Among Whales Dolphins and Volcanoes Full Day Tour With Lunch

This full-day tour from Ponta Delgada, Azores, lets you experience the region’s diverse marine life and stunning natural landscapes. You’ll go whale watching for a chance to spot whales and dolphins, then explore an active volcano. The tour includes a buffet lunch featuring regional dishes. Reviews praise the excellent guides and incredible wildlife sightings, though some mention organizational issues. You can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. For more details on what this adventure entails, read on.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Lunch Experiences In Sao Miguel.

Key Points

• A full-day adventure tour from Ponta Delgada, Azores, that combines whale watching and active volcano exploration.
• Opportunity to see various marine species, including pygmy, beaked, humpback, blue, and sperm whales, as well as dolphins.
• Includes a buffet lunch featuring regional dishes and a visit to Caldeira Velha and Lagoa do Fogo.
• Pickup available from hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels in Ponta Delgada and nearby areas, with additional costs for distant locations.
• Tour duration is approximately 8 hours, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the experience.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Ponta Delgada in the Azores promises an exciting adventure, blending whale watching with a visit to an active volcano.

Over 8 hours, you’ll have the chance to spot various marine species like pygmy whales, beaked whales, humpback whales, blue whales, and sperm whales, as well as dolphins.

After the boat tour, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch and then head to the stunning Caldeira Velha and Lagoa do Fogo sites, where the guide will provide historical insights.

The tour includes round-trip transportation, with pickup available from select locations in the area.

Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the tour is at the Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada, located on Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 9500-769 Ponta Delgada.

Pickup is available from hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels in Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Caloura, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ribeira Grande. Additional costs may apply for pickups outside these areas.

The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, so it’s recommended to arrive a few minutes early. Guests will receive an orientation and safety briefing before boarding the boat to begin the day’s adventure among whales, dolphins, and volcanoes.

Whale Watching and Marine Life

After the check-in and safety briefing, the tour sets off in search of the Azores’ diverse marine life.

The experienced crew scans the waters, hoping to spot:

1. Pygmy whales, known for their small size and playful nature.
2. Beaked whales, elusive deep-diving creatures that are rarely seen.
3. Humpback whales, renowned for their acrobatic breaching displays.
4. Dolphins, which often delight onlookers with their energetic leaps and jumps.

With luck, the tour may even encounter majestic blue whales or the formidable sperm whales.

The guide provides expert commentary, sharing fascinating insights into the behavior and habitats of these magnificent marine mammals.

Volcanic Exploration

Following the exhilarating whale watching experience, the tour continues on to explore the volcanic wonders of the Azores.

Guests will visit Caldeira Velha, an active geothermal area, where they can view steaming fumaroles and explore the lush, verdant surroundings.

Next, they’ll journey to the stunning Lagoa do Fogo, a serene crater lake situated within a volcanic caldera.

The guide will provide historical insights about the islands’ volcanic origins and the unique geological features that shape the Azorean landscape.

This portion of the tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the dynamic natural forces that have molded the Azores over millions of years.

Buffet Lunch Included

Midway through the tour, guests are treated to a tasty buffet lunch.

The spread includes a variety of regional dishes, catering to various dietary needs. The meal features:

1. Azorean fish stew, a hearty and flavorful seafood-based soup.
2. Tender grilled chicken with a tangy citrus marinade.
3. A selection of fresh, locally-sourced vegetables, perfectly cooked.
4. A decadent dessert table with traditional Azorean pastries and fresh fruit.

The lunch provides a delicious and satisfying respite before continuing the adventure to explore the volcanic landscapes and search for marine wildlife.

Tour Reviews and Ratings

With a total of 27 reviews, the Whales, Dolphins, and Volcanoes Tour boasts an impressive 4.5-star overall rating.

The majority of reviewers, a remarkable 21 out of 27, awarded the tour a full 5 stars. Meanwhile, 2 reviewers gave it 4 stars, and another 2 provided 1-star ratings.

Highlights noted by delighted customers include the excellent guides, incredible wildlife sightings, and the tour’s informative commentary.

However, a few reviewers mentioned organizational issues, average lunch quality, and some delays.

Booking and Confirmation

Travelers who book the Whales, Dolphins, and Volcanoes Tour can expect to receive confirmation within 48 hours of their reservation.

The tour also offers the following benefits:

1. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility.
2. Lowest price guarantee, ensuring customers get the best value for their money.
3. Option to reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan and budget.
4. Children must be accompanied by adults, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Subject to weather conditions, this tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers.

Additional Details

The Whales, Dolphins, and Volcanoes Tour departs at 9:00 am from the Posto de Turismo de Ponta Delgada, located at Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 9500-769 Ponta Delgada.

Pickup is available from select locations, but an additional cost applies for areas outside Ponta Delgada, Lagoa, Caloura, Vila Franca do Campo, and Ribeira Grande.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes a buffet lunch, drinks, and a boat tour.

Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.

The experience isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers due to weather conditions and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Height or Weight Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no specific height or weight restrictions for this tour. However, participants should be able to board the boat and navigate uneven terrain safely. It’s recommended to consult the tour operator if you have any mobility concerns.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, a buffet lunch and drinks are already included in the tour price, so bringing your own may not be necessary. Check with the tour operator if you have any other questions.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

There may be additional costs for pickups outside the specified areas. The tour also notes an extra charge for children and potential delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.

How Often Do the Tour Departures Occur Throughout the Day?

The tour departs once daily at 9:00 am. There are no additional departure times mentioned in the information provided. The tour operates on a single daily schedule rather than having multiple departures throughout the day.

Is Photography Equipment Provided or Can I Bring My Own?

Guests are welcome to bring their own photography equipment on the tour. Camera gear is not provided, but the tour offers ample opportunities to capture the stunning Azorean landscapes and wildlife. Guests should bring any desired photography equipment.

Sum Up

This immersive full-day tour offers a unique blend of captivating wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the stunning Azores archipelago. Travelers will embark on an unforgettable adventure, observing majestic whales and playful dolphins, while also exploring the captivating landscapes of an active volcano and the serene Lagoa do Fogo. Complemented by a delectable buffet lunch and knowledgeable guides, this tour delivers an exceptional Azorean experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.