Whale Watching in the Azores: When and Where

The Azores are among the best places in the world to see whales and dolphins. More than 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded around the islands, and sperm whales live here year-round. Here’s when and where to go, and how to choose a trip.

Quick answer: go between April and October. April to June is best for migrating blue, fin and sei whales, while summer brings calmer seas and lots of dolphins. Trips leave from Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), Lajes and Madalena (Pico) and Horta (Faial). Choose an operator that uses land-based lookouts to find the whales. See whale watching on São Miguel.

What you can see

• Sperm whales: resident all year, especially around Pico and Faial.
• Blue, fin and sei whales: passing through on migration in spring.
• Dolphins: common, bottlenose, Risso’s and spotted dolphins.
• Turtles in summer, and sometimes pilot whales and beaked whales.

Where to go

São Miguel

The most trips and the easiest access, from Ponta Delgada’s marina. See Ponta Delgada.

Pico

Lajes do Pico was a whaling village, and its museum tells that story. Today it’s one of the best places for sperm whales. See Pico trips. See Pico.

Faial

Trips from Horta harbour. See Faial.

How trips work

• Vigias: lookouts on the cliffs scan the sea with binoculars and radio the boats, a tradition inherited from the whaling days.
• Boats: fast semi-rigid inflatables (bumpy and wet, but close to the water) or larger catamarans (more comfortable, better for kids).
• Duration: usually around 3 hours.
• Swimming with dolphins: offered by some licensed operators in summer.

Tips

• Book early in your trip in case bad weather cancels sailings.
• Seasickness: take tablets beforehand.
• Bring a windproof jacket, sunscreen and a hat.
• Responsible operators follow distance rules around the animals.

More: the best time to visit the Azores, the best Azores tours and wildlife in Portugal.

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