Between March and May, the largest animals on the planet arrive in the Azores on their annual migration to feast on the spring bloom of plankton around the islands. And we can arrange a whale watching holiday to the Azores for you to see them.
These giant baleen whales include the Blue, Fin and Sei whale which can be found in the deep sea around the islands. These cetaceans are filter feeders – they have a large baleen which are bristles in the mouth acting like a sieve, so you’re likely to see them make spectacular feeding lunges, taking in tons of small bait fish and krill at a time.
Some baleen whale facts:
Blue whale
This is the largest animal to have ever existed. Up to a massive 30m in length with a maximum recorded weight of 173 tonnes. Long and slender, the blue whale’s body can be various shades of bluish grey on top with lighter colouring underneath.
Fin whale
The second largest mammal on earth with a maximum confirmed length of 26m, this slender whale is brownish grey with a paler underside.
Sei whale
This whale is the smallest of the three reaching 19m in length and weighing up to 28 tonnes. They have a lifespan of 70 years and are one of the fastest whales reaching speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
As well as these migratory species, a large variety of whales and dolphins are seen throughout the year in the Azores, including sperm whales, pilot whales, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins.
You are also likely to see striped and common dolphin too. These are the core species that make up regular sightings in the Azores. There are however many other species of cetacean that you may see including, minke, humpback, pygmy, sperm, false killer whale, beaked whales, bottlenose whales, rough toothed dolphin and Orca.
We offer a wide range of whale and dolphin watching holidays in the Azores throughout the year including our Baleen Bonanza holidays on Faial from March to May.
The Azores Whale Watching Holiday Specialists
At Archipelago Choice, we have a team of Activity Holidays Specialists who know all about The Azores and the whales and dolphins around the islands. They are ready to answer all your questions…
We are a member of AITO (the Association of Independent Tour Operators) which encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. All members must adhere to the AITO Quality Charter.
Get in touch today to find out more about our adventure holidays on 01768 721040 or request a brochure or make an enquiry online with us.