Half-Day Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour in Ponta Delgada: Discover the beautiful waters of Azores
4.5
475 Ratings
Ponta Delgada

Embark on a half-day tour to explore the stunning aquatic world of the Azores by observing dolphins and whales. Appreciate these marine creatures of Azores in their natural environment. Get close to nature and gain insights from a Marine Biologist’s live commentary.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

This Whale and Dolphin watching experience begins by greeting guests at our office, followed by a brief orientation (10-15 minutes) covering safety protocols, potential species sightings, and logistical details. Participants will receive a raincoat and a life jacket (required on smaller vessels). It’s then time to set sail, adhering to the guidance and signals from strategically positioned spotters along the island’s southern shoreline. Our vessels will encounter these extraordinary creatures, offering an encounter that blends enjoyment, exploration, education, and scientific insight.

What's Included
  • Mandatory rain coat and life vest on small boats
  • Expert professional guide
  • Live commentary during the tour
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel drop-off
  • Hotel Pick-up
Additional Information
  • Your tour can be on 1 of 3 different types of boats depending on availability: zodiac (speed boat); fiberglass (open boat, more stable) or catamaran (big boat, WC on board)
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
Picos de Aventura - Animação e Lazer
We do not provide pick-ups from hotels for this activity.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(475 Ratings)
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Kendra_m
Jun 12, 2024
Perfect experience.... - Perfect experience. Enjoyed learning a little more about these wonderful creatures. Be realistic and it won’t disappoint.
Review provided by Viator
Carol_b
Jun 11, 2024
Wonderful! - The trip was planned on the catamaran but there was a problem with the boat the day before. Communication was excellent throughout and we were offered a different boat for the same day. The team were great. We quickly saw two types of dolphin soon after leaving the harbour. The whales were difficult to find but we eventually saw a sperm whale and her calf which was amazing. Then spotted a group of pilot whales. The boats were very respectful, keeping a good distance but allowing everyone to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Djo2017-18
Jun 9, 2024
Friendly staff, cares about the safety and respectful with the animals and the ocean - I did the full day with Pico de Aventura beginning of June 2024: in fact, it combines their 2 activities (whales watching in the morning and swimming with dolphins in the afternoon. they provide a lunch in between and you're free for around 1 hour). There are free lockers at their office you can use for your belongings. At the begining we have a debrief with our guide (also biologist), explaining that they won't approach to close to the animals we would met to not stress them, which it's how it has really happened during the tour. And the distance was adequate, we could see them properly. Both activities were pleasant and interesting, guided by biologists. In the morning, I was with the guide Marc and the skipper Natalia, in the small boat. Marc has explained us in English things about the species we met. We were lucky to meet killer whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, short-finned pilot whales and at a further distance: a sperm whale. In the afternoon, I was with the guide Mateo and the skipper Miguel, with a smaller group, still in a small boat. You have 3 trials to go in the water, 2 persons at a same time to avoid to disturb the dolphins. Some people were more lucky inside the water to see them. I could see some close only once (and very quickly), but that's like this, it's nature. Also, before heading back, we saw plenty of them while in the boat, really everywhere, following the boat/jumping. That's was really incredible! And the group was very nice. Such a good day! And a thing I've really appreciated too, during the two tours, the guides and skippers have removed two trashes that were in the ocean, and bring back to the marina (including a big barrel)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lotted810
Jun 8, 2024
Super sailing trip - Super nice trip with good guides who continuously told us what we saw. We saw large groups of playful dolphins, but unfortunately no whales this day🐳 Really good catamaran, where you felt safe the whole time. Can wholeheartedly recommend Picos🤗
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brett_g
Jun 2, 2024
Excellent - The staff onboard was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. The boat was clean and we saw lots whales.
Review provided by Viator
Norene_p
Jun 2, 2024
Whale watch. - Seeing sei whale and sperm whales! Respect for the whales and environment. Quickly finding the whales.
Review provided by Viator
Summerrose230
Jun 1, 2024
Good. - This was a nice tour but honestly do not use speed boats in rough seas or if you have any back issues. Use the bigger boat. The tour company was good. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable. We saw orca! And sperm whale but no dolphin :(.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gbh2018
Jun 6, 2024
Good trip but needed a commentary and safety talk. - It was good but the information came at the very end on the way back to the shore. It would have been better to tell us at the time what we were seeing in the water - Dolphins, Sei Whales and Pilot Whales. There was no doubt that the owner was proud of his boat and business, but if he had shared his enthusiasm at the beginning or during the trip it would have brightened our day further. Wrap up warm as it can be breezy and damp out there. There was NO safety talk before setting off.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yolandelucycatheri_s
Jun 8, 2024
Dolphins only - Seeing dolphins but no whales as apparently it was the end of the migratory season so not sure why it should be called a whale watching tour as it was only a dolphin watching tour
Review provided by Viator
Janice_r
Jun 7, 2024
Not worthwhile - PA system was incomprehensible. Very little of two whales seen. Some dolphins. Not worth time or money. Staff on board were solicitous about passenger safety.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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