Statistically, both trips have identical success rates and species sightings, with no meaningful difference between the two. Choose based on your schedule and how you like to start your day. If you are an early riser or staying close to Lajes, the morning trip is ideal. If you are coming from further away on the island or prefer a slower start, the afternoon works perfectly.

Each trip lasts approximately 3 hours. Included in the price:

• Expert guide on board throughout the trip
• Waterproof jacket (in case of spray or rain)
• A drink at the end (beer, water or soft drink)
• One ticket per person to the Museu dos Baleeiros in Lajes do Pico

Waterproof trousers are not included but are available for purchase at our base. Our boats accommodate between 12 and 24 passengers depending on the vessel assigned.

Yes, you can book one or more individual sea trips without committing to a weekly programme. Select your dates and number of participants directly on our reservations page.

For bookings of 4 or more seats, group rates apply automatically when you select your dates on our reservations page. No need to contact us in advance.

For safety reasons, the following individuals cannot join our sea activities:

• Pregnant women
• Children under 5 years old
• People with back or heart conditions
• Anyone who has undergone surgery within the last 6 months

Our boats are fast semi-rigid vessels and sea conditions can be demanding. If you have any doubts about your fitness to participate, please contact us before booking.

Safety always comes first. Azorean weather is famously changeable, and we prefer to make the final call as close to departure time as possible rather than cancelling hours in advance based on a forecast alone. Our team assesses conditions on the day, combining forecast data (we use Windguru) with direct observation of sea state, swell and wind. If we cancel, you will be offered either a full refund or the option to reschedule to another available date, whichever you prefer.

Sea activities & outdoor experiences:

• More than 4 days before departure: full refund
• 2 to 4 days before: no refund, but we reschedule within the current season
• Less than 2 days before or no-show: no refund, no reschedule

Accommodation & packages:

• More than 7 days before check-in: full refund
• 7 days or less, or no-show: no refund

All requests must be made in writing to espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com. We strongly recommend travel cancellation insurance, often included with major credit cards.

If your flight is cancelled and you cannot reach Pico Island, contact us with your booking reference and proof of cancellation. Each situation is assessed individually and we will do our best to find a fair solution. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance whenever you visit the Azores — flight disruptions are not uncommon and insurance covers costs that we are unable to.

If you are unable to participate due to illness or hospitalisation, we may offer a full or partial refund upon presentation of a valid medical certificate. In cases of family emergency, contact us as soon as possible and we will assess the situation individually to find a fair solution.

There is no single best season — it depends on the species. Our operating season runs from mid-March to late October. On average we spot 3 to 4 species per trip, and less than 1% of outings return without cetacean sightings. Even on those rare days there is always something to see: turtles, seabirds, sharks, and the Atlantic scenery beside Portugal’s highest mountain. For detailed monthly data, visit our sightings statistics page.

We have recorded 28 cetacean species in the waters around Pico since 1994, one of the highest diversities in the North Atlantic. On a typical trip you can expect to encounter 3 to 4 species. Sperm whales are resident year-round; other species vary by season. Our sightings statistics page shows exactly what has been spotted recently.