Whale Watching in the Azores
Our Whale Watching Experience
in the Azores
CNN, Fodor’s, Huffington Post and multiple blogs rank the Azores as one of the best places in the world to see whales. Our family has a fascination with sea life, particularly whales and dolphins. Since our son was about four, we have studied books and watched Blue Planet videos at any opportunity. Our Disney Cruise Line Transatlantic cruise stopped in Ponta Delgada, Azores. We jumped at the chance to see these magnificent animals.
Futurismo
We booked our whale watching excursion privately with Futurismo. They had received good online reviews. Our questions were answered promptly by email. Everything went smoothly. The price was reasonable, also. We paid only $55 per person. This was as excellent choice.
Ponta Delgada
Our ship docked on a cool, wet morning in beautiful Ponta Delgada. White washed homes and buildings with a deep, green background of the hills and mountains are absolutely stunning. A light drizzle did not diminish the beauty.
We arrived on a Sunday morning. Most shops and restaurants were closed. We were unable to enter the churches as they were in use. This was okay, though. The streets were uncrowded. We could roam and explore much easier.
Futurismo is located at the end of the cruise line dock. Other tour companies, shops and restaurants also line the harbor.
Whale Watching
We were offered two options to whale watch: on a boat with an open upper deck and a covered lower level or on a rigid, inflatable raft. We chose the boat and were glad that we did. The Atlantic was choppy and the air was chilly, 64 degrees (18 C). A cool mist persisted throughout. The raft would have been cold and wet for our cold natured family.
Futurismo spots whales and dolphins from outposts on the land. They then direct the vessels where to go. We were concerned that poor visibility would make this method futile. Fortunately, it was not. Not long after embarking, bottle nosed and common dolphins began jumping all around.
Dolphins!
The dolphins put on quite a show. We stayed in one spot for 20 -30 minutes watching them. This was the first time any of us had seen common dolphins. We were thrilled.
Whales!
Once, one unexpectedly surfaced about 15 feet (5 m) from where I was standing on the side of the boat. We all let a gasp of amazement. No thought of taking a photo entered my mind. I was awe struck.
One little girl yelled out, “best whale watching ever!” as the whales surfaced all around. We all concurred.
Back to Shore
We watched the whales for about 20 – 30 minutes. Then, our boat left to allow them peace. Our family retired to the lower, covered level. Overjoyed, we perused our photos and discussed our experience in relative warmth without wind and mist.
Final Thoughts
Whale watching in the Azores was a once in a lifetime experience. Observing the most rare of whales, which is also the largest animal that ever lived, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is such a rare and amazing experience. Our family is blessed to have been able to do it.
If you ever have a chance to visit the Azores, do not miss it! Whether on a cruise or regular vacation, you will not be disappointed. Ponta Delgada and the rest of the Azores are beautiful and there is much to see and do. In my opinion, our whale watching experience tops them all, though.
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Comments
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #5
Brook, it is worth the trip. We took a tour out of Friday Harbor which is a an island with lots of family accomodations.
Brook Massey
5 years ago #4
Thanks Ignacio Orna (Nacho) .
Brook Massey
5 years ago #3
Jerry Fletcher , it is amazing how immense they are. I hope to visit Puget Sound someday, too, to see the orcas.
Jerry Fletcher
5 years ago #2
(Nacho) Ignacio Orna
5 years ago #1