A well organised trip where only the weather and high waves impeded our views of cetaceans. Pico is a fascinating island both scenically and geologically. We caught up with 'ordinary' birds transformed by their island isolation like the beautiful Blue Chaffinch. But brief views of Fin and Sperm Whales earlier in the week were eclipsed by a dazzling day of Loggerhead Turtles, Common, Bottlenose and sparring Risso's Dolphins with an afternoon gazing in awe at the incredible length of not one, but two Blue Whales. Luck plays a part of course, but Naturetrek and the expertise of CW Azores enabled views that would be hard to beat anywhere in the world. Memorable - another tick on anyone's wildlife 'bucket list.' But much more than that - a real insight into a cetaceans world about which we still know comparatively little.
N.J. London



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Great Whales of the Azores (Pico)
Tour Code: PRT12An 9-day holiday on Pico in the centre of the Azores archipelago, timed to coincide with the arrival of migrating Fin, Sei and Blue Whales, which join resident Sperm Whales and dolphins each spring.
£2,195 (Inc flights)
£1,995
Highlights
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Summary
For this new whale-watching holiday to the Azores we are offering two separate itineraries. The first, based on São Miguel, involves direct flights from London to Ponta Delgada (on São Miguel), a short transfer to a marina-side hotel and whale-watching excursions focusing on Fin and Sperm Whales with a chance of seeing a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. The second is based on Pico, which is reached by a flight from London via Lisbon (with an overnight stay in the vibrant Portuguese capital), and 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. Both Fin and Sperm Whales as well as other cetaceans are also seen regularly off Pico. The Azores archipelago is thought to provide a convenient ‘midway stopover’ for populations of Blue and Fin Whales to re-fuel during their journey between southern breeding grounds and their summer foraging sites in eastern Greenland and Iceland to the north, and this holiday (both itineraries) is timed to coincide with their migration. There will be a day’s birdwatching on each tour, as well as a leisure day for relaxing or doing additional activities.
PLEASE NOTE: This tour can be combined with our Great Whales of the Azores (Sao Miguel) tour. See PRT11.
- Fin & Blue Whales stopover in Azorean waters on migration each spring
- Choice of combining our 8-day tour to São Miguel focusing on more great whales and other wildlife.
- Fin Whales most common great whale seen during May in the Azores
- Chance of Blue, Sei & Minke Whales off Pico & São Miguel
- Sperm Whales, plus Bottlenose, Risso’s & Short-beaked Common Dolphins seen year-round
- Striped & Atlantic Spotted Dolphins possible in May
- Look for Azores Bullfinch, São Miguel
- Look for the island ‘races’ of birds such as Chaffinch & Goldcrest
- Cory’s Shearwater, Roseate Tern, Whimbrel, Atlantic Canary & Azorean race of Common Buzzard
- Leisure day with optional activities including more whale-watching excursions and swimming with wild dolphins
- Led by expert naturalist guide
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 and Monteiros Storm Petrel, 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), and 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 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. Whalewatching 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 Cory’s 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.
Outline Itinerary

What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: A comfortable hotel near the sea. All rooms have private facilities.
- Food:
Breakfasts are included, lunches and dinners are excluded from the tour price. Allow £30 per day for these.
Reviews
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Our whale watching trip in the Azores exceeded expectations with over 40 cetacean sitings. CW Azores, the local company, are a very professional operation and all the staff were fully committed to giving us the best experiences while fully respecting the animals. The Naturetrek guide Cathy Harlow was second to none.
M.D. London -
I think the small group worked really well on this holiday. I enjoyed most getting close to the sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales and the common dolphins.
G.S. Dorset -
The organisation was amazing, especially when the weather was against us. The friendliness of the local guides and the trip leader. Having never been into wildlife, this was a fun and inspiring trip that's opened my eyes.
B.B. Dorset -
Fantastic sightings of whales of four species plus lots of other animals. Really nice group of people - just the right size too. Very nice, helpful people at the whale watching organisation.
C.B. Hampshire -
Sara's knowledge, enthusiasm, good humour and organisational abilities ensured a very enjoyable trip. Highlights - all cetacean sightings, especially Blue Whale close to the boat.
Mr & Mrs M. Wiltshire -
Very good itinerary but unfortunately the weather was a challenge with wind, rain and rough seas, however we did have excellent sightings and close sightings of blue and fin whales and dolphins.
S.B. West Yorkshire -
I thought the whole trip went smoothly, Naturetrek working with the local whale watching company and getting the job done. Our guide Cathy was always on hand to sort any minor hiccup out, or organise the day events or just talk and discuss things with.
G.R. Lincolnshire -
From start to finish, everything was excellent. Cathy was a pleasure to be with, her knowledge and help invaluable. She worked non stop to make sure everyone had a fantastic holiday. An excellent tour leader. One of the best so far with Naturetrek.
Mr & Mrs A. Derbyshire -
What a trip - many thanks to Ed for such good organisational and leadership skills. No one can organise the weather but luck was with us for a superb whale and dolphin spectacular - the 'blue' icing on the cake - to see not one but two of the largest animals that have ever lived. Wow! The local guides were brilliant too!
J.B. Norfolk
Dates & Prices
2022

Tour Leader: Cathy Harlow
After a degree in Spanish, Cathy lived and worked Italy as a teacher then moved to Iceland, where she trained and worked as a professional guide. Following a career in tour operations, setting up and running wildlife holidays, in 1995 she moved to Cairns, Queensland and qualified as a reef and rainforest guide. Cathy has worked as a wildlife tour leader for 18 years, specialising in marine mammals and island wildlife in Madagascar, Australia, Florida, Iceland, Norway, the Azores, Sri Lanka and Dominica. After three autumn seasons working with Killer Whales in Tysfjord and Lofoten, she chose to renew her involvement in Madagascar, which began in 1991, when she first visited WWF projects in Andohahela and Montagne D'Ambre. In 2009 Cathy made her 11th tour of the island, which continues to surprise and enthrall her with the variety and quirkiness of its wildlife. Linguist, travel writer and author of guide books to Iceland and Corsica, she co-runs a wildlife tourism consultancy and divides her time between homes in Cumbria and the French Alps.
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