Great Whales of the Azores (Pico)

 Far out in the Atlantic Ocean, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates meet, the nine islands of the Azores archipelago lie in an arc along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, rising to just over 2,351 metres at their highest point, Mount Pico. The Azores offers the best whale-watching opportunities in Europe, and each spring the resident Sperm Whales are joined by other great whales, including the largest animal thought to have ever lived, the Blue Whale. The islands are also home to many breeding seabirds such as Cory’s Shearwater, several endemics including Azores Bullfinch, plus a host of island ‘races’ of familiar birds such as Chaffinch and Goldcrest. All of the islands in the archipelago have volcanic origins. Situated in the eastern Azores, São Miguel is the largest and boasts impressive bubbling calderas and iron-rich thermal pools as well as gardens nestling in secluded valleys and hiking trails with wonderful vistas at every turn. Pico lies in the centre of the archipelago, on the Azores Platform, just to the east of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and its surrounding seas are a particularly important stopover for migrating whales heading north to their summer feeding grounds.

Based on Pico, which is reached by a flight from London via Lisbon (with an overnight stay in the vibrant Portuguese capital), this tour is more suited to those who are very keen to have a higher chance of seeing Blue Whales, as statistically this iconic species is more frequently recorded in this central part of the Azores than in the east. Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales as well as other cetaceans are also seen regularly off Pico and neighbouring Faial. Several species of large baleen whale migrate annually north and south through the Atlantic Ocean, their journeys taking them across vast areas where food is seldom abundant. The Azores archipelago is thought to provide a convenient ‘midway stopover’ for populations of Blue, Sei and Fin Whales to refuel during their journey between breeding grounds further south, and their summer feeding sites in eastern Greenland and Iceland to the north. Studies have shown that individuals typically remain around the Azores from between a few days and two months and that the highest number of baleen whale sightings occurs in May. Fin Whales are the most frequently recorded species at this time, although small numbers of Minke, Sei, Bryde's and Blue Whales are also seen each spring. They join the resident Sperm Whales, plus three dolphin species: Bottlenose, Risso’s and Short-beaked Common Dolphin. Striped and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins arrive with the warmer currents during the late spring and early summer.

During our stay in the Azores, we will join expert local marine biologists and guides — on exhilarating RIBs — to search for Fin, Blue and Sei Whales, as well as other species of cetacean, on half-day boat trips (weather permitting). We will scan the ocean for signs of these cetaceans, which are attracted here by the annual spring plankton bloom. Being close to these huge animals is one of life’s most moving and exciting experiences. Whale-watching guidelines are strictly adhered to in the Azores, allowing us to only approach within a comfortable distance for the whale. Feeding animals move quickly, however, and we may find that a whale chooses to swim alongside our vessel; it is an unforgettable thrill to see the vast outline of an animal the length of two school buses end to end just metres away!

There will also be an opportunity to explore some of the different birdwatching sites on the island, and there will be a ‘free day’ during each tour which may be spent at leisure. We are also likely to come across a variety of other species during our stay including Barolo Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary and the Azorean race of Common Buzzard.

Please note that our exact itinerary will be kept flexible, taking into account the weather conditions during the course of each holiday. After a week of exciting whale-watching, some gentle birdwatching on land and tasty Azorean cuisine and wine, it will be time to leave our island home and make the short drive back to the airport for our flight to London.