Azores Whale Watching

The Azores sit over deep water close to shore, which is why around a third of the world's cetacean species have been recorded here. Sperm whales are resident year-round - females and calves in stable social groups - and the spring migration from April to June brings blue, fin and sei whales north through the archipelago, along with humpbacks. Common, bottlenose, Risso's and striped dolphins are seen on most trips. The islands hunted sperm whales in open boats until 1987, and the industry's infrastructure survives: the vigias, cliff-top lookout huts from which spotters directed the boats, are now used to direct whale-watching vessels the same way, and the whaling museums at Lajes do Pico and Horta are honest about what was done. Operators work under a licensing regime with rules on approach distance and boat numbers.

What you actually see

• The sperm whales - resident groups present year-round in the deep water offshore.
• The spring migration - blue, fin and sei whales passing from April to June.
• The vigias - cliff-top whaling lookouts now spotting for tour boats.
• The museums - Lajes do Pico and Horta on the industry that ended in 1987.

When to go

April to June for the widest range of species; sperm whales and dolphins year-round. Three to four hours per trip. Book with licensed operators.

Honest expectations

Sightings are not guaranteed and reputable operators say so - most offer a repeat trip rather than a promise. Atlantic swell makes trips rough and seasickness common. Trips are cancelled in bad weather, sometimes for days. Choose operators that keep legal distance rather than chase.

Nearby

Lajes do Pico and Horta hold the whaling museums; Pico and Faial are the traditional bases.