Swimming With Dolphins in Terceira Island

Visiting the Azores and hoping to swim alongside dolphins? Look no further than Terceira Island‘s renowned tour operator, OceanEmotion. This small-group experience offers the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, guided by expert marine biologists. While swimming with whales is strictly prohibited, the tour provides all necessary equipment and safety protocols to ensure a thrilling yet responsible interaction. With a sighting guarantee and a commitment to sustainable tourism, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. But there’s more to discover about this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the ocean’s most charismatic residents.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Dolphin Watching Tours In Terceira.

Key Points

• The tour operator OceanEmotion offers a 2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching experience on Terceira Island, Azores, with an option to swim with dolphins.
• The small-group tour is guided by specialized marine experts and provides necessary equipment, with a sighting guarantee and public liability insurance.
• Swimming with dolphins is subject to weather conditions, and swimming with whales is strictly prohibited without special authorization.
• The tour offers alternative options, such as rebooking or a full refund, if no sightings occur, as well as a ‘No Swimmer’ fee if swimming is not possible.
• OceanEmotion is a reputable tour operator committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices in the Azores.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

The 2.5-hour dolphin and whale watching tour takes visitors on a small-group excursion guided by specialized marine experts.

Participants receive all necessary equipment and an in-depth explanation before setting out to witness the Azores’ azure waters and potential encounters with dolphins and whales.

With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.

The guided tour guarantees sightings, and participants are covered by public liability insurance.

If no dolphins or whales are spotted, the tour can be rebooked at no additional cost or a full refund is provided.

If dolphins are seen but swimming isn’t possible, an alternative tour or a nominal ‘No Swimmer’ fee is offered.

Highlights of the Activity

On the tour, participants can witness the beauty of the Azores’ azure waters and the chance to spot dolphins and whales.

Weather permitting, they may also have the opportunity to swim alongside the dolphins. However, swimming with whales is prohibited, except with special authorization.

The tour is led by a specialized marine guide who provides all the necessary equipment and explanations. Participants will have a dolphin spotter on board, ensuring a sighting guarantee.

If no dolphins or whales are spotted, guests have the option to rebook the tour at no additional cost or receive a full refund. If dolphins are seen but no swimming is possible, a complimentary alternative tour or a nominal ‘No Swimmer’ fee will be offered.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusion in the 2.5-hour tour package encompasses a dolphin spotter, a sighting guarantee, all necessary equipment, a knowledgeable tour guide, and public liability insurance.

If no dolphins or whales are sighted, guests have the option to either rebook the tour at no additional cost or receive a full refund.

If dolphins are spotted but swimming isn’t possible, a complimentary alternative tour or a nominal ‘No Swimmer’ fee will be offered as an alternative.

The tour departs from the OceanEmotion office, which is easily identifiable by its red canopy.

Guests can expect a small group experience with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate adventure in the Azores’ azure waters.

Swimming With Dolphins

Participants have the opportunity to swim with the captivating dolphins in the Azores’ azure waters, weather permitting. This activity is a highlight of the 2.5-hour tour, allowing visitors to witness these majestic creatures up close in their natural habitat.

While swimming with whales is prohibited, the specialized marine guide will provide the necessary equipment and instructions to safely interact with the dolphins. Participants should keep in mind that this activity is subject to weather conditions, and the tour operators guarantee sightings, though swimming may not always be possible.

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Prohibited Swimming With Whales

While swimming with dolphins is permitted during the tour, the activity strictly prohibits direct interaction with whales. Except with special authorization, participants aren’t allowed to enter the water and swim alongside the whales encountered in the Azores’ azure seas.

This policy ensures the safety and well-being of both the visitors and the marine mammals, preserving the delicate balance of their natural habitat. The tour guide will provide detailed explanations about the regulations and the reasons behind them, ensuring participants understand the importance of respecting the whales’ space and not interfering with their natural behaviors.

Guests are encouraged to observe the whales from a safe distance and appreciate the opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural environment.

Sighting Guarantee and Rebooking

Boasting a sighting guarantee, the tour ensures participants witness the captivating presence of dolphins and whales during their excursion.

Should no marine life be spotted, the operator offers the option to rebook the tour at no additional cost or receive a full refund, allowing guests to reschedule or recoup their investment.

This policy provides peace of mind, knowing that the tour is tailored to maximize the chances of an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

Whether guests opt to rebook or request a refund, the operator’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience for all.

Meeting Point and Directions

The tour meets at the OceanEmotion office, which is marked by a red cover. Guests should head to this designated starting point to begin their dolphin and whale-watching adventure.

From here, the specialized marine guide will provide any necessary equipment and lead the small group of up to 8 participants on their 2.5-hour tour.

The meeting point offers a few key advantages:

1. It’s easily identifiable with the red cover signage.
2. The guides are stationed there, ready to greet and equip your.
3. It’s the convenient departure location for the tour’s exploration of the Azores’ azure waters.

With the meeting point set, guests can look forward to witnessing the highlights of this unforgettable experience.

About OceanEmotion

OceanEmotion is a reputable tour operator based in Terceira Island, Azores, that specializes in responsible whale and dolphin watching experiences. They are known for their small group tours led by specialized marine guides, who provide quality equipment and explanations.

Tour Features	Details
Duration	2.5-hour tour
Group Size	Maximum 8 participants
Guide	Specialized marine guide
Inclusions	Dolphin spotter, sighting guarantee, equipment, tour guide, public liability insurance

OceanEmotion’s tours offer the opportunity to witness dolphins and whales in the azure waters of the Azores, and in some cases, the chance to swim with dolphins, weather permitting. They are committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows participants to rebook the tour at no extra cost or receive a full refund if no dolphins/whales are seen. A nominal "No Swimmer" fee may apply if dolphins are seen but swimming is not possible.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Gopro for the Tour?

Participants are welcome to bring their own camera or GoPro on the tour. However, the tour operator recommends using provided equipment to ensure the best experience and minimize disruption to the wildlife.

Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for Participants?

There is no age limit for the tour, but participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Restrictions may apply for very young children or those with mobility issues. Contact the tour operator for specific details.

What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour recommends participants wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and shoes suitable for getting wet. Swimwear, towel, and change of clothes are advised. Warm layers may be needed depending on weather conditions.

Are There Any Health or Physical Requirements to Participate?

There are no specific health or physical requirements to participate. Participants should be comfortable in the water, but no prior swimming experience is necessary. The tour provider can accommodate most mobility needs with advance notice.

Recap

The dolphin swimming tour in Terceira Island, Azores is a must-try experience for visitors. Operated by the reputable OceanEmotion, the tour provides the necessary equipment and guidance to safely interact with these magnificent creatures.

While swimming with whales is prohibited, the tour offers a sighting guarantee and a commitment to sustainable tourism, making it an unforgettable and responsible way to explore the island’s marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: