Whale watching in the Azores
The Azores are a place to meet whales and dolphins at sea. Sperm whales can be seen all year and are more common in summer. Blue, fin and sei whales pass mainly from April to June. Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and Risso's dolphins also live here, and summer brings the widest mix of species.
These are chances, not promises. No boat can guarantee a sighting, and the sea, the weather and the animals decide the day. Trips leave from several islands and harbours, mainly Pico, Faial and São Miguel.
Our picks: whale and dolphin trips
Pick the boat by the island you are on: Ponta Delgada for São Miguel, Vila Franca for a small inflatable, Lajes do Pico for Pico. Sightings are never certain, so ask about the operator's terms for a day without animals.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Whale and dolphin trip from Ponta Delgada
- Marine biologist or nature guide
- Life vest
- Rain gear on the Zodiac
Three hours at sea with a guide who explains what you see. Sightings depend on the sea and are never certain, and rough weather can move or cancel the trip.
Check availability →Whale watching from Lajes do Pico
- Marine biologists on board
- Safety briefing
- Life vest, rain gear if needed
A three-hour boat trip from the old whaling port of Pico. Sightings depend on the sea and the season, so nothing is certain.
Check availability →
Whale watching and islet cruise from Vila Franca
- Marine biologist guide
- Skipper and inflatable boat
- Waterproof suit and life vest
A three-hour trip on a rigid inflatable boat that starts in Vila Franca do Campo, not in Ponta Delgada. Fees and insurance are covered.
Check availability →Whale watching trips in the Azores
Boat trips and dolphin trips with live prices and availability.
Azores whale watching season by species
What to expect, month by month.
| Animals | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sperm whale | All year | More often in summer |
| Blue, fin and sei whale | April to June | Pass through on migration |
| Common, bottlenose and Risso's dolphin | Summer | Summer brings the widest mix of species |
For most visitors, April to September gives the best mix: baleen whales in spring and dolphins in summer, with sperm whales possible in both.
Where whale watching boats leave from
Departure points and typical prices in 2026.
Madalena on Pico
Operators here have their base opposite the ferry station. Whale watching costs about €79 for adults and €50 for children, or €70 per adult from 4 adults. Swimming with dolphins costs about €94 for adults and €60 for children, or €83 per adult from 4 adults. Check the current prices before you book.
Pico guide →Vila Franca do Campo on São Miguel
The marina is the base for trips of about 3 hours. From 1 October to 31 March the price is €65 for adults and €45 for children. From 1 April to 30 September it is €78 and €54. The trip is not suitable for children under 4. A tour advertised as near Ponta Delgada does not necessarily leave from Ponta Delgada.
Ponta Delgada and Horta
Operators in Ponta Delgada work from the Portas do Mar area. Whale and dolphin trips also leave from Horta on Faial. There is no uniform harbour price, and daily departures all year are not a given.
Ponta Delgada guide →Whale watching rules at sea
The animals come first.
Distance and time
Boats may not approach actively within 50 m, and they may stay at most 30 minutes in the approach zone. Only 3 boats may be within a radius of 300 m. Resting animals and mothers giving birth are not approached within 500 m.
Swimming with dolphins
This is allowed only on trips of licensed operators, and the skipper decides. At most 2 swimmers enter the water at a time, for at most 15 minutes, within 50 m of the boat. You may not touch the animals, and the engine is disengaged. Swimming with whales is prohibited.
Licences
Operators display their licence at the reception. Look for it before you pay.
Plan the rest of your trip
When to go and where to stay.
Azores whale watching: frequently asked questions
When is the best time for whale watching in the Azores?
Sperm whales are present all year. Blue, fin and sei whales pass from April to June, and summer is the time with the most dolphin species. The best month depends on what you want to see.
Will I see whales?
No one can promise it. A chance depends on the animals and the sea on the day. Some operators advertise a guarantee, so read what it actually covers.
Can I swim with whales?
No. Swimming with whales is prohibited. Swimming with dolphins is allowed only on licensed trips, with strict rules.
How long does a trip take?
One São Miguel trip from Vila Franca do Campo lasts about 3 hours. Other trips differ, so check the length before you book.
Can children come along?
It depends on the operator. One São Miguel trip is not suitable for children under 4. On Pico, ask the operator which ages count as children before you book.