Pico Island stands out in the Azores for its rugged landscapes, towering volcanoes, and rich maritime traditions. It’s a place where you can get up close to nature, whether that means spotting whales from a boat or reaching Portugal’s highest peak. We’re particularly fond of the Pico Island: Whale Watching Experience from Lajes do Pico—it offers a serene way to connect with the sea’s incredible diversity of marine life. Plus, the Pico Mountain Climb promises a sense of achievement and jaw-dropping views, making it a must for hiking enthusiasts. For those interested in local flavors, the Wine Tour and Tasting with a local Winemaker reveals centuries-old traditions in a truly scenic setting. Whether you seek adventure, wildlife, or culture, Pico offers experiences that go beyond the typical island visit.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of tours suited for different interests and activity levels. From marine adventures like whale watching (Pico Island: Whale Watching) and dolphin spotting to challenging hikes up Mount Pico (Pico Mountain Climb) and volcanic kayaking tours (guided kayak and snorkel). For a taste of local tradition, the Wine Tour (Wine Tasting Experience) is perfect. Each offers a unique window into what makes Pico special, with detailed insights below to help you choose.
1. Pico Island: Whale Watching Experience from Lajes do Pico
For around $71 per person, this 3-hour guided boat trip from Lajes do Pico is a highlight for anyone fascinated by marine life. The tour operates on a zodiac boat, which skims quickly across the water—giving you a lively perspective on the ocean’s surface. The main focus is spotting whales, dolphins, and other sea creatures, often in quiet spots away from the crowds. The boat cruise includes a safety briefing and plenty of time to scan the waters for passing giants like sperm whales, orcas, and adorable dolphins.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of expert guidance and the chance to see rare marine mammals in their natural habitat. The guides are knowledgeable and passionate, often sharing stories about the island’s maritime traditions and the animals you’re likely to see. Reviewers consistently praise the experience—rated 4.9/5 by nearly 700 travelers—highlighting how awe-inspiring and intimate the encounters can be. The fresh sea air and the thrill of a close-up view make this a top pick for nature lovers.
Bottom line: If you want a short, dynamic, and educational boat trip that offers the chance to see whales and dolphins in their natural environment, this tour is hard to beat, especially given its high rating and positive reviews.
2. Pico Mountain Climb: Your Path to Portugal’s Highest Point
For approximately $95, this 8-hour guided hike takes you up the majestic Mount Pico. The tour starts at the Mountain House, where a safety briefing kicks off what’s often described as a life-changing adventure. The goal is reaching 2351 meters, the highest point in Portugal, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The route cuts through native vegetation, volcanic rock formations, and lava fields, offering a close-up look at the island’s geological history.
What makes this climb special is the sense of accomplishment combined with breathtaking panoramas. During the ascent, you can learn about the mountain’s volcanic past and the island’s unique ecosystem. Many reviewers mention how their guides, like Raisa and Isabel, make the experience memorable by sharing insights into the island’s geology, flora, and fauna. The tour is physically demanding but rewarding—rated 5/5 by those who’ve done it.
The views from the summit are extraordinary—panoramic vistas that stretch across the island and beyond. This tour is best suited for active travelers with some hiking experience who want to push themselves and see Portugal’s tallest point firsthand.
Bottom line: If you’re physically prepared and crave a true mountaineering challenge paired with expert guidance, this climb offers a memorable adventure with spectacular views.
3. Pico Mountain Climb: Portugal’s Highest Point – 2351 meters
This full-day trek takes you to the summit of Piquinho, Portugal’s highest point, with a duration of about 7 hours. The tour includes several stops along the way, such as a scenic viewpoint, photo opportunities, and a picnic break. Led by experienced guides, the journey offers a mix of moderate hiking and more challenging sections, climbing through volcanic landscapes and lava cones.
The itinerary emphasizes safety and education, with guides sharing geological insights and local stories. Reviewers praise the guides’ professionalism—their knowledge and encouragement make the demanding climb more manageable. One traveler mentioned, “Raisa made our ascent to Mount Pico really enjoyable and unforgettable,” highlighting the personal touch guides bring. The tour is suitable for those with some hiking background and a decent fitness level, willing to endure a day of physical activity.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight into the island’s volcanic heritage. The panoramic views from the top are worth every step, with clear views of the crater and lava formations.
Bottom line: For serious hikers wanting a guided, well-organized ascent with educational and scenic highlights, this tour is an excellent choice that delivers a memorable summit experience.
4. Observation of whales and dolphins in Pico Island
Rated 4.8/5 by fewer reviews, this 2.5-hour marine tour offers a more relaxed way to explore Pico’s waters. Departing from Rua dos Baleeiros, the tour focuses on spotting whales and dolphins, with the chance to see multiple species in their natural environment. The tour is guided by experts who share insights into marine mammals and the region’s conservation efforts.
This trip is perfect for those who want to combine wildlife viewing with scenic cruising. The reviews mention how the guide’s passion made the experience exciting, and many visitors describe the thrill of seeing whales surface or dolphins leap alongside the boat. The tour is relatively short, making it suitable for families or travelers with limited time, but it still provides a meaningful encounter with marine life.
For a memorable, emotion-filled experience that connects you directly with the ocean’s creatures, this tour offers good value and high quality.
Bottom line: If you’re after a flexible, wildlife-focused experience that’s easy to fit into your trip, this boat tour is a rewarding choice.
5. Pico island: guided kayak and snorkel tour
Rated 4.8/5 from a small number of reviews, this 2.5-hour guided tour offers a different perspective—paddling along Pico’s coast. Starting at R. Manuel Vieira Soares, the tour covers volcanic rock formations, hidden beaches, and marine life. The guides will take you to a volcanic crater, where you can explore the fascinating geology up close.
What makes this tour special is the combination of kayaking and snorkeling. You get to paddle past lava formations, then hop into the crystal-clear waters for some snorkeling. It’s an active, immersive way to experience Pico’s marine environment. Reviewers mention feeling the warmth of the sun and enjoying the scenery of Pico mountain from the water, with one noting, “João was an excellent guide, full of facts and fun stories.” The tour is suitable for those comfortable on the water and interested in marine wildlife and volcanic landscapes.
This experience is great for travelers seeking an outdoor activity that’s both relaxing and engaging, with opportunities for photos and quiet moments in nature.
Bottom line: For active travelers wanting a hands-on marine adventure, this kayaking and snorkeling tour combines fun, scenery, and a bit of exploration.
6. Wine Tour and Tasting with a local Winemaker at Pico Island
At $258 per person, this full-day wine tour immerses you in Pico’s legendary vineyards. Visiting Lajido da Criação Velha and Lajido de Santa Luzia, you’ll walk through vineyards planted in volcanic soils—a practice that dates back over 500 years. The tour includes tastings at Solar Terra Brum, where you sample three fine wines, and visits to the Pico Wine Museum for cultural background.
What sets this experience apart is its focus on local winemaking traditions and the island’s unique volcanic terroir. The guide shares stories about the history and methods of wine production, which has thrived despite the rugged landscape. The tour also includes visits to Cerca dos Frades, where you taste two more wines, along with local Insula Wines. Reviewers appreciate the depth of insight and the chance to sample authentic Pico wines—making it a real treat for oenophiles.
While it’s pricier, the experience offers outstanding value for those interested in culture, gastronomy, and scenic vineyard landscapes. It’s best suited for wine lovers who appreciate a well-rounded visit with educational and tasting components.
Bottom line: If you’re looking to combine scenic beauty with a deep dive into Pico’s winemaking culture, this tour offers a memorable day in the vineyards.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Selecting the best experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and time. Wildlife enthusiasts should consider the whale watching or dolphin spotting tours, which provide intimate marine encounters. If you’re an adventurous hiker, the Mount Pico climbs are unbeatable, especially for those comfortable with physical activity. For a cultural and gastronomic experience, the wine tour offers a scenic, flavorful immersion into island traditions.
Consider your travel style: active travelers will love the mountain hikes and kayaking, while those seeking more relaxed, scenic outings might prefer the wildlife cruises. Budget-wise, tours range from about $71 to $258, so think about how much time and money you want to invest.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular hikes and wine tastings, as these tend to fill up quickly. Also, check seasonal availability—some tours operate only in certain months.
Final Thoughts
Pico Island offers a rich array of tours that cater to a variety of tastes—from the thrill of seeing whales breach and dolphins leap to conquering Portugal’s highest peak or sampling local wines in scenic vineyards. For pure adventure, the Mount Pico climb provides a sense of achievement, while the whale watching appeals to those who want to connect with nature in an intimate way. Wildlife lovers will find joy in the marine observation, and foodies or culture seekers will appreciate the wine tasting.
Whatever your interests, planning ahead will ensure you secure the experiences you want most. Pico’s diverse offerings mean that whether you’re after a quick wildlife cruise or a full-day mountaineering adventure, there’s something here to make your trip unforgettable. Book early, pack your sense of curiosity, and enjoy all that this extraordinary island has to offer.