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    [name] => Great Whales of the Azores (São Miguel)
    [code] => PRT11
    [slug] => great-whales-of-the-azores-so-miguel
    [description] => 
For this whale-watching holiday to the Azores we are offering two separate itineraries. The first, based on São Miguel, involves direct flights from London to Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel), a short transfer to a marina-side hotel and whale-watching excursions focusing on Fin and Sperm Whales with a chance of seeing a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. The second is based on Pico, which is reached by a flight from London via Lisbon (with an overnight stay in the vibrant Portuguese capital) and is more suited to those who are very keen to have a higher chance of seeing Blue Whales, as statistically this iconic species is more frequently recorded in this central part of the Azores than in the east. Both Fin and Sperm Whales, as well as other cetaceans, are also seen regularly off Pico. The Azores archipelago is thought to provide a convenient ‘midway stopover’ for populations of Blue and Fin Whales to refuel during their journey between southern breeding grounds and their summer foraging sites in eastern Greenland and Iceland to the north, and this holiday (both itineraries) is timed to coincide with their migration. There will be a day’s birdwatching on each tour, as well as a leisure day for relaxing or doing additional activities.


PLEASE NOTE: This tour can be combined with our Great Whales of the Azores (Pico) trip. See PRT12.


    

  • Fin & Blue Whales stop over in Azorean waters on migration each spring
    • 

  • Choice of combining this 8-day tour to São Miguel focusing on great whales and the 9-day tour to Pico with a greater chance of Blue Whales
    • 

  • Fin Whales most common 'great whale' seen during May in the Azores
    • 

  • Chance of Blue, Sei & Minke Whales off Pico & São Miguel
    • 

  • Sperm Whales, plus Bottlenose, Risso’s & Short-beaked Common Dolphins seen year-round
    • 

  • Striped & Atlantic Spotted Dolphins possible in May
    • 

  • Look for Azores Bullfinch, São Miguel
    • 

  • Look for the island ‘races’ of birds such as Chaffinch & Goldcrest
    • 

  • Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary & Azorean race of Common Buzzard
    • 

  • Leisure day with optional activities including more whale-watching excursions and swimming with wild dolphins
    • 

  • Led by expert naturalist guide
    • 



 


 

    [introduction] => An 8-day holiday on São Miguel in the eastern Azores, timed to coincide with the arrival of migrating Fin, Sei and Blue Whales, which join resident Sperm Whales and dolphins each spring.
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Few people know much about this far-flung archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic - yet few places in Europe offer better cetacean watching! If that wasn't tantalising enough, the Azores offer both delicious local cuisines (the soft Pico cheese, served with honey, being a particular favourite) and wines - all of which we will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy during our time here!




The Azores archipelago consists of nine volcanic islands, and stretches for more than 600 kilometres midway between Europe and North America. Its highest point is Mount Pico at just over 2,350 metres. It has a mild oceanic climate and the surrounding seas are warmed by the Gulf Stream.


The islands shelve steeply into the sea, creating an underwater topography that is perfect for attracting deep-diving whales.


These are friendly, attractive and unspoilt Atlantic islands which combine a relaxed atmosphere with an interesting natural history and geology. 

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Macaronesia

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                    [title] => Holiday Details (PRT11)
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Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the nine islands of the Azores archipelago lie in an arc along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, rising to just over 2,351 metres at their highest point, Mount Pico. The Azores offers the best whale-watching opportunities in Europe, and each spring the resident Sperm Whales are joined by other great whales, including the largest animal thought to have ever lived, the Blue Whale. The islands are also home to many breeding seabirds such as Cory’s Shearwater, and several endemics including Azores Bullfinch and Azores Chaffinch. All of the islands in the archipelago have volcanic origins. Situated in the eastern Azores, São Miguel is the largest and boasts impressive bubbling calderas and iron-rich thermal pools as well as gardens nestling in secluded valleys and hiking trails with wonderful vistas at every turn.


