5 independent reviews for Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores
Reviews for Blue Whale Discovery Holiday, Azores
Tina Yarrow review 10 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing Whales and Dolphins in their natural habitat was an absolute privilege.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do as many trips to sea as you can because you see different things on different days. We’d also recommend going on the zodiac rib boat as you get a closer encounter but you do need to be sea-faring!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We feel that tourism is of benefit for the locals. There were many restaurants, bars, ice-cream parlours etc.that rely on tourists and provides jobs for the islanders. The Portuguese are very proud of their home and strive to maintain its beauty. Everyone at the whale watching operator benefit and are reliant on tourism and the trips out to sea. Marine biologists accompany every boat and collect data which is shared internationally to other Biologists - tourism enables the crew to earn a salary and continue their studies.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We had the most amazing time and the organisation led by Rosey Responsible was perfect. The staff at Sao Miguel Park Hotel were friendly, helpful and courteous. Our room was spacious, clean and comfortable and close to all amenities - if you’re willing to take a 10 minute walk! Such a wonderful experience.Sheila Weber review 15 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing a blue Whale in all its glory2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't expect everything to be perfect. Nature can be unreliable. The weather can stop boats going out and, even when they do, sightings are not guaranteed. The animals are not there for our benefit. So be prepared for disappointments.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?
Very good. Organisation was excellent and the team on the ground couldn't have been better. The only negatives came from nature itself! Well done everybody.Pamala Wilkie review 28 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
By far the most memorable part of our vacation was seeing the whales, dolphins and other sea life in their natural habitat, accompanied by expert marine biologists who were always on hand to tell us what we were seeing. They really made you feel part of the expeditionary team. All the trips were very well run and the staff were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Fortunately we were in luck, and on our 9 hours of excursions we had sightings of sperm whales, hump back whales, bottlenose, risos and common dolphins as well as flying fish. A wonderful, wonderful week.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions, including warm clothing as it is always cooler at sea. Also, take a good supply of sea sick tablets as you are often sitting waiting in a stationery, wallowing catamaran or rig for some time before or during sightings. Make sure you are well prepared for this as it is a real shame to miss such a marvellous event because you do not feel well once you are on the boats. Also, have good walking shoes as there are lots of lovely walks and places to explore.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely - as the Azores is a small island complex and any monetary input from abroad would be of benefit to the local population. I think that tourists coming to the islands should be respectful of the conservation and biodiversity put in place there, as it is evident that the islands and the surrounding seas benefit from the care given to them by the local population.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This was an excellent week away. The tour operator could not have been more obliging or helpful from start to finish, especially as this was originally booked for a special birthday in 2020. The accommodation was excellent and very central to all the restaurants and facilities of the town. The rooms were comfortable and the hotel was well decorated. It was great to have the benefit of a heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, and multi lounges to relax in, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the food was very good quality. The trips organised by the tour operator were excellent; we were only in small groups of people which allowed for an intimate, friendly feel to the whole week. I cannot thank everyone enough at the tour operator for a really memorable vacation.Teresa Fullilove review 5 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Whales and dolphins2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a good rain coat and trousers. Lol.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all places were doing their bit.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
SuperbRob Curtis review 14 Oct 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The whole experience of seeing and hearing cetaceans including Blue Whales!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Book as many additional day or half day trips to take in the terrestrial beauty of Sao Miguel. Ponta Delgada is quite a densely populated town with an air pollution to match. It was good to get out once in a while!3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - it supported the monitoring and advocacy work of the local operator as well as the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A great vacation with welcoming locals, wonderful wildlife and local experiences. The scenery was shrouded in Atlantic fog with occasional rain but that didn't dampen my spiritsHoliday Reviews
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