2 - 5

Enjoy half-day whale watching excursions and tours inland to the vineyards, lava caves and other sites

Day

Fly London

6 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

Marine biologists and professional cetacean guides lead all of our whale watching excursions in the Azores. Guided excursions can also be arranged for those looking to explore a little more of the islands’ history and culture on land.

When to Visit

Cetacean watching is best enjoyed during the late spring and summer months when algal blooms attract numerous Great Whales during their northern migration. This time of year also coincides with pleasant temperatures and some of the year’s calmest sea conditions.

Getting Around

São Miguel can be reached by a direct flight from London, and private road transfers can be arranged for the short journey to your hotel. Those visiting Pico will need to fly to Horta on the nearby island of Faial and take a 25-minute ferry across to Pico which we will arrange for you. The road networks are extremely good and those looking to explore further inland may choose to do so as part of a self-drive holiday.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!