From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Group-Friendly
-
Local guide
-
Reservations
History
The Azores were once a major whaling station until Portugal banned the practice in 1984. Former hunters transformed into conservationists, using their intimate knowledge of ocean currents and whale behavior to pioneer responsible whale-watching tours.
Today, Ponta Delgada stands as the epicenter of this eco-tourism revolution, attracting marine enthusiasts to waters where the Gulf Stream meets volcanic upwellings, creating one of the planet’s most biodiverse cetacean habitats.
Highlights
- Embark on a thrilling whale-watching adventure from Ponta Delgada
- Spot up to 25 different cetacean species native to the Azores
- Learn from an expert marine biologist guide onboard
- Choose between a stable catamaran or fast Zodiac boat
- Enjoy a free second tour if no marine life is spotted
Full Description
Set sail from Ponta Delgada harbor on an unforgettable journey into the Atlantic. Accompanied by a marine biologist, search for majestic whales, playful dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds while learning about the delicate marine ecosystem of the Azores.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Why Choose Euro Travelo:
- Secure and easy ticket booking for concerts, festivals, theaters, and business events.
- Complete travel planning including flights, trains, and local transportation.
- Accommodation arrangements near event venues, tailored to your needs.
- Convenient local transfers, from airport pickups to private shuttles.
- On-site concierge support to help you navigate venues and schedules.
- Custom itineraries and experience packages combining multiple events, tours, and activities.
- Secure payment process, making it safe and convenient to book all services online.
- Flexibility: even if you need only one service, we can assist individually.
The trip begins with a detailed safety and educational briefing, covering the history of whale conservation and respectful observation practices. Then venture into deep waters where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge creates ideal conditions for diverse marine life.
Year-round residents include sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, and Risso’s dolphins, while seasonal visitors like blue whales and fin whales appear in spring. Every trip offers a unique chance to witness nature’s grandeur up close.
Why Choose This Experience?
This tour combines expert guidance with a strong commitment to responsible wildlife viewing. The presence of a marine biologist ensures accurate, educational commentary that deepens your appreciation of the ocean.
With flexible boat options and a sighting guarantee, the experience caters to all ages and comfort levels, making it a reliable and enriching choice for nature lovers visiting São Miguel.
What’s Included
- Pre-tour safety and educational briefing
- Expert marine biologist or nature guide
- Life jacket (mandatory on Zodiac boats)
- Raincoat and waterproof pants (Zodiac option only)
- Choice of catamaran or Zodiac vessel
- Free second tour if no animals are sighted
- Insurance and local taxes
- Binoculars for shared use onboard
- Hot beverages during cooler months
Itinerary
- Starting location: Futurismo Azores Adventures, Portas do Mar – Shop 26
- Safety briefing (15 minutes)
- Departure from Ponta Delgada harbor
- Whale and dolphin watching at sea (2.75 hours)
- Return to Ponta Delgada harbor
Pricing
From $75 per person
Meeting Point
Futurismo Azores Adventures at Ponta Delgada Harbour, Portas do Mar – Shop 26, 9500-771 São Miguel, Azores, Portugal.
How to get there
- Walk 10 minutes from Ponta Delgada city center
- Take a taxi or rideshare directly to Portas do Mar
- Free parking available nearby at the marina
- Local buses stop within 5 minutes of the meeting point
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable non-slip shoes
- Warm layers and windproof jacket
- Sunscreen and hat
- Camera with zoom lens
- Seasickness medication (if needed)
- Reusable water bottle
Know before you go
- Tours operate in catamaran or Zodiac based on booking choice
- Catamaran recommended for young children, seniors, pregnant guests, or those with mobility issues
- Trips may be canceled due to weather or low participant numbers
- Not suitable for high-heeled shoes, smoking, drones, alcohol, or drugs
- Bring motion sickness prevention if prone to seasickness
Reviews
- Saw two whale species and dozens of dolphins; got slightly seasick but still worth every moment—highly recommend!
- Knowledgeable and friendly crew made the trip exceptional; spotted dolphins multiple times and a Sei whale despite a full boat.
- An absolutely amazing wildlife encounter—grateful to have experienced the Azores’ marine life up close.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is seasickness common on this tour?
Seasickness is possible due to the open Atlantic waters, particularly on Zodiac boats which ride closer to the waves and feel more motion than the stable catamaran. Guests prone to motion discomfort are strongly advised to take non-drowsy medication like Dramamine or ginger tablets 30–60 minutes before boarding. The crew carries ginger candies, crackers, and fresh water to help settle stomachs, and they position the boat to minimize rocking when animals are spotted.
What happens if we don’t see any whales or dolphins?
The tour operates with a “see or come back free” guarantee, meaning if no cetaceans are sighted during your trip, you’ll be offered a complimentary second tour on a different day at no additional cost. This policy reflects the company’s confidence in the Azores’ rich marine environment, where over 25 species are regularly observed, and sighting rates exceed 95% year-round thanks to the islands’ position along major migration routes. The marine biologist uses hydrophones, radar, and decades of local knowledge to locate pods efficiently, often venturing 5–15 nautical miles offshore where deep waters attract large whales.
Which boat should I choose—catamaran or Zodiac?
The choice between catamaran and Zodiac depends entirely on your comfort preferences and adventure style. Catamarans are spacious, stable vessels with indoor cabins, restrooms, shaded seating, and wide decks—perfect for families with children under 8, pregnant women, seniors, or anyone with mobility limitations, back problems, or a preference for minimal motion. They glide smoothly over waves, reducing seasickness risk and allowing relaxed viewing from multiple levels.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Children of all ages are enthusiastically welcomed, making this one of the most family-friendly wildlife experiences in the Azores. For safety, kids under 8 years old must travel exclusively on the catamaran, which offers stable footing, enclosed areas, and easy access to restrooms—life jackets are provided for every passenger and are mandatory on Zodiacs regardless of age. The pre-tour briefing is tailored to be engaging for young minds, explaining whale communication, migration patterns, and ocean conservation in simple, captivating terms.
What is the cancellation policy?
Flexibility is built into every booking with free cancellation allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, processed instantly to your original payment method. The reserve-now-pay-later option lets you secure your spot without upfront charges, perfect for coordinating travel plans or gifting experiences. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable to account for reserved boat space and crew scheduling, but if the operator cancels due to unsafe weather (high winds, heavy rain, or rough seas), you’ll receive a full refund or the choice to reschedule at no cost.
