Whales & Azorean Whalers Heritage [Mar-Jun]

Enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching tour, a local food lunch by the sea, learn about Whales and Dolphins, and how ancient azorean whaling traditions transitioned to nowadays wildlife observation & research, and even to a unique sport!

What you can expect:

Meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in at the specified time.

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.

At 11:30 it is time to 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.

At 13:30 meet us back at the Marina, for 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 take a van tour to the whaler 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!

At 16:00 you will visit Ponta Garça’s 1957 Lighthouse, for a lighthouse keeper guided tour with interesting facts about the building, its importance for maritime activities and sea men, and to appreciate the beautiful island and ocean views.

At 17:15 it is time to head back to the Marina for check-out.