Responsible Way of Exploring the Azores

Espaço Talassa has operated whale watching from Lajes do Pico since 1989, under Azorean whale watching licence 07/2008. We stopped offering swimming with dolphins in 2017, although it remains legal in the Azores. Our boats stay a minimum of 50 metres from cetaceans, and never more than three boats stay within 300 metres of the same group — two, within 400 metres, in the case of whales. Animals are located by two land-based lookouts rather than by searching at sea. We donate €0.50 per customer to the Cabeço Santo reforestation project, run with Quercus. We hold no third-party certification, and we explain below why.

But our presence in such quiet, pristine places carries responsibility. The same curiosity that brings us close to nature can also disturb it. With this Code of Ethics, we aim to minimize our impact and preserve the natural harmony of the Azores — its culture, its people, and its ocean.

By respecting those we meet and protecting what we observe, we ensure that each journey is not only unforgettable, but also part of a sustainable future for these islands.

Before the Voyage

Before every trip, we prepare our guests with knowledge because understanding is the first step to respect.

Our library is open to everyone, offering books, videos, research, and access to our database of observations collected since 1993.
A 15-20-minute briefing before each voyage introduces you to the cetaceans of the Azorean sea: their habitat, communication, and behaviour.
Our biologists are available to answer questions and share the latest information about the animals you’ll encounter.

At Sea, With the Animals

The animals always set the rules. Their behaviour determines how we approach, how long we stay, and when we leave.

Before approaching any group of cetaceans, we consider:

The species (each reacts differently to boats).
The presence of juveniles.
Their activity (feeding, resting, socialising, or travelling).

Our general conduct at sea follows these principles:

Approach slowly from the rear quarter, maintaining constant speed.
Never closer than 50 meters.
Never position the boat between calves and adults.
A maximum of three boats may observe the same group within 150 meters.
Boats remain on the same side, never surrounding the animals.
Do not stay with the same animal for more than 30 minutes.
Depart slowly, keeping reduced speed within 300 meters.
Never try to touch or feed an animal.

Although these encounters can be powerful, whales and dolphins are not always willing to interact, especially when feeding, mating, or caring for calves. The skipper evaluates every situation, balancing sea conditions, species behaviour, and safety.

Swimming with large whales is prohibited under Azorean law. Under certain conditions, swimming with dolphins may be allowed — with these 5 different species: common, spotted, striped, bottlenose, and Risso’s —, but only with snorkelling gear, never scuba.

Although Azorean law permits it under strict conditions, Espaço Talassa stopped offering swimming with dolphins in 2017. → Why you shouldn’t swim with dolphins

Research sometimes requires exceptions to these rules, but only when absolutely necessary and under strict ethical standards to ensure minimal disturbance.

Respect and Encounter

Respect for people is as important as respect for animals.

Do not judge too quickly those whose culture was shaped by 150 years of whaling.
Learn and use a few Portuguese words: “obrigado,” “bom dia,” “como está?” — they open hearts and smiles.
Dress appropriately in the villages and avoid changing clothes in public places such as ports or docks.
Always ask before photographing people.
Tips and gifts are optional gestures of appreciation; salaries in the Azores remain modest compared to mainland Europe.

Handicrafts and Souvenirs

Refuse to buy any products made from marine animals.
The CITES convention prohibits the sale of ivory, whale bone, turtle shells, and shark teeth.
Espaço Talassa works with two clear objectives:

Inform visitors about the danger of ivory commerce and its link to whaling.
Support local craftspeople who use alternative materials such as wood, stone, and vegetable ivory.

Working Together

Espaço Talassa contributes to a sustainable future by:

Investing in professional training for our team.
Hosting foreign students and supporting Portuguese interns.
Collaborating with environmental associations like Quercus.
Providing educational programs for schools, including at-cost sea trips for students.

Looking Ahead

Whales in the Azores are no longer hunted but new threats persist: pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss.
Since 1992, Espaço Talassa has collaborated with the University of the Azores and the Regional Government to develop whale-watching regulations that protect both animals and people.

This led to the 1999 Regional Decree (9/99/A), the foundation of responsible whale watching in the Azores.

Our Commitment

Espaço Talassa lives by this Code of Ethics, not as a rulebook, but as a way of life.
By joining our voyages, you become part of this commitment.
Together, travelers, guides, and the sea itself, we can ensure that tourism remains not an intrusion, but a continuation of respect.

“The question remains: can tourism truly be sustainable?
We believe it can — if it begins with awareness, humility, and care.”

Ethics & law