The Azores is one of Earth's premier whale-watching destinations — sperm whales reside here year-round. A small specialist RIB expedition with a marine biologist guide is as bucket-list as ocean wildlife gets.
What to expect
Board a nimble, eco-certified RIB from Lajes do Pico and speed out into deep mid-Atlantic waters where the seafloor plunges to 1,000 metres. Resident sperm whales are the signature sighting — you may witness a full breach or a fluke dive mere metres away. Blue whales, fin whales, common dolphins, and Risso's dolphins regularly join the spectacle. A marine biologist narrates every encounter with genuine scientific insight.
Good to know
Azores cruises often call at Horta (Faial) or Pico — confirm your port of call, as the operator is based on Pico (a short ferry from Faial). Book directly months ahead for summer sailings. Sightings are not guaranteed by nature, but the Azores has one of the world's highest whale encounter rates. Bring sea-sickness tablets if you are sensitive.