Looking for a unique whale-watching experience? Look no further than the Azores! These Portuguese islands are home to some of the world’s most friendly and curious whales.
Whether you’re an experienced whale watcher or just getting started, a trip to the Azores is sure to be unforgettable.
Keep reading to learn more about these amazing creatures and how you can see them up close on your next vacation.
Here are the best Azores whale watching tours:
1. Azores Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour
Price: $62 per person
Reviews: 250+ reviews (#1 on Viator)
Duration: 3 hours long
Departs From: Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
- Experienced Skipper
- Zodiac RIB Boat (12 or 28 pax)
- Impermeable Top and Life Vest
- Insurance
2. From Ponta Delgada: Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip
Price: $66 per person
Reviews: 200+ reviews
Duration: 3 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- You must keep social distance while in vehicles
3. Whale Watching in the Azores, Terceira Island | OceanEmotion
Price: $56 per person
Reviews: 150+ reviews
Duration: 2.5 hours long
Departs From: Marina d’Angra, Terceira Island
Includes:
- Experienced guide
- Whale and dolphin spotter
- Sighting guarantee
4. Full-Day Whales & The Princess Ring Islet (incl. Lunch)
Price: $106 per person
Reviews: 30+ reviews
Duration: 8 hours long
Departs From: Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Guided Marine Wildlife Tour
- Lunch with local food, inclusive of entree, main, complimentary drinks and dessert
- Admission to natural reserve Islet of Vila Franca do Campo
- Snorkeling Mask and Tube
- Insurance
5. Whale and Dolphin Watching with Vila Franca Islet Visit
Price: $99 per person
Reviews: 30+ reviews
Duration: 7 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Whale and dolphin-watching cruise
- Lunch in a local restaurant with a choice of meat, fresh locally caught seafood, or a vegetarian meal
- Pre-tour briefing
- Raincoat and pants
- Life jacket
- Marine biologist or nature guide aboard
- Boat trip to Vila Franca do Campo
- Return transfer from Vila Franca do Campo to Ponta Delgada by boat or van
- Snorkel and diving mask
- Refreshments after the trip
6. Terceira Island Whale Watching and Jeep Tour
Price: $137 per person
Reviews: 15+ reviews
Duration: 8 hours long
Departs From: Terceira Island
Includes:
- Outdoor barbecue lunch
- Drinks
- Pickup
7. São Miguel Azores: Half-Day Whale Watching Trip
Price: $61 per person
Reviews: 15+ reviews
Duration: 3 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Life jacket
- Raincoat
8. Among Whales and Volcanoes Full Day Tour Including Lunch
Price: $136 per person
Reviews: 15+ reviews
Duration: 8 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Buffet lunch with drinks
- Boat tour
9. Ponta Delgada: Whales and Volcanoes Tour with Lunch
Price: $132 per person
Reviews: 15+ reviews
Duration: 8 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Pick-up from your hotel or private accommodation
- Boat trip
- Local guide
- Buffet lunch with drinks
- Photo opportunities
10. Private Marine Wildlife Boat Tour
Price: $671 per group (up to 12)
Duration: 3 hours long
Departs From: Ponta Delgada Harbor Portas do Mar, São Miguel Island
Includes:
- Wetsuits 2 mm short-sleeved
- snorkeling Mask and Tube (for up to 8 swimmers)
- Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
- Experienced Skipper per boat
- Zodiac RIB Boat (up to 12 pax)
- Impermeable Top and Life Vest
- Insurance
What You Should Bring on a Whale Watching Tour
On a whale watching tour, you will want to make sure to bring along some snacks and drinks. You will also want to dress in layers, as the temperature on the water can vary greatly. It is also a good idea to bring a camera to capture all of the amazing sights you will see on your tour!
If you get motion sick then you should probably think about packing some Dramamine in case you start getting nauseous.
Depending on the tour you will want to bring a bathing suit and an extra change of warm clothes and clothes for hot weather as well depending on what time of year you go.
What to Expect on a Whale Watching Tour
If you’re wondering what to expect on a whale watching tour, keep in mind that the experience can vary greatly depending on the time of year and weather conditions.
Generally, you can expect to see a variety of whales, dolphins, and seabirds. You may also get the chance to see some amazing coastal scenery!
What Kinds of Whales are in the Azores Islands?
There are lots of different kinds of whales in the Azores Islands which will allow you to see whales year-round. There are sperm whales, sei whales, fin whales, pilot whales, and mink whales.
Other Wildlife to Look Out For
The Azores Islands are often referred to as “magnets” for sea life. There are many different kinds of dolphins, sharks, stingrays, fish, jellyfish, and more!
On land, you will be able to spot all kinds of different birds, lizards, bats, hedgehogs, and more. There is so much wildlife in the Azores Islands that makes these islands so special.
Ready to Spot Some Whales?
If you’re looking for an incredible experience, look no further than the Azores whale watching. With crystal clear waters and a wide variety of whales and dolphins, these tours are sure to amaze. Book your tour today and get ready for some unforgettable memories!
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Dayna Brockbank is a travel and language-learning blogger who has lived around the world but has now settled in Nice, France. She speaks 3 languages at varying levels of fluency: Spanish, Italian, and French, and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Spanish Education. She and her husband focus on making travel part of life by living cheaply and traveling on a budget.