Tailormade Azores

Pico Island is most famous for its imposing volcano, Mount Pico, which, with an altitude of 2,347 metres, is the highest peak in Portugal. The volcanic nature of the island is weaved into the architecture of the buildings, and the traditional houses are made from blocks of black lava, with striking use of white paint and vibrant flowers blooming in the gardens.

Whale-watching boat tours from Pico are exhilarating, utilising both on-board guides and professional onshore spotters (known as ‘vigias’) to greatly increase chances of unforgettable whale and dolphin encounters. There is always a sense of great excitement as the skipper is carefully led into the heart of the action with the help of the onshore spotter via the boat’s radio. As well as the numerous cetaceans, one might also hope to see Portuguese Man O’ War, as well as numerous sharks, turtles and flying fish. Inland, the island’s verdant landscape has an extensive network of lava caves, the ceilings of which glitter under torchlight with silver and gold actinomycete bacteria. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no visit to Pico is complete without walking through the island’s unique vineyards, accompanied by chattering Atlantic Canaries, Blackcaps and the Azorean subspecies of Chaffinch.

Wine tasting is a popular activity here, and the island’s cuisine is also superb. There is no better way to round off a day of enthralling whale-watching than to relax on a warm terrace overlooking the sunny vineyards, with a glass of cold white wine and tucking into a delicious local delicacy, often consisting of fresh, locally-caught seafood.

The largest of the Azores archipelago, the beautiful island of São Miguel - nicknamed the ‘Green Island’ – has much to offer the keen naturalist. From the rugged, volcanic coastline and vast ocean to the lush green interior, the flora and fauna here is superb, as are the landscapes. Direct flights from London to the island’s capital, Ponta Delgada, make this a great choice for those looking for a quick burst of winter sunshine or a long-weekend escape.

Half-day whale watching excursions are the real draw of a visit to the island and can be enjoyed from either a large, comfortable catamaran or an exhilarating RIB. These generally focus on Fin, Sei and Sperm Whales with the chance of a passing Blue Whale and other cetaceans. Spring and summer are generally the most productive months for cetaceans which are attracted by the annual spring plankton bloom. 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. 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!