Research & Tourism

Attention

Due to the special nature of our activities, each customer declares to be over five years old, not pregnant, and in perfect physical and mental health.
Espaço Talassa reserves the right to refuse boarding to any client who does not meet these conditions.
Clients will not receive any refund or compensation if these requirements are not met.

General Information

• A conservation-focused program combining field research, whale watching, and cultural discovery.
• Welcome and transfers from Faial or Pico airports.
• 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Hotel “Whale’come ao Pico” (double occupancy, 2**).
• 5 days at sea (or equivalent half-days, weather dependent).
• Insurance and whale-watching permit included.
• Group size: maximum as per boat capacity; programme requires a minimum of 10 participants.

What’s the plan?

Fieldwork & Sea Days

• Five days aboard, observing behaviour, social organisation, and migration of great whales alongside our team (over 7 months/year at sea).
  Data collection methods, species ID, hydrophone use, and responsible approach protocols.

Whaling Heritage Day

• Full day exploring Pico’s whaling tradition:
  – São Roque whaling station (SIBIL)
  – Calheta de Nesquim boathouse
  – Vigia da Queimada lookout
  – Whaler’s Museum in Lajes (closed Mondays)

Talks & Science Sessions

• Daily 6pm sessions: Pico island overview, turtle survey, nature slideshow.
• Special presentation by our biologist on cetacean ecology/biology and our Blue Whale research in the Atlantic.

Itinerary may be adjusted for weather, sea conditions, safety, group size, and animal presence.

What else?

• Insurance (general assistance, illness, accident, rescue operations).

• Whale-watching/cetacean observation permit.

• Airport transfers (Faial or Pico).

• If fewer than 10 participants book, you will be refunded 100%.

Not included

• Single room supplement.

• Sea-view supplement.

• Picnic or lunch.

• Extra charge for arrivals or departures from Horta: 30 € per person each way.

• Minimum of 10 participants per excursion.