This tour, based on São Miguel, involves direct flights from London to Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel), a short transfer to a marina-side hotel and whale-watching excursions focusing on Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales with the chance of seeing a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. Several species of large baleen whale migrate annually north and south through the Atlantic Ocean, their journeys taking them across vast areas where food is seldom abundant. The Azores archipelago is thought to provide a convenient ‘midway stopover’ for populations of Blue, Sei and Fin Whales to refuel during their journey between breeding grounds further south, and their summer feeding sites in eastern Greenland and Iceland to the north. Studies have shown that individuals typically remain around the Azores from between a few days and two months and that the highest number of baleen whale sightings occurs in May. Fin Whales are the most frequently recorded species at this time, although small numbers of Minke, Sei, Bryde's 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.


During our stay in the Azores, we will join expert local marine biologists and guides — on either a comfortable catamaran or on exhilarating RIBs — to search for Fin, Blue and Sei Whales, as well as other species of cetacean, on half-day boat trips (weather permitting). We will scan the ocean for signs of these cetaceans, which are attracted here by the annual spring plankton bloom. Being close to these huge animals is one of life’s most moving and exciting experiences. 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!


There will also be an opportunity to explore some of the different birdwatching sites on São Miguel (a chance to see one of the rarest birds in Europe and the only endemic land bird in the archipelago, the Azores Bullfinch or ‘Priolo’) and there will be a ‘free day’ which may be spent at leisure. We are also likely to come across a variety of other species during our stay including Barolo Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary and the Azorean race of Common Buzzard.


Please note that our exact itinerary will be kept flexible, taking into account the weather conditions during the course of each holiday. After a week of exciting whale-watching, some gentle birdwatching on land and tasty Azorean cuisine and wine, it will be time to leave our island home and make the short drive back to the airport for our flight to London.


 

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                    [title] => PRT11    Accommodation
                    [content] => A comfortable hotel near the sea. All rooms have private facilities.
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Breakfasts are included, lunches and dinners are excluded from the tour price. Allow £45 per day for these.

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                    [content] => Whales, also dolphins and birds.
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                    [title] => Why Naturetrek?
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:


    

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
    • 

  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
    • 

  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

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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!

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For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Allow our experts to create a private, customised itinerary with dates and prices to suit you.

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Great Whales of the Azores (São Miguel)

Tour Code: PRT11

An 8-day holiday on São Miguel in the eastern Azores, timed to coincide with the arrival of migrating Fin, Sei and Blue Whales, which join resident Sperm Whales and dolphins each spring.

£2,595

Flight Inclusive

£2,095

Land Only
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Tour Itinerary and Reports

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1 Itinerary 5 Tour Reports
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George Nicholson

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Email Call 1-844-433-9473
Carbon Footprint

1041kg CO2e

With International Flights

256.3kg CO2e

Tour Only

What does this mean?

Highlights

  • Fin & Blue Whales stop over in Azorean waters on migration each spring
  • Choice of combining this 8-day tour to São Miguel focusing on great whales and the 9-day tour to Pico with a greater chance of Blue Whales
  • Fin Whales most common 'great whale' seen during May in the Azores
  • Chance of Blue, Sei & Minke Whales off Pico & São Miguel
  • Sperm Whales, plus Bottlenose, Risso’s & Short-beaked Common Dolphins seen year-round
  • Striped & Atlantic Spotted Dolphins possible in May
  • Look for Azores Bullfinch, São Miguel
  • Look for the island ‘races’ of birds such as Chaffinch & Goldcrest
  • Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary & Azorean race of Common Buzzard
  • Leisure day with optional activities including more whale-watching excursions and swimming with wild dolphins
  • Led by expert naturalist guide

Summary

Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the nine islands of the Azores archipelago lie in an arc along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, rising to just over 2,351 metres at their highest point, Mount Pico. The Azores offers the best whale-watching opportunities in Europe, and each spring the resident Sperm Whales are joined by other great whales, including the largest animal thought to have ever lived, the Blue Whale. The islands are also home to many breeding seabirds such as Cory’s Shearwater, and several endemics including Azores Bullfinch and Azores Chaffinch. All of the islands in the archipelago have volcanic origins. Situated in the eastern Azores, São Miguel is the largest and boasts impressive bubbling calderas and iron-rich thermal pools as well as gardens nestling in secluded valleys and hiking trails with wonderful vistas at every turn.

