Frequently asked questions – Espaço Talassa

Where Are the Azores?

Draw a straight line from Lisbon to New York, and halfway across the Atlantic you’ll find the Azores archipelago.
The islands are divided into three groups. In the central group, on the southern coast of Pico Island, lies Lajes do Pico, home of Espaço Talassa.
[Learn more about the Azores →]

How to Get to Pico

The only way to reach Pico is by air, as there is no direct sea connection.
SATA Azores Airlines and TAP Portugal connect the Azores to mainland Portugal. The airport code for Pico is PIX (alternative arrival: HOR for Horta, Faial).
For smooth connections, booking through a travel agency is often easiest.

If I Have a Stopover in Lisbon

If you arrive late and leave early (as is often the case), staying near the airport is best.

Tryp Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel
Modern, comfortable, and just 200m from the terminal.
📞 +351 218 425 000 | 🌐 tryplisboaaeroporto.com

If you prefer staying in the city:
Hotel Açores Lisboa
Near Praça da Espanha metro station, about 6 km from the airport.
📍 Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 1833, 1070 067 Lisboa
📞 +351 218 429 360 | 🌐 bensaude.pt/hotelacoreslisboa/en/

Why Choose Lajes do Pico

Lajes is one of the world’s best whale watching locations, with exceptional diversity and frequency of sightings.
Unlike busier ports such as Horta, Madalena or Ponta Delgada, Lajes is closer to the observation zones, on average just 10 minutes from the harbour instead of 30.
Fewer boats mean calmer animals and more peaceful encounters.

The coastline is framed by whitewashed villages and the towering Pico Mountain, an unforgettable backdrop. Tradition remains strong here: old whaling boats still train for summer regattas, and the village architecture recalls 19th century American whaling ports.
Within 1 km, you can visit the Whaler’s Museum, the old whale factory, and our Vigia da Queimada lookout tower.

Travelling with Family?

Yes. We offer a dedicated family package, “Dolphins, Whales and Men – in Family.”
Our base is equipped with a nearby health unit, three seater kayaks, all terrain bikes with child seats, and a library with children’s books and films.

Minimum age: 5 years old.
Children should be comfortable in small spaces and at ease on the sea.

Which Cetaceans Can Be Seen and When?

There isn’t a single “best” season; it depends on the species.
Our operating season runs from late March to early November, when conditions are best.
On average, we spot 4 to 5 species per trip, and less than 1% of our outings return without cetacean sightings.
Even on those rare days, there’s always something to see — turtles, birds, sharks, and of course the magnificent Atlantic scenery beside Portugal’s highest mountain.

What to Do in Pico When You’re Not at Sea

Enjoy hiking, visit museums, go horse riding or scuba diving, and explore the island’s volcanic landscapes.
[Discover Pico beyond the whales →]

About the Hotel

Whale’come ao Pico, designed by Alexandra (architect and cofounder of Espaço Talassa), is a renovated basalt stone house that blends traditional Azorean architecture with simple, modern lines.
It’s located just steps away from our base in Lajes.

Other Accommodations

We now offer four different accommodations on Pico.
To see all options, visit our [Accommodations page →].

Cancellations

Please refer to our [Terms & Conditions].
We strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, often included with major credit cards.

Not Taking a Package?

Yes, you can book one or more individual sea trips outside of the weekly programs.
For details and prices, visit [Whales and Dolphins of Queimada →].

Pregnancy

Unfortunately, participation is not allowed during pregnancy.
Sea conditions can change quickly, and what begins as a calm trip can become physically demanding and unsafe for both you and your baby.

Car Rental in Pico

Yes, but book early as cars are limited, especially in July and August.

If you didn’t find the precise question or the right answer, please contact us: espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com
or directly by telephone: + 351 292 672 010