Whales, Walks and Biodiversity in the Azores

You will arrive by plane on the small island of Pico, a volcanic island in the Azores, in a peaceful setting.
The observation base team will be there to welcome you on arrival and take you to the small village of Lajes do Pico, a whale sanctuary in the Azores.
You will spend 7 nights in a hotel ideally located near the whale observation base, offering splendid views over the ocean and over Portugal’s highest mountain, Mount Pico.
Your stay will combine marine mammal observation, organised walks and themed talks (on the island of Pico, cetacean evolution and turtles, as well as screenings of photos of cetaceans and the surrounding nature).
Once in the presence of cetaceans, you will be able to observe, listen to, and approach them for photographs. In doing so, you actively contribute to their study and protection.
At sea, the ethical code of observation is rigorously followed. This is also an opportunity to help gather scientific data: underwater recordings, species observed.

During your hikes, you will discover the lava flows from Piedade to Manhenha, the vineyards from Porto do Calhau to Madalena, and the wildlife characteristic of the grand landscapes from Lagoa do Capitão to São Roque.

You will also visit the whalers’ museum, which houses a significant collection of scrimshaw (carved sperm whale ivory), the Queimada lookout tower for observing cetaceans in their natural habitat, and enjoy a free day for activities of your choosing.

A few example excursions:
– visit to the wine museum in Madalena
– ascent of the Pico volcano on foot (by day or by night)
– cetacean observation at sea with a stop on the island of São Jorge, home to more than 200 volcanoes
– excursions to Horta, port and capital of the island of Faial
… or simply enjoy the cool Azorean air by the ocean which, in the end, is never very far from your hotel.