Whale week package on 2 Islands

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

• 8-day package exploring two islands – Faial and Pico.
• Discover the gentle slopes of Faial and the dramatic landscapes of Pico.
• Possibility to visit the fauna and flora of São Jorge Island by a short boat trip from Pico.
• Pick up and drop off at Horta Airport.
• Transfer from Horta to Lajes do Pico on Day 4.
• 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Horta (2** hotel).
• 4 nights accommodation with breakfast in Lajes do Pico (2** hotel).
• Two 3-hour whale watching excursions in Horta operated by Azores Experience.
• Two 3-hour whale watching excursions in Lajes do Pico operated by Espaço Talassa.
• Insurance, government taxes, and cetacean observation permit included.
• Free entrance to the Whaler’s Museum in Lajes do Pico.

What’s the plan?

Day 1 – Arrival (Faial)

• Pick up from Horta Airport and transfer to your accommodation.
• Introduction to the Hortacetaceos base and briefing for the following day.

Day 2 – Horta

• First whale watching excursion at 9am with Pedro.
• Free afternoon to explore Horta town and its famous marina decorated with sailors’ paintings.

Day 3 – Horta

• Second boat trip in the morning.
• Enjoy a swim at Porto Pim Bay, formerly a whaling centre and now a beautiful black-sand beach.
• Visit the renowned Café Sport and discover its collection of scrimshaw art.

Day 4 – Transfer to Pico

• Morning free to explore Faial’s main attractions (see “Optional Activities”).
• Afternoon transfer to Madalena by ferry (30 minutes) and onward to Lajes do Pico and Espaço Talassa.

Day 5 – Lajes do Pico

• Third boat trip to encounter whales and dolphins along Pico’s south coast.
• Afternoon walk to the Vigia da Queimada lookout to understand how animals are located at sea.

Day 6 – Lajes do Pico

• Fourth and final sea excursion.
• Afternoon visits to the Whaler’s Museum and SIBIL — the old sperm-whale factory now transformed into a marine arts centre.

Day 7 – Free Day

• Options include climbing Mount Pico (Portugal’s highest peak) or a biodiversity excursion to São Jorge Island.

Day 8 – Departure

• Transfer via Madalena and ferry to Horta Airport, crossing the Vitorino Nemésio Channel between Pico and Faial.

The itinerary may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, the number of participants, and the presence of whales.

What else?

• Insurance (general assistance, illness, accident, cost of rescue operations).
• Free entrance to the Whaler’s Museum.
• Government taxes and cetacean observation permit included.
• Optional 4-hour or 7-hour discovery tour of Faial (visit Caldeira, Capelinhos volcano, Espalamaca headland, and Capelinho Information Centre).
• Optional climb of Mount Pico or “Sea Treasures” excursion to São Jorge Island.
• Small groups – programs can be adapted to individual preferences.