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Three hours at sea — guided boat tour for whale and dolphin watching, featuring high success rates for sightings throughout the year.
This three-hour boat tour off Terceira Island offers a chance to see a variety of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. The Azores are known for their impressive marine life, with 29 cetacean species documented, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Guides use lookout stations on land for whale and dolphin sightings, ensuring a safe approach to these magnificent animals, in line with the local cetacean observation guidelines. Participation requires no previous experience, though bringing a camera is advisable for capturing your marine encounters. Dress warmly and be prepared for Atlantic breezes.
Reviews
On May 13, we were fortunate to spot the Blue Whale, the largest mammal measuring 30 meters in length. We had a blast encountering various dolphin species and even a turtle. The sight of the Blue Whale was truly remarkable. Check out the photos. It was definitely a case of being in the right place at the right time.
The directions to the meeting point were unclear, and parking was quite difficult. The tour started 30 minutes late waiting for three late arrivals. Once we left the protected Marina, we encountered rough seas and high winds, making it one of the worst boat rides we've experienced. Given the conditions, our chances of seeing whales were nonexistent, and ultimately, we saw none. They did manage to find some dolphins in shallow waters before returning. Overall, we were very disappointed and they didn’t offer a refund. It's best to skip this trip during bad weather.
Although we didn't spot any whales, we encountered four species of dolphins. The crew was exceptionally attentive and spoke excellent English. They showed great respect for the animals and adhered to observation guidelines. They also provided rain capes. I would recommend this experience.
We didn't see any whales, but we had a fantastic time with plenty of dolphins. We encountered three dolphin species and appreciated the care shown towards them, as the crew maintained their distance while still allowing us great views. The day on the water was lovely, but it can get cool, so dress accordingly and consider using the optional rain/wind breakers. The guide was very knowledgeable and attentive.
We had a fantastic day on a small open boat. Our guide, Raquel, who is a marine biologist, was exceptional. She provided a wealth of information and made sure everyone had the chance to see the dolphins and ask questions. We encountered three different dolphin species. While we didn't see any whales, that's just how it goes sometimes. The ocean was a bit choppy, which added to the excitement of the ride. Overall, it was a wonderful trip with an excellent guide, and we would highly recommend it.
Our group of 8 adults and 9 kids, ages 8 to 18, thoroughly enjoyed the whale watching excursion. We spotted two species of whales and one type of dolphin. The captain demonstrated great skill in bringing us close to the Sei whales without infringing on their space, and we had ample time to observe them. The boat ride itself was enjoyable for everyone. The Ocean Emotion team was incredibly friendly and accommodating. I strongly recommend this company if you want to experience the water while in Terciera.
The experience does not justify the cost, especially if you want to use binoculars or a zoom lens. I also recommend steering clear of the larger white boat, as it stays farther away from the whales. It's simply too pricey for what you get.
We encountered dolphins and whales multiple times, up to seven occasions. The crew prioritized our safety on the boat. I highly recommend this experience; it creates unforgettable memories.
It was a very enjoyable experience with plenty of wildlife sightings. The guide was friendly, but I felt there could have been more information provided about marine biology.
Our recent whale watching trip in the Azores was absolutely incredible. The guides were outstanding, speaking both Portuguese and English. They were attentive to my husband's back issues, ensuring he was positioned comfortably on the boat. With calm winds, the journey was very pleasant. We were lucky to observe six different species: three types of whales, including a blue whale, and three species of dolphins. This experience was truly once in a lifetime, and we highly recommend this company. We went the first week of May and were fortunate to see the blue whale.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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