Support whale research while enjoying unique wildlife encounters
Our aim is to make your whale watching tour more than just observing whales or dolphins. All tours are led by whale biologists and support Whale Project Azores (WPA), a long-term research project on Azores great whales.
Before embarking a detailed briefing informs you about the species and sea conditions. Waterproof clothes and life jackets are provided and sea sickness tablets are available on request.
On board our whale watching vessel – Keiko – our crew will answer all your questions and provide wildlife information.
A hydrophone (underwater microphone) is used to help our crew determine where a whale or whales may be. Identification guides are available for consultation at the end of the tour. We work with small groups to keep the experience personal. Patience is a golden rule for a successful whale watching experience!
Responsible whale watching
KEIKO is a 9m rigid inflatable boat powered by a 300Hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engine with quiet operating levels and equipped according to the EU safety standards. RIB boats combine speed with extraordinary stability, being the ideal choice for Azores sea conditions. The reduced number of passengers aboard (max. 14) and the use of a small boat keeps the tours and the encounters with the animals more personal and exciting with minimum disturbance.
Whales and dolphins often approach smaller boats closely. This creates an opportunity to get up close with them in a natural way as they glide along the boat. This kind of experience just isn’t that easy when whale watching on the larger boats, more crowded and noisy and more difficult to maneuver around the animals. In addition, for those who normally suffer from seasickness, they are the ideal choice as they roll less.
At Dive Azores we work hard to offer our guests an educational, enjoyable and safe experience, while keeping in mind that the welfare of the cetaceans should always come first!