Overview
Enjoy a 3-hour whale watching tour, a local food lunch by the sea, and learn about whales and dolphins, and how ancient Azorean whaling traditions transitioned to nowadays wildlife observation and research.
See them in the wild
What you will be doing
The day starts with a short briefing on Cetaceans (Whales and Dolphins), local species, behavioural patterns, and onboard safety. Everyone will then follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat for an approximately 3-hour Marine Wildlife tour
Return to the Marina for a local food lunch at a seafront village restaurant - at walking distance from our Base, and to stretch the legs by Vila Franca do Campo’s Marina and Vinha d’Areia beach.
We'll have a short presentation introducing to Azorean Whaling tradition, starting at the authentic 1945 azorean whaleboat 'Senhora de Fátima', the only fully operational and sea-worthy reminder of the era in São Miguel
At 14:00, we'll take a van tour to the whale lookout 'Vigia da Furada', and learn the ancient 1830 whale spotting techniques which helped evolve Azorean Whale Watching to one of the world’s best. Experience how searching for whales has always been yourself using specialised long-range binoculars in the lookout role!
Join a lighthouse keeper guided tour with interesting facts about the building, its importance for maritime activities and seamen, and to appreciate the beautiful island and ocean views
Time to head back to the Marina for check-out
Where we'll meet
🧭 Meeting/pick-up point: São Miguel - Azores Islands, 9680-187 Vila Franca Do Campo, Portugal
🗺️ Instructions: Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.
Things to know
Accessibility:
Children friendly
Fitness requirement
Any fitness level
Tour Language
English
License requirement
None
Additional information:
Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended - protect any personal equipment
Minimum age is 4
NOT FOR anyone with weak back or in delicate health condition.
Inclusion ✅
Lunch
Tour transport
Marine biologist
Exclusion ❌
Water
Pick up and drop off transport
About your host
Terra AzulBased at the Marina of the coastal village of Vila Franca do Campo, in São Miguel Island - Azores Islands, Portugal, we have 20+ years in operating marine ecotours such as whale watching, and interactive and educational tourism experiences. All equipment is professional graded and all our staff are accredited and experienced, and committed to actively contribute to wildlife conservation research & education. Every tour is accompanied by an experienced Skipper, and a Marine Biologist or Naturalist Guide, and data collected during outings contribute towards the Azores Islands’ Cetaceans Conservation & Research project. With deep rooting to the culture of the Azores Islands, TERRA AZUL applies the authentic azorean techniques used for Whaling until 1984, now to the service of culture and education in leisure, and an even better chance to see marine Wildlife. The Azores Islands are a unique place when it comes to wild marine animals. With 4 resident Cetacean species (including Sperm Whales) from total 28 sighted every year, we register a 98% chance of spotting Cetaceans in an average of 3 different species per outing.
For every trip booked, Kodama Travel donates £1 to Just One Tree to restore our forests and the ocean.