28 independent reviews for Blue Whale tour in the Azores
Reviews for Blue Whale tour in the Azores
jon whitta review 8 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it. Had such an amazing time.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just go with it. Nature is unpredictable. whales and weather will do what they want3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Top marks all roundBenedikte Rathmann review 22 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whale watching, but also the kindness of the people of Pico. They have a gentle spirit and are very friendly even though they work long hours.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go eat fish at the Ritinha restaurant3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited local people. They explain how tourism has improved their wealth. I guess it also supported conservation. However, I am quite sure the boats must be polluting quite a bit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If you had not contacted me, I would have contacted you anyway to thank you for a very well planned trip. I received valuable information without being overloaded. The email that you, Amanda, sent me just before I arrived in Pico with tips on where to eat and whom to contact was so very kind. We have never met, but I have felt so well taken care of all the way. I will definitely consider booking a vacation with you again. Thank you. BenediktePeter kudelka review 13 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Definitely the whales , especially the blue mother and baby and th 3 sei whales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Sit on the steps at the front of the boat right from the first trip3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, obviously it supported jobs but the welfare of the animals seemed to be the first consideration. I also loved that the young staff all seemed just as excited as we were with every sighting.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Well organised. Special thanks to Gaynor who answered emails promptly over the 4 years it took me to actually be able to take this trip and was a constant and reassuring presence throughout. I think the success of all the arrangements is due mainly to herMary Monro review 20 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Wonderful to see 3 species of whales and 3 species of dolphins up close. We also very much enjoyed our visit to Furnas and the amazing botanical garden there.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Great trip, well organised, nice accommodation and good support on the ground. If you get seasick, go prepared. A couple of days were quite rough and, although the staff on the boat are excellent, it must be a miserable experience if you are sick. On the plus side, there are professional photographers on board so if you can't use your camera (due to the swell) or don't take one, it doesn't matter.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent except for the additional 1/2 day tour to Lagoa da Fogo, which was poor value.Jacqueline Dunkerton review 28 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the whales2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
I would say don't be afraid of booking zodiac trip for sightseeing. We met many who went on the catamaran because they were worried about the zodiac but the zodiac is very comfortable and very safe3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly benefited local people who who rely on the tourist industry. The marinebiologists on the boat were also very keen to point out their gratitude for people seeing the animals in this way rather than going to visit captured marine life4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We have some bad weather unfortunately but on an island in the Azores it has to be expected. Even with bad weather we still went out on the boat and ssw wildlife including whales so it was excellent.Alex Duckworth review 25 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Going out on the boat not knowing what to expect and finally seeing 2 blue whales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do take warm and waterproof clothing for the boat trips it gets quite chilly at sea.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope that my vacation did contribute to the local economy in some small way and that the local people I spoke to will have enjoyed my company.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was one of the best vacations I have experienced and I have traveled a lot. The scenery, people, food and beautiful gardens were memories to cherish. Only hope I will be able to return and visit more of the islands. Thank you for a wonderful vacation.Paula Turner review 22 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This was an incredible vacation. 10/10. Best bit was definitely whale watching and education from an outstanding marine biologist.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Stay at the Colleggio hotel it is much nicer and in a better location.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Outstanding value for money and a fantastic experience- incredibly well organised and hosted by lovely and knowledgeable people.David Taylor review 11 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whales and dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Was as advertised, would recommend this operator.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe it helps the local economy and the way the tours are conducted is done with great respect for the whales in keeping distance and not ‘hounding’ them.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent.Mike Jenkinson review 1 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing whales.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You are dealing with Mother Nature,events wise as well as weather.schedules can only be programmed so far-be patient.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes for sure.didn’t seem to be much industrial activity other than tourist related.mostly local employment.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
9 out of ten. Park hotel breakfast hot menu was repetitive and didn’t cater much for English palate.continentals did ok.I didn’t see fried eggs or bacon all week.cold choice was fine I would have to say.Barbara Potter review 20 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
spa treatment at hotel2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
don't go3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No I didn't feel welcome and found the local people unfriendly4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ZeroRead the operator's response here:
Dear Barbara
I am so sorry to hear of the many of the challenges you endured. Bad weather is one thing but our partners usually excel at customer service so I am sorry your experience was that they were not so helpful or friendly. I am really glad you have given such clear feedback which we shall certainly ensure is heard by people who can ensure this does not go unchecked.
Things usually go so smoothly, So this is extremely rare. The directions to the boat base have worked fine for all other guests making their way to the boat operators, who are always so helpful. However after you called us it seems you found your way. We don’t have our logo at the harbour but the welcome letter has a pictire of the logo. Also you did have their phone number and address. It is 5 minutes from the hotel and sometimes in a new country finding things can be a bit confusing. Also I am sorry your voucher took time to find but again, after you called us it seemed they did find it. They had a huge number of guests over Easter so things are a bit slower.
I sincerely hope you can look back and have some happy memories and some of the difficulties fade. You certainly had a lot of challenges and I am sincerely sorry to hear about it. It sounds like it was special to be together as a family with the children showing resilience and positivity with the weather challenges,
Kind regards and I sincerely hope future vacations are really relaxing and a lot easier!
Nicholas Fletcher review 9 Jun 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole vacation was fantastic but “being a marine biologist for the day” has to go down as the highlight. We were lucky enough to have Mafalda lead our trip and having met her two days previously on a group RIB excursion we knew exactly what to expect from her. I can honestly say I’ve never met anybody who is as passionate about their chosen profession and she imparted her knowledge of cetaceans in captivating fashion. Seeing the whales and dolphins up close is one thing but gaining an insight into what the marine biologists are doing on a daily basis and being able to learn from them gives the experience an extra dimension. It was absolutely fascinating and well worth the extra money!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely take sun tan lotion with you on the boat along with your fleece and jacket. The weather is very changeable so make sure you’re prepared for it. With regards COVID the island are very well organised with their testing process so don’t let it put you off traveling.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely!! Many people on the island work in the tourism industry and if it continues to be done as sustainably as it is now then it can certainly benefit the local people and economy in the long term without having a detrimental effect on the ecology of the islands. The local government has put in place regulations to preserve the natural beauty of the island, these include designated walking trails at beauty spots with other areas off limits, the banning of swimming in certain lakes and strictly limiting the number of whale watching operators licenses they issue. All these measures will help to preserve what is there now for future generations to enjoy. I don’t think our vacation reduced environmental impacts because we had to fly to get there but you can offset that against what your money goes towards when you arrive on Sao Miguel. Any money they do make from tourism is ploughed into expanding the geothermal power plant which one day could provide enough green energy for everyone on Sao Miguel. Couple that with the fact that every time a boat goes out the marine biologists on board are logging exactly what cetaceans are seen, their location and if possible their identity. This information is then collated and shared with other marine biologists around the world to help them build up a picture of the global whale population, its health and their migration patterns.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
The memories we have of this vacation will last a lifetime. Everyone we met on the island was extremely welcoming and the landscape and wildlife truly breath taking. I would rate it a 10/10.Barry Brown review 19 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of it2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The island plane service is aweful3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local people4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
WonderfulRead the operator's response here:
Dear Barry
Thank you so much for your positive review and so glad you had a wonderful vacation on the more remote Azores Islands. We are aware there was some flight disruption last week which was very inconvenient for our guests and actually not something that our guests have experienced before. The local airline will compensate you and if you need any help from us for this please get in touch. They provided accommodation and meal vouchers where needed. I am glad this travel disruption did not take away from your enjoyment of the vacation and that you managed to do all your planned trip to sea.