This tour, based on São Miguel, involves direct flights from London to Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel), a short transfer to a marina-side hotel and whale-watching excursions focusing on Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales with the chance of seeing a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. Several species of large baleen whale migrate annually north and south through the Atlantic Ocean, their journeys taking them across vast areas where food is seldom abundant. The Azores archipelago is thought to provide a convenient ‘midway stopover’ for populations of Blue, Sei and Fin Whales to refuel during their journey between breeding grounds further south, and their summer feeding sites in eastern Greenland and Iceland to the north. Studies have shown that individuals typically remain around the Azores from between a few days and two months and that the highest number of baleen whale sightings occurs in May. Fin Whales are the most frequently recorded species at this time, although small numbers of Minke, Sei, Bryde's 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.

During our stay in the Azores, we will join expert local marine biologists and guides — on either a comfortable catamaran or on exhilarating RIBs — to search for Fin, Blue and Sei Whales, as well as other species of cetacean, on half-day boat trips (weather permitting). We will scan the ocean for signs of these cetaceans, which are attracted here by the annual spring plankton bloom. Being close to these huge animals is one of life’s most moving and exciting experiences. 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!

There will also be an opportunity to explore some of the different birdwatching sites on São Miguel (a chance to see one of the rarest birds in Europe and the only endemic land bird in the archipelago, the Azores Bullfinch or ‘Priolo’) and there will be a ‘free day’ which may be spent at leisure. We are also likely to come across a variety of other species during our stay including Barolo Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary and the Azorean race of Common Buzzard.

Please note that our exact itinerary will be kept flexible, taking into account the weather conditions during the course of each holiday. After a week of exciting whale-watching, some gentle birdwatching on land and tasty Azorean cuisine and wine, it will be time to leave our island home and make the short drive back to the airport for our flight to London.

Outline Itinerary

Day
1
Fly direct from London to Ponta Delgada.
Days
2 - 3
Morning and afternoon whale-watching.
Day
4
Full-day birdwatching excursion.
Day
5
Day at leisure with optional activities.
Days
6 - 7
Morning and afternoon whale-watching.
Day
8
Fly direct from Ponta Delgada to London.
Itinerary Image
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What's Included?

Food

Breakfasts are included, lunches and dinners are excluded from the tour price. Allow £45 per day for these.

Accommodation

A comfortable hotel near the sea. All rooms have private facilities.

Documents

Itineraries

Itinerary
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Tour Reports

May 2026
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May 2025
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May 2024
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May 2019
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May 2016
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Dates & Prices

2027

Flight Inclusive

£2,695

Land Only

£2,295

Single Supplement

£395

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Tour Leader
Marcus John
Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset.
Read more about Marcus
Book Now

Flight Inclusive

£2,595

Land Only

£2,095

Single Supplement

£395

Regional Departures

Would you rather depart from an airport closer to you? Give us a call at 1-844-433-9473 and we'll see what we can do.

Tour Leader
Marcus John
Marcus John
Marcus developed a passion for wildlife during his childhood spent in rural Somerset.
Read more about Marcus
Book Now

Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

Why Choose Naturetrek?
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45+ Google Reviews

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Gallery

Sao Miguel, Azores
Fin Whale
Blue Whale
Atlantic Spotted Dolphin
Whale watching
Santa Iria lookout in Sao Miguel
Azorean Chaffinch
Sao Miguel
Turnstone (Tom Brereton)
Fin Whale and Boat (Tom Brereton)
Cory's Shearwater (Tom Brereton)
Common Dolphin (Tom Brereton)
Fin Whale (Tom Brereton)

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