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Whale and Dolphin Watching Holiday (B)
Overview
Introduction
Our whale and dolphin watching holiday on Sao Miguel is based in Ponta Delgada and on Faial in Horta.
Ponta Delgada, the capital of the Azores archipelago, is a striking city with three-arched city gates and the Gothic-style Church of St. Sebastian. The city is a gateway to the blue and green crater lakes of Sete Cidades, to the northwest and the famous botanical gardens and hot springs in Furnas towards the centre of the island.
A bustling, cosmopolitan yachting harbour, Horta is home to one of the few scrimshaw museums in the Azores. Scrimshaw, the art of engraving on whales’ teeth, was primarily born out of the boredom endured on board whaling vessels by the ships’ crew in the 19th century.
The whale watching season runs mainly from March to October, with the height of the season being July and August. Each excursion starts with a briefing by a marine biologist, introducing the cetaceans of the Azores and discussing their habitat, communication and behavioural patterns.
The most frequently spotted cetaceans are Sperm whale, Short-finned pilot whale, Common dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin and Risso’s dolphin. And, if you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the False killer whale, Fin whale, Sei whale, Sowerby’s beaked whale or Blue whale, which are occasionally seen in these waters.
We cannot guarantee that you will see a cetacean but it is unlikely that you should be so unlucky.
Itinerary includes:
- Direct flights from London Heathrow with British Airways (Wednesdays or Saturdays) to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
- Return Inter-island flights between São Miguel and Faial
- Private transfers to and from the hotels on São Miguel and Faial
- 4 Nights at Talisman Hotel, Ponta Delgada, São Miguel - Standard Room (Bed and Breakfast)
- 3 Nights at Azoris Faial Garden Hotel, Horta, Faial - Classic Garden View Room (Bed and Breakfast)
- Four 3-hour whale and dolphin watching trips including a briefing by a marine biologist
Notes:
- Transfers to and from the whale and dolphin watching bases are NOT included
- Zodiac boats: Minimum child age is 6 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian); pregnant women or any person suffering from back problems, are not allowed on the Zodiac boats
- Pre-booking in July and August is recommended
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Sao Miguel
Arrive at Ponta Delgada Airport, Sao Miguel and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel (B&B).
Talisman Hotel, Sao Miguel
Day 2 & 3 - Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursions (Sao Miguel)
A 3-hour whale & dolphin watching excursion is included on these two days. You can choose a morning or afternoon outing - daily at 08:30 or 13:00 in either a Zodiac boat or Catamaran. Zodiac boats are small, rigid hull inflatables usually carrying up to 24 people. These boats are not suitable for pregnant women or any person suffering from heart, back or bone problems. Catamarans, on the other hand, are suitable for all and have the bonus of a toilet onboard.
In your free time, explore the cobbled streets of Ponta Delgada or book one of many island excursions or activities to see more of this beautiful island paradise. A list of activities is shown on our website or alternatively, we can email you a list if preferred.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel (B&B).
Whale & Dolphin Watching (Sao Miguel)
Day 4 - Faial
Transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for the flight to Faial (1-hour). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the town of Horta with its harbour, world famous with transatlantic sailors. Try the local speciality ‘Gin & Tonic’ at Café Sport and visit the scrimshaw museum housed above the bar.
Overnight at the Azoris Faial Garden Hotel (B&B).
Azoris Faial Garden Hotel
Day 5 & 6 - Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursions (Faial)
A 3-hour whale & dolphin watching excursion is included on these two days. You can choose a morning or afternoon outing - daily at 08:30 or 14:30 (Mar-Sep) and 09:00 and 14:00 (Oct) onboard a Zodiac boat.
In your free time, explore the many delights that Faial has to offer including a trip to Pico island (30-minutes by ferry) - possible excursions are listed on our website or alternatively, we can email you a list if preferred.
Overnight at the Azoris Faial Garden Hotel (B&B).
Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursions (Faial)
Day 7 - Sao Miguel
Transfer to Horta Airport for the flight to São Miguel (1-hour). On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the Talisman Hotel (B&B).
Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of Departure
Transfer to Ponta Delgada Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Talisman Hotel - Night 1 to 3
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden.
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden. The rooms are decorated in a modern minimalist style with wooden floors and there is a charming winter garden and an excellent restaurant specialising in regional dishes. The rooftop swimming pool – unique for a city hotel, offers a view over the rooftops of the city.
Accommodation
- 57 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms and suites.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- 'Palm Terrace' restaurant serving regional and international cuisine
- ‘Sports One’ pub with pool table and often with live music is open from 5pm to 1am (Fri-Sat) or to midnight (Sun-Thurs) cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Lounges
- Business centre
- Rooftop heated swimming pool (3.5 x 7m) and sundeck open all year – pool towels provided. The pool is accessed by a flight of stairs from the 3rd floor
- Mini gym
- Lift to 3rd floor only
- 10 minutes’ walk to the marina
- Private parking - payable locally at 6 Euros per day
Azoris Faial Garden Resort Hotel - Night 4 to 6
The Azoris Faial Garden Resort Hotel is situated in a private park just 5 minutes’ walk from the harbour front of Horta. The accommodation is divided between the main building, side annexe and five traditionally styled buildings located around a central lawn area.
The Azoris Faial Garden Resort Hotel is situated in a private park just 5 minutes’ walk from the harbour front of Horta. The accommodation is divided between the main building, side annexe and five traditionally styled buildings located around a central lawn area. Panoramic views across the sea to the island of Pico and its spectacular volcano can be enjoyed from the hotel restaurant and swimming pool.
Accommodation
- 133 air-conditioned rooms including classic rooms, executive rooms and suites.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- Restaurant with buffet service in summer
- Bar and TV lounge
- Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
- Safe deposit at reception (free of charge)
- Lift (main building only)
- Sun terrace
- Outdoor swimming pool (15 x 30m) open May-Oct – pool towels provided
- Snack bar by pool (summer only)
- Two tennis courts and a volleyball court (c.10 Euros per hour plus c.10 Euros for equipment hire)
- Health club with heated indoor swimming pool (6 x 10m), mini gym & Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath
- Limited free parking subject to availability (it is not possible to book a parking space in advance)
Talisman Hotel - Night 7 to 7
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden.
This elegantly styled hotel is conveniently located in the historical centre of Ponta Delgada overlooking a public garden. The rooms are decorated in a modern minimalist style with wooden floors and there is a charming winter garden and an excellent restaurant specialising in regional dishes. The rooftop swimming pool – unique for a city hotel, offers a view over the rooftops of the city.
Accommodation
- 57 air-conditioned rooms including standard rooms and suites.
Amenities/Leisure
- Buffet breakfast
- 'Palm Terrace' restaurant serving regional and international cuisine
- ‘Sports One’ pub with pool table and often with live music is open from 5pm to 1am (Fri-Sat) or to midnight (Sun-Thurs) cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Cafe opens up on to a paved esplanade
- Lounges
- Business centre
- Rooftop heated swimming pool (3.5 x 7m) and sundeck open all year – pool towels provided. The pool is accessed by a flight of stairs from the 3rd floor
- Mini gym
- Lift to 3rd floor only
- 10 minutes’ walk to the marina
- Private parking - payable locally at 6 Euros per day
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
Time Difference
GMT - 1 hour
Currency
Euro
Language
Portuguese
Average flight times
4 hours 5 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC