The Azores, a remote volcanic archipelago in the mid-Atlantic, beckons adventurers with its natural wonders. Faial Island, in particular, offers a unique opportunity to witness the harmonious coexistence of whales and volcanoes. This two-day excursion promises an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of whale watching with the exploration of awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an extraordinary adventure, this tour may be the answer to your Azorean dreams.
Good To Know
- This 7-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds, as well as explore volcanic landscapes on Faial Island in the Azores.
- The tour includes both a marine quest with experienced skippers and a marine biologist, as well as a guided land quest to discover the island’s volcanic features.
- The itinerary can be customized based on personal interests, with local biologist insights to enhance the experience.
- Suitable for ages 5 and above, with a flexible cancellation policy and payment plan available.
- Guests should wear comfortable shoes, bring warm clothing, and be prepared for changing weather conditions during the tour.
Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Unique Whales and Volcanoes, 2 Half Days, Faial, Azores," is priced from $202.82 per person and spans a total duration of 7 hours – 3 hours for whale watching and 4 hours for the island tour.
Offered in Portuguese and English, the tour provides a flexible cancellation policy and payment plan. Guests can expect to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds with expert skippers and a marine biologist, as well as explore volcanic landscapes, including the Nature Reserve of the Central Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcano.
Transportation and entrance fees are included.
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Itinerary Highlights
As the main highlights, the tour allows guests to embark on a Marine Quest to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds with experienced skippers and a marine biologist.
They’ll also explore volcanic landscapes, including the Nature Reserve of the Central Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcano (1957), during the Land Quest.
Guided sightseeing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing are included, and the tour can be customized based on personal interests with insights from a local biologist.
Inclusions
The tour includes experienced skippers and a marine biologist onboard for the Marine Quest, as well as a guide for the Land Quest.
Guests can explore the volcanic landscapes, including the Nature Reserve of the Central Caldeira and Capelinhos Volcano (1957), with entrance fees included.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for convenience. However, food and drinks aren’t included, so guests should bring their own.
Important Information
Certain groups are not suitable for this tour, including children under 5, pregnant women, individuals with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, or recent surgeries. Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hat, sunscreen, water, and layered clothing for changing weather. Smoking, littering, feeding animals, swimming, and touching animals or plants are prohibited. The whale watching portion may be affected by weather conditions, but the land quest is flexible to accommodate personal interests. A handy guide:
| What to Bring | What to Avoid |
| — | — |
| Comfortable shoes | Smoking |
| Warm clothing | Littering |
| Hat | Feeding animals |
| Sunscreen | Swimming |
| Water | Touching animals/plants |
More Great Tours NearbyBooking Details
To book this unique tour, visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour is priced from $202.82 per person and has flexible scheduling. It includes 3 hours for whale watching and 4 hours for an island tour.
Travelers can explore the highlights in Portuguese or English with experienced guides. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Pickup and drop-off at the starting location, Naturalist – Ciência e Turismo, are included. Advance reservations are recommended, as space is limited.
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Cancellation and Flexibility
Although the tour is priced competitively, it offers flexible booking and cancellation policies.
The tour allows you to:
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Reserve now and pay later, providing financial flexibility.
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Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Customize the itinerary based on your interests and needs.
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Explore the whales and volcanoes at your own pace.
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Benefit from the expertise of experienced skippers and a marine biologist.
These features ensure a hassle-free and personalized experience, allowing you to fully learn about the natural wonders of the Azores.
Starting Location and Meeting Point
The tour conveniently starts at Naturalist – Ciência e Turismo, Observação de cetáceos on Faial Island, which makes for an easy meeting point.
The starting location is clearly marked and easy to find, with ample parking available nearby. Guests can easily navigate to the location using Google Maps, which provides turn-by-turn directions.
This central starting point ensures a seamless and efficient beginning to the tour, allowing participants to embark on their whale watching and volcano exploration adventure with ease and confidence.
Weather Impact on Tours
While the marine quest portion of the tour may be affected by weather conditions, the land quest is designed to be flexible and accommodate guests’ interests regardless of the weather.
The tour operator closely monitors weather forecasts and makes necessary adjustments to ensure guests have the best possible experience.
Key considerations include:
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Flexible itinerary to explore alternative volcanic sites if marine conditions aren’t ideal
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Opportunities to learn about the local flora, fauna, and geology through guided walks
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Experienced guides who can provide insights about the island’s unique ecosystems
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Comfortable transportation to navigate the rugged terrain
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Shelter and indoor activities available if inclement weather arises
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Tour Operator’s Expertise in Whale Watching?
The tour operator’s expertise in whale watching is evident, as they employ experienced skippers and a marine biologist onboard to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds during the Marine Quest.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks for the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks for this tour. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but doesn’t provide meals or beverages, so it’s recommended to bring what you need.
Are There Any Bathroom Facilities During the Tour?
Yes, there are bathroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can use restrooms at various stops and locations throughout the itinerary, ensuring a comfortable experience. The tour operator provides information on the available facilities.
How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?
The tour group size typically varies, but averages around 10-15 participants. The small group size allows for personalized attention from the guides and a more intimate nature-viewing experience.
Can I Request a Specific Language for the Guided Tour?
Yes, you can request a specific language for the guided tour. The tour is offered in both Portuguese and English, so you can choose the language that best suits your needs.
The Sum Up
This "Unique Whales and Volcanoes" tour on Faial Island offers a remarkable opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Azores. Participants can look forward to exceptional whale watching and a guided exploration of stunning volcanic landscapes, all within a flexible and customizable itinerary. With convenient cancellation policies, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience amidst the captivating natural wonders of the region.
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