Hiking in Calheta de Nesquim

Trip Overview

Calheta do Nesquim was the temple to which the great Azorean writer Dias de Melo dedicated the deepest affection during his life.

This place of thoughts, truth, and beauty, suitable for poets and artists, will be your stage for a private meeting with yourself. With the mountain watching over your steps, as a natural, magnificent Hercules, surrender yourself to this impressive, indescribable land; a land outside the world and nested in the farthest part of the island where a small rural community keeps its authenticity, as a rival witness of time.

A trail that will lead you to everything that is genuine: old paths, natural swimming pools, yards, and small forests.

Difficulty

Languages

Transport Type

FOOT

Tour Starts

Lajes do Pico

Minimum Age

8

Season

Available in all season

Transport Type

FOOT

Tour Starts

Lajes do Pico

Languages

Minimum Age

8

Season

Available in all season

Trip Overview

Calheta do Nesquim was the temple to which the great Azorean writer Dias de Melo dedicated the deepest affection during his life.

This place of thoughts, truth, and beauty, suitable for poets and artists, will be your stage for a private meeting with yourself. With the mountain watching over your steps, as a natural, magnificent Hercules, surrender yourself to this impressive, indescribable land; a land outside the world and nested in the farthest part of the island where a small rural community keeps its authenticity, as a rival witness of time.

A trail that will lead you to everything that is genuine: old paths, natural swimming pools, yards, and small forests.

Whalers' Heritage in a Hike

Price

65€

Duration

Full day

Small Groups

For Nature Lovers

Full of Culture & History

Free Cancellations

Gallery

Itinerary

Madalena +

First of all, we will welcome you for the check-in or pick you up in Madalena. On this hike, we will wander along the northern part of the trail.

Calheta de Nesquim +

During this circular trail, we will discover how life on a small island in the Atlantic is and how it used to be.
We will pass by other places that can be associated with the whaling period. For example, a traditional whale lookout, is nowadays used for whale and dolphin watching experiences.
We will also have the opportunity to see one of the tripods, used to melt the whale’s blubber.
The trail leads us along with natural pools, ancient paths, houses and gardens, forests, fields, and adegas.

Whaler's Museum +

After, we will visit the Whaler’s Museum. You will explore the traditional whaling practices of Pico Island, featuring an authentic 1969/70 whale hunt film, original whaleboat, and a Scrimshaw room. Discover the whalers’ lives, their artisanal techniques, and the various products derived from sperm whales.

Back home +

We will return to Madalena along the south coast, stopping at Lajes do Pico. Here we end our tour with a visit to the famous Whaling Museum.

Select your departure

65€ per adult + 3.9€ Online Fee

Why Futurismo

100+ breathtaking experiences

Venture beyond the extraordinary. Unrivaled adventure.

Azores travel experts

Largest tour operator in the Azores with 30 years of experience.

Environmental education

At Futurismo, we think that educating and raising awareness among the young ones is very important for the future.

MORE ABOUT US

65€ per adult + 3.9€ Online Fee

Premier Whale Watching Operator

Experienced. Passionate. Respectful.

WCA Certified

Our ethical tourism practices recognized worldwide

Cetacean Sighting Guaranteed

98% success rate on Whale Watching. Tours until seen

21.000+ Sighting Records

30 yrs of scientific research. Collabs with 20+ universities

Top-notch Vessels

Best and biggest Whale Watching fleet in the Azores

KNOW MORE

100% stays in the local community

20% to local small companies

Full time, year round, employed guides

Essencial Trip Information

What's Included

Certified guide
Insurance (personal accident and liability)
Light meal
Museum entrance in Lajes do Pico

Why this Tour

Our guide will take you to a very important place in the Azores, yet far away from most tourist attractions.

Why is this place so significant? Because it is where our whaling times began. This was a huge source of wealth and helped the economy of the Azores.

Even if today it is fortunately over and we prefer watching those beautiful animals in their natural habitat, there are still lots of evidence of this period.

Let’s explore them together.

Departure and Return

Departure Point

Madalena Maritime Terminal Car Park, 9950-340 Madalena | Free pick up in Madalena and Lajes do Pico municipalities (select this option during the checkout process). Our staff will contact you on the day before the tour takes place.

Departure Time

Please select a date on the calendar on the top right hand side of this program page and check the available schedule.

Return Point

Returns to original departure point.

Are there any pickup and drop off locations I can use? +

Yes, please check the Departure and Return section presented on every tour.

I am pregnant but I would like to do this activity. Is it possible? +

We don’t recommend this tour for pregnant women.

What if the weather isn’t ok? +

If the weather doesn’t allow doing this activity safely, we will cancel it and suggest an alternative date.

Can I take my camera with me during this activity? +

Yes, but be aware that your material will be under your responsability.

Cancellation +

Cancellations up to 48 hours before the tour, no penalties are applied.
Cancellations up to 24 hours: 50% of the total amount will be charged.
Cancellations less than 24 hours or no-show: full amount will be charged.
If the weather conditions do not allow the activity to be done safely, we will cancel it and contact you suggesting an alternative date or provide a full refund.

Booking confirmation +

You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of successful booking.

What to bring? +

Sunscreen, hat and backpack
Comfortable light clothes
Sweater, raincoat
Hiking boots or shoes
Water and snacks

Advisory +

You can book for fewer people. If the minimum is not met on that day, you can reschedule, assume the full value of the experience (3 people) or cancel at least 48 hours beforehand.