Best wishes
Wendy Cadman review 28 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
the blue whales2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check out what you're going to get before choosing a dish in a restaurant - you often don't get what you expect!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A superb experience, and we would have changed hardly anything once we were there, although we had big problems with the flights both ways.Swee-Im Ung review 20 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Actually getting to see the whales as described - Blue, Fin, Sperm and Sei, as well as 3 different types of dolphins. Lisa is so experienced and enthusiastic, and the skipper of the boat was very skilled too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring sea sickness tablets or patches of one is prone to this.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The islands rely on the tourist trade. Hotels and restaurants should work more actively to stop using plastic bottles, etc. by explaining to guests the why and how to.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great trip.Jean Tuck review 7 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Way above expectations! Whale Watch Azores (chosen via Responsible Travel) is excellent. Informative, even as to the exact moment to click the camera shutter, skilled in being in the right place at the right time, positioning the boat for everyone's advantage, including the whale's, knowing the whales' routines, and even helping organise the non-water days. Over the 4 days spent at sea we saw 50 !!! whales (counting a couple of temporarily unattended sperm whale calves) and a similar number of dolphins! All memorable! The island tour before the main vacation started was good too.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Follow the given instructions regarding things needed/to pack. Very helpful.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, meals in local restaurants, tours run by local people, the whale-watching tour group that was used definitely supports conservation as much research is done as part of it. Care was taken to reduce impact on the whales by the way the trip was run, and on the environment by the avoidance of plastic bottles etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant and memorable.Barbara and James Knight review 1 Jul 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the whales and dolphins in their own environment.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure that the hotel is in the right location for your needs and offers the required facilities, eg. good breakfasts and a decent restaurant. I have a mobility problem and I would have preferred accommodation nearer to the harbour and center of the town. Maybe a choice of hotels could be offered. Do try the recommended restaurants.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I believe that the whale and dolphin watching must be a major attraction for people visiting the Azores and bring a financial benefit for the local people. I think that many people attracted to this type of vacation will be more aware of environmental impacts of tourism and would be keen to support the conservation of the sea and its inhabitants around the islands, as well as the beautiful, unspoiled landscapes.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We really enjoyed our vacation and it was totally different from any previous vacation. We would have liked a better hotel, but it did have some good points, such as the balcony and view. We would give the vacation a good rating overall. We found staff at the hotel and the operators very kind and helpful. We would definitely consider another vacation in the Azores and would recommend Responsible Travel.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks for the wonderful review!
I am so sorry that we did not know about your mobility problems as we do have a selection of hotels on the harbour and would have offered you one of those if we had known. Our web site describes the location of the hotels and you were given the exact distance to the boats with a map. However I am glad you were able to take short and cheap taxis to help you.
I am so pleased the rest of the vacation was enjoyable and the boat was easy to move around with mobility issues offering you great views of the whales.
Amanda
Mike Segal review 9 Jun 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing such a large numb er of whales and dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for very changeable weather and occasionally rough seas. Also, if you're lucky you will see a lot of whales but don't expect to see very much of any of them, just fins, backs and tails. It would be great to see their heads and their eyes, but that is a very rare event. Dolphins are much more photogenic.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I'm sure that locals benefited from our custom in hotels and restaurants, and I know that our trip helped to finance tconservation work on whales and dolphins4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great trip, it was exciting to see so many huge and rare animals, and it was also very interesting to visit the Azores, see and learn about their extraordinary geology.Ian Paterson review 6 Jun 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing whales, fin, blue and sperm whales in their natural environment- Lisa our guide was fantastic2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepsred for inclement weather3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Trish Byrne review 21 May 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all very exciting, but the very best part was when we found a blue whale and a fin whale swimming side by side. This allowed us to clearly see the differences between them - almost as if they were doing it for our benefit. I was also happy that the whales seemed to be undisturbed by our boat. I hope that's true.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely bring a peaked cap that stays on your head - the glare from the sea can give you a headache. Bring everything you're told to bring in the information leaflet. The weather can change in a second.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly benefited local boat owners and restaurant owners. I don't know if it reduced environmental impacts, but Lisa, our group leader, photographs all the whales for identification purposes, which I guess supports conservation. Also, I suppose the fact that whale-watching is a viable tourism model gives local populations an incentive to look after the seas.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. Great experience.Tim Hall review 1 Jun 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Very difficult to say as there were so many memorable moments: seeing five sperm whales "socialising" together and swimming in a perfect line, almost managing to synchronise their "blows", catching a great picture of the tail fin of the massive blue whale, seeing the huge side fins of the humpback just under the water giving them an eerie blue colour, or probably the best of all seeing first a pod of c10 orca cavorting in front of us, the male one with a massive fin of more than 2 metres in height, and then about an hour later seeing either the same animals again or a different pod, this time as two smaller groups. This is not to mention all the amazing pods of dolphins we saw, common, bottlenose, risso and striped plus false orca which we did not even know existed until the scientist on board identified them.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take some warm clothes including a waterproof/windproof top coat, preferably things that can be layered as, despite the sun, the wind can be very cold when on board especially when the boat is going quite fast tracking down a sighting which may be several miles away out at sea. Take high level sun block.