Guided Tours

Azorean Whalers Heritage Tour

Witness an authentic Azorean Whaleboat and learn about the ancient techniques and heritage of whale spotting.

Highlights

On this tour, explore and learn about the Azorean whaling history and learn about its rich tradition.
Go on an authentic Azorean whaleboat, Senhora de Fátima, and get involved in a splendid whale spotting experience.
With a guide and inland spotters, enjoy a memorable ride spotting whales and dolphins on your specialized long-ranged binoculars.
Witness ocean views, maritime activities, islands, and other scenic beauties on this joyous trip.
Interact with locals and people around you to delve into interesting and unique stories about the place.
Make sure you click pictures and keep a lookout for whales and other visual treats the trip has to offer.

Inclusions

Guided tour
Azorean Whaling History Briefing
Visit the 1945 Azorean Whaleboat
Van Tour (air-conditioned)
Whaler Lookout Tour & Role-play
Insurance

Exclusions

Hotel transfers (available separately)

Cancellation policy

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Your Experience

Ever wanted to dive into whaling history but never had a chance? Well, we’ve got you covered! On this tour, get a chance to deep dive into whaling history and witness an authentic Azorean Whaleboat as you learn about the ancient techniques and heritage of whale spotting.

Arrive in Vila Franca do Campo Marina and make your way down to the water's edge and the Marina, which is home to the base and yellow boats. Start your tour with a briefing on the local whaling culture and how it developed. Get to see the original 1945 whaleboat "Senhora de Fátima", the only seaworthy and a completely operable relic of the time in São Miguel. Next, take a vehicle to the "Vigia da Furada'' whaler lookout. Here you will learn how to locate whales using antiquated methods that date back to 1830 and how Azorean whale watching came to be what it is today. Using specialist long-range binoculars to look for whales will be an entirely new and different adventure.

Visit Ponta Garça's 1957 Lighthouse for a lighthouse keeper-led tour that will provide you with intriguing information about the structure, its significance for maritime activities and seafarers, and stunning views of the island and ocean.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

Warm clothing is recommended for this tour.
Please carry sunscreen as the temperature might cause tan.

Restrictions

This excursion is not recommended for those in wheelchairs, have fragile health, are under the age of 4, or both.

Timings

Daily: 1:15pm

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the attraction 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Azores Whale Watching TERRA AZUL™.
Address: Marina de Vila Franca do Campo 4, 9680-187, Portugal.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Vila Franca Do Campo. It is a quick 6-minute walk to the meeting point.
Board buses C315, C316 and C318 to get you there.

By Car

If you're driving to the meeting point, take take head East along the coast and follow directions to Vila Franca do Campo to get to the meeting point.