Best Azores island for Whale Watching

Europe's best hidden gems lie in the middle of the immense Atlantic Ocean. There are 9 volcanic islands waiting patiently for you to discover and unravel their wonderful mysteries. Welcome to the Azores islands, our own secret paradise, as enchanting on land as beneath the water surface with living treasures like no others.

The Azores archipelago: Nature's masterpiece

When you think Mother Nature has given everything she has, just take a turn to another road in one of our islands and you will be proven wrong.

Each one of them is a natural masterpiece with landscapes you will never see around the globe. Watching a wide variety of whales and dolphins swim freely is among the unforgettable experiences you can have in the Azores.

The whales of the Azores: A living symphony

Every month of the year, it is possible to spot different species of whales and dolphins. So there is no time like the present to take this trip to the Azores and watch our favorite live show: cetaceans living their life free from cages and tanks.

Because these smart animals belong in the wild, not in captivity, we always thank our travellers who decide to take part in this wonderful adventure to watch wildlife in their natural habitat.

São Miguel: The green jewel

Despite being called the Green island due to its 50 shades of green everywhere you go, São Miguel is also ridiculously luxuriant underwater in terms of nature.

Cetaceans just love to pass by our warm waters, some even chose the Azores as their forever home. This means that it is a great starting point for whale and dolphin watching trips. From the South coast or from the North coast, choose your adventure to witness the grand magic of the Atlantic Ocean and its inhabitants.

Pico: Whaling heritage

Pico island provides a wonderful scenery for great whale watching trips. With its famous mountain in the background – the highest point of Portugal at 2,351m above sea level – you are on for magical sightings of cetaceans.

It is also where our whaling heritage stands. Fortunately, we made the transition from hunting to watching these beautiful animals. But remembering the old traditions remains important to value what we have in the ocean today.

Faial: The sailor's paradise

Faial is the direct neighbour of Pico. In the canal between both islands, it is not rare to spot whales and dolphins passing by.

The Blue island might have gained its name due to the abundance of hydrangeas, but the deep blue ocean also does not disappoint. Meet our gentle giants around Faial from the famous Horta harbour with hundreds of colourful signatures from sailors around the world.

Terceira: Historical charms

The authentic Terceira island displays amazing architecture, an infinite amount of historical monuments, strong Azorean culture and an obvious natural charm on land.

In the sea, it is no different. Prepare to be amazed at the wealth of fauna that the water around Terceira has to offer. This journey is a perfect mix between history and natural treasures.

Choosing your ideal island

Tailoring your island experience

The best Azores island for whale watching and the best time of year depend mainly on what you are looking for. São Miguel provides many tours with plenty of availabilities all year round and we have a large selection of boats for everyone’s needs and wants. Pico provides an adventurous rush with speed boats making you feel closer to the animals. You will be happy in Terceira too if you love history and architecture to combine with your sea trip. And Faial is unmissable for the sailors and sea lovers.

If you are planning on island-hopping, why not try whale watching in several islands?

Conservation and responsible tourism

At Futurismo, we are committed to help our dear cetaceans thrive in their environment. That is why we always follow rules to never push their boundaries. Because whales and dolphins are the stars of our trips and we want to pay them the utmost respect.

As a leader in ethical whale watching, Futurismo Azores Adventures also participates in international research thanks to the sightings during every trip we take to the ocean. This helps better understanding cetaceans around their social and migrational behaviours. Join us in our mission!

Embarking on your Azorean odyssey

When planning your holidays in the Azores, think of what you most expect of it. Each island is unique in itself and deserves a visit. Although it would take quite some time to explore the nine islands, we would always encourage you to wander as much as possible and ‘lose yourself’ to the beauty of our archipelago.

Enjoy a special connection with nature from the front row of our boats watching whales like you have never watched. This journey will stay in your memory forever. Come and set sail on your own Azorean adventure, and let yourself get inspired by the wonders of the deep blue Atlantic.

What people think about

more than 2500 reviews

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

History & Culture

Resident & Migratory Species

Why Futurismo

Experience the unparallelled difference. Embark on an epic journey with one of the world's foremost whale watching authorities

Our Story

Discover the Futurismo's (hi)story: A tale of stubbornness and passion.

Marine Biologist Guides

Meet our team of passionate marine biologists. They're not just guides; they're storytellers and experts who unveil the hidden world beneath the waves.

Scientific Investigation

Dive into the world of scientific discovery with Futurismo. Our commitment to marine research extends beyond tourism.

Species Guide & Hands-on Materials

Explore the diversity of marine life with our species guide and hands-on materials. Learn about the unique species you may encounter during your journey.

Consistent Education Projects

Education is at the heart of our mission. We believe that by connecting people with nature, we foster a deep appreciation for marine life.

Best Fleet

Experience the utmost comfort and safety with our top-tier fleet of vessels. From spacious catamarans to agile zodiacs, we have carefully selected each vessel to ensure an exceptional whale watching experience.

Experienced Lookouts

Our lookouts are the true masters of the sea. With years of experience and an unparalleled understanding of cetacean behavior, they are your navigators to unforgettable encounters.