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This vacation definitely supported conservation; the information that our scientist on board was gathering was being fed into international databases capturing details about migratory whales and photo-matching individuals. Local people were employed to help run the vacation and without exception everyone in our group ate at a variety of local restaurants. The local economy benefited by members of the group buying souvenirs and taking part in local tours when not out at sea.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We would rate our vacation somewhere in between 4 and 5 stars; not sure we could honestly say we were "reborn" but this has certainly been the vacation of a lifetime. We were very lucky with the sitings we had; literally being more or less in the middle of the Atlantic, which is vast, and being able to "find" these creatures is amazing in itself; the scientist on board was very knowledgeable, friendly and keen to share her knowledge. The animals' well being was always the most important factor and so we did not stay long at each siting to allow the whales the freedom to continue with their journey. Overall the vacation was brilliantly managed.Janet Gaten review 28 May 2016
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whales, whales and more whales, plus lots of dolphins.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take warm clothes for the boat and travel motion remedies as the swell can be quite something3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Boat company were very responsible when viewing the animals in order to minimise their stress. All the staff were local to the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent experience on all counts, good animal sitings, good hotel and beautiful islands.David Turley review 5 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
During our first week on Faial, being lucky enough to see our first blue whale within an hour of setting out in the catamaran.Then seeing over 50 whales (blue, fin, sei, sperm ) and over 100 dolphins (common ,bottlenose, rissos ) over the three days.It was amazing. During our second week on Sao Miguel,walking round the beautiful gardens in Ponta Delgada...and Terra Nostra in Furnas,with all its other fascinating landscapes. Driving up to Sete Cidades for the second time,this time on a clear day,and walking by the lake in the sunshine.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The vacation provider listened to our requests and tailor made the vacation for us.If you want to see whales then Faial is the island for you,the Hotel do Canal in Horta is really comfortable and Lisa Steiner is an excellent and very knowledgeable guide. Being on the small catamaran gives the best opportunity to see whales. On Sao Miguel I recommend hiring a car for some of the time to see as much as you can.However the trip guides are really helpful and very knowledgable too so you really learn a lot about the island and its history.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes,we spent money in the hotel, shops, cafes, car rental and with tour guides. The operator gives guidance on being environmentally aware and we followed their advice. The whale watching trips supported research into whale and dolphin conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic! We saw everything we hoped for ...and more. The Azores are an amazing vacation destination,we will be back.alice caldwell review 28 May 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing so many whales and dolphins, the group I was with, the fantastic hotel I stayed in2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pick the exclusive trip, I think there is a bonding when there are only 12 people, compared if there were a lot more people. Also you get longer at sea, and ask for Horta, it was so beautiful, also for all that you get, it works out so cheap, I don't understand how they can give you so much for that price?3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported conservation4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
MagicalAnne Whittle review 7 Jun 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing far more whales, & more closely, than I ever expected.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Check on the information given about daily talks & presentations included in the cost of the vacation; we had just one.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it supported conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful experience.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Anne
Thanks for your review and glad you had a wonderful vacation with so many whales
The expert guide who accompanied you on the full day boat trips has 35 years experience as a researcher in The Azores. Most of our guests found her extensive knowledge very informative. She always makes herself available on the boat to share this information and invites people to ask questions and as it is a small group, everyone can listen to her answers.
We were under the impression that all day on the boat there are opportunities for information. I think the guide tends not to offer too many formal presentations as it can be too much for some people who are not very scientific, so I am sorry you were expecting more in that way.
Did you ask her to describe any aspects of cetacean science and research? I am sure she would have happily shared her extensive knowledge with you if she had known.
Anne Arietti review 7 Sep 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trips out to see the whales. There were so many different types including dolphins. We actually saw 16 blue whales in one day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
You are out at sea for 7 hours so make sure you take some sea sickness medication with you just in case. If you don't know that you suffer from sea sickness (like me) then take some anyway as seven hours is a long time to be feeling ill. Also I would recommend that on the free days to book one or both (tour of Pico) of the island jeep tours. The guides are excellent and take you to places you would never find if you were hiring a car.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes the boat operator was local and also we took tours run by local people and bought things in the local shops. Also part of the cost of the vacation funds the local whale and dolphin conservation and research group.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentSarah Grandy review 28 May 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the ocean giants so close it was amazing2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book this experience but add on to it an extra week visiting the other islands3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company carries out research and so raises awareness of the whales and dolphins and how amazing they are The information given by Lisa and Nortbuto was fantastic They work with the university and so are not just taking out vacation makers but informing student research as we'll4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentChristiana Lorenz review 29 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
amazing observations of the Cetaceans2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not to hesitate: more than 100% worth it.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes without any doubt4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Jean Bird review 26 Jun 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Blue Whales2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There weren't any things I wasn't prepared for.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Research into cetaceans.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
ExcellentHoliday Reviews
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