About this experience
Join a university-linked marine research team (MARE-start Up) and take part in ongoing Cetaceans monitoring. Depart from Horta, Faial to explore one of the world’s most important cetacean hotspots.
Highlights
- Bottlenose dolphins, risso and common are resident with many migratory species
- Spermwhales are resident, blue whales fin, humpback and sei whales are migratory
- Loggerhead and green turtles live in the Azores with leatherback and kemp too
- Birdwatching for corys, great and manx shearwaters, common and roseate terns
- Flying fish, squid, octopus, hammerhead and blue sharks, sunfish all can appear
What's included
- Marine researcher from the University on board
- Waterproof Clothes
- Safety Insurance
- Briefing about the tour and animals
How to use
- Show Mobile Ticket
- At Redemption Counter
What to expect
A Marine Biologist or a Marine Researcher will be on board to collect data and to provide you a unique experience with up-to-date information on marine life. We are a start up from the University, Naturalist is managed by two marine researchers that decided to link Science and Tourism (Gisela Dionísio and José Gomes Pereira, both PhDs on Marine Ecology and Climate Change). Our team will do briefing about the marine biodiversity and cetaceans occurring in the region and our project goals. These expeditions will be conducted in English, Portuguese. Tours in French, German, Spanish, Romanian or Italian need to be requested in advance and according to our availability. The value paid here is according to this platform and does not represent our public price.
Species/Species: With over 25 cetacean species in the region, normally 2 to 3 different are observed on each tour. Sperm whales year-round, Blue and Fin whales in spring, while Bryde and Sei whales can occur also in the summer + several dolphin species that are resident.
Transport: RIB boat 12-14 pax
Our expeditions take an average of 3 hours. We have tours in the morning at 09h00 and in the afternoon at 14h00.
As our boat is a semi-rigid, we do not recommend this activity in case of severe back problems or in case of pregnancy. Please note that trips depend on the weather conditions and can be rescheduled, with full refund in case of cancellation. Information about the presence of species is provided before each trip.
Weather is always in charge. If you contact us with your dates in faial and Pico we will try to give you the best weather forecast.
Terms & conditions
Nature sets the schedule. To ensure the best experience, please share your dates in Faial or Pico—we’ll recommend the optimal days based on conditions and availability. Tours run in English and Portuguese. Other languages on request, subject to availability of a marine researcher or biologist on your chosen date.