Azores, calderas and cetaceans

Arrival on the small island of Pico, a volcanic island in the Azores, in a peaceful setting.
You will stay in the small village of Lajes do Pico, a whale sanctuary in the Azores. 7 nights are planned at a guesthouse-type hotel near the harbour. The team from the observation base welcomes you warmly.

From the harbour, every morning you head out to sea to encounter one of the 27 marine mammal species recorded in the Azores. You can observe them, listen to them, and approach them to take photographs.
At sea, the ethical code of observation is strictly followed. It is also an opportunity to contribute to scientific data collection: underwater recordings, species observed. You thus actively take part in the study and protection of cetaceans.
You organise your afternoons at your own pace, according to your wishes.

A few example excursions:
– visit to the whalers’ museum, which houses an important collection of scrimshaw (carved sperm whale ivory)
– hike to the Queimada lookout point with a sweeping view over the ocean
– ascent on foot of the Pico volcano (by day or by night)
– various hikes of 1 to 4 hours through the vineyards, along the coast…
– sea kayak outing to reach the tide pools and swim in solitude
– horseback ride to the tip of the island
– mountain biking along the island’s trails
… or simply enjoy the cool Azorean air by the ocean which, in the end, is never very far from your hotel.

You then fly to the largest island of the Azores, known as “the green island”. We suggest staying 5 nights at a single hotel and exploring from there. You will discover the Lagoa do Fogo nature reserve, the Lombadas valley, and the Caldeira Velha, where you can bathe in sulphurous hot spring pools (around 38°C) amid untouched nature, in a relaxed, family atmosphere. The Caldeira de Sete Cidades, where several lakes shape the landscape of this volcano, is not to be missed. The view from the Vista do Rei viewpoint is remarkable.