Whale watching in the Azores history

Admiring the gentle giants swimming peacefully in the deep blue waters surrounding the Azores islands was not always a relaxing experience. For centuries, Azoreans used to hunt sperm whales in order to sustain their own life and bring wealth to their land. Learn how we transitioned from whale hunters to whale watchers - a change for the better.

Whaling in the Azores: A means of survival

To live in such a remote location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean in the last centuries is a double-edged sword. We might have a strategic position between two continents, but life here is quite rough. Sources of economic wealth were not so many, but when we turned towards the infinite waters around the nine islands, we thought it could benefit us.

Today, as other economic cycles began and awareness about the animals’ welfare stepped up, we see things through another lens.

Origins of Azorean whaling

It was in the 18th century that American whalers discovered that the ocean around us was full of sperm whales and taught our people how to hunt whales from their big boats.

The whales that mattered the most to whalers were the sperm whales, because of the Spermaceti – a liquid inside their head that was used for cosmetics and lubricants among other purposes. Most parts of the animals were used: the oil for lighting, the teeth and bones for scrimshaw art, or also the meat for feeding animals.

The Azorean diaspora and whaling

Conditions were very harsh on our islands. From the 19th century, Azoreans and Americans were strongly linked by their whaling practices. That is when we notice the beginnings of Azorean emigration to the United States which were full of opportunities for the hard-working Azoreans. After they learned how to efficiently hunt whales, they returned to the middle of the Atlantic to put in practice starting in 1864.

The precious knowledge brought by American whalers allowed Azoreans to elevate their economy with sperm whale products sold locally and exported around the world.

Adapting whaling techniques

Once back home, the practice had to meet some local adaptations.

Here, we have ocean literally all around us, which makes it hard to know which way to go, and where the whales are. So in order to send the boats straight to the whales and not spend too much time in hazardous situations, Azoreans used a system called Vigias (lookouts) to spot the animals from the coast and guide the whalers thanks to smoke signals.

We still use this technique nowadays to send our whale-watching boats in the right direction, although we use radio communication to be even more efficient.

Perils of whaling and utilizing the whales

Azoreans learned from the top whalers with much more financial resources, but on their home islands, the reality for Azorean whaling was different. From the huge American sailing boats, Azoreans were left with no choice but to go hunting animals much bigger than their local embarkations. It was a dangerous task only available to men who were brave enough to risk their lives to sustain their families.

Most whalers didn’t know how to swim and many perished in the waters around the Azores due to rough weather conditions or to the struggle with enormous animals.

Harpoons were launched manually to kill the animals, which required strength. Then, they would drag the whale floating at the surface to the land and process every part of it. This provided plenty of job opportunities for many islanders.

The decline of whaling

A transformative shift

From 1896 to 1949 – the peak of Azorean whaling history – around 12,000 whales were hunted and killed.

Many reasons led to the end of whaling time in the Azores. First, the local production was much lower than our counterparts from other countries as we used traditional manual techniques. While the Azores were hunting whales almost one by one, other whalers of the world with their factory fishing vessels led to the decimation of whale populations. Also, the demand for whale products decreased as new alternatives were found.

Last, there was increasing pressure from environmental organizations. By 1982, Portugal signed the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium to stop whaling for good. The last whale was officially hunted in 1987 by a resentful whaler from Pico Island.

Preserving a historic legacy

We are so proud to set an example for the rest of the world in ending the suffering of sperm whales in the Azores. But the whaling heritage is still in our veins. The whaling history is recent here, which means that some whalers are alive. This environmental transition changed their lives as well as the animal’s lives.

We still honor their bravery in taking part in the whale hunting times despite the high risks. The old whaling factories where the whales were once processed are now museums where you can witness this fascinating change of perspective towards sperm whales from money-makers to majestic companions sharing our waters.

Visit Museu dos Baleeiros in Pico Island or Fábrica da Baleia in Faial Island to better understand our history.

Whale watching: A sustainable future

From the end of the 20th century until today, we want travelers to experience responsible whale watching as a way of educating about marine biology, helping research to ensure the preservation of the 28 cetacean species present in the Azores, and contributing to the local tourism economy.

In the Azores, we have embraced a new tradition – one that allows us to Explore, Love, and Protect the incredible marine life that graces our shores.

What people think about

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Intense in knowledge transmission. They excel in animal tracking with non-intrusive methods. I had an amazing, unexpected experience. Wonderful. They teach the importance of caring for and respecting our seas and oceans, which is crucial.

Alba Moreno Ruiz, Spain

Exciting excursion, friendly and knowledgeable staff, not too crowded catamaran. We saw two different species of dolphins and a sperm whale with its calf. Thanks for the wonderful experience!

Donatella Fracassi, Italy

A magical moment! We were able to easily see and interact with the dolphins. There was only our boat with 8 swimmers in total, making it even more enjoyable – a special time with the dolphins. Very clear explanations and a guide who listened and was very pleasant. We will be back 👍

Manuel Fernandez, France

During our vacation, we enjoyed both stand-up paddle and kayaking, resulting in an unforgettable experience. The staff were all incredibly friendly. They recommended restaurants after the activity with a personal touch. 100% recommended.

Andrea Jaramillo Lopez, Spain

An outstanding experience. The marine biologist and the driver were both incredibly passionate. We saw 2 dolphins and 2 sperm whales that dived. An unforgettable memory under perfect weather. Thank you for all these unforgettable moments.

Magali Loriot, France

It’s impressive that we haven’t found anybody during our walking tour. It was amazing the communion with nature. It feels that nature is still untouched.

Sievers, Poland

Whale Watching Azores Essentials

Explore, Love, and Protect: Unveiling the essence of Whale Watching in the Azores

The Complete Handbook

Responsible Whale Watching

Resident & Migratory Species

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