Draw a straight line from Lisbon to New York: roughly halfway, in the middle of the Atlantic, you’ll find the Azores. Nine islands in three groups. In the central group, on the south coast of Pico Island, lies Lajes do Pico, and that’s where we are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unfortunately, only by plane (the most polluting option, we know): there is no ferry from the mainland. SATA Azores Airlines and TAP connect the Azores to mainland Portugal. Pico’s airport code is PIX; the alternative is HOR, in Horta (Faial), and if you ask for a transfer, we’ll pick you up at either. If you book through a travel agency, give them these codes: Pico isn’t always on their map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you arrive late and leave early (which is almost always the case), the easiest is to sleep near the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tryp Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel<\/strong> Not the prettiest hotel in Lisbon, but it’s 200 m from the terminal, and at 5 in the morning that’s what matters. \ud83d\udcde +351 218 425 000 | \ud83c\udf10 tryplisboaaeroporto.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you prefer staying in the city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel A\u00e7ores Lisboa<\/strong> Near Pra\u00e7a da Espanha metro station, about 6 km from the airport. \ud83d\udccd Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro 1833, 1070 067 Lisboa \ud83d\udcde +351 218 429 360 | \ud83c\udf10 bensaude.pt\/hotelacoreslisboa\/en\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lajes is one of the best places in the world to see whales, for numbers and for variety. And they’re close: on average 10 minutes by boat to the observation areas, while from Horta, Madalena or Ponta Delgada it’s about 30. Away from the busier harbours there are fewer boats at sea, and the animals can be watched more calmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On land, the scenery isn’t bad either: white houses facing the sea and, behind them, Pico Mountain. Tradition is still alive: the old whaling boats still train under sail for the summer regattas, and the village looks like a 19th-century American whaling port. Within 1 km you have the Whalers’ Museum, the old whale factory and our Vigia da Queimada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Zodiacs only, and that won’t change.<\/strong> On a big boat you sit higher and further from the water, with more people and engines that are louder underwater, which disturbs the animals more. On a zodiac you’re close to the water and the encounter is more direct. You also get a bit wetter, it’s true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no “best” season: it depends on the species. We go out from mid-March to the end of October, when the sea allows. On average we see 3 to 4 species per trip, and less than 1% of trips come back without cetaceans. On those rare days there’s always something else: turtles, birds, sharks, and Portugal’s highest mountain as a backdrop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No difference.<\/strong> According to our statistics, both trips have the same success rate and the same species. Whales don’t check the clock. If you’re an early riser or staying near Lajes, go in the morning. If you’d rather have a slow breakfast or are coming from the other end of the island, go in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, very much so.<\/strong> Sperm whales are here all year, and species like the Atlantic spotted dolphin arrive around June. But from mid-March to May, and in September and October, you get the same encounters with far fewer boats at sea. The animals are calmer, there are more seats available and the mood on board is different. In August, Lajes has traffic jams too, only at sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whale’come ao Pico was designed by Alexandra, architect and co-founder of Espa\u00e7o Talassa: an old basalt stone house, restored with simple lines and calm colours. It’s a few steps from our base in Lajes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. We have four different places to stay on Pico; you can see them on our [Accommodations page \u2192]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, you can book one or more trips without a weekly package. Times and prices at [Whales and Dolphins of Queimada \u2192]<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From 4 seats in the same booking, the group rate applies automatically, whether you’re a family, a group of friends or four strangers who teamed up at the caf\u00e9. For availability and prices, contact us: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udce7 espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com<\/a> | \ud83d\udcde +351 292 672 010<\/p>\n\n\n\n Climb Portugal’s highest peak, walk through UNESCO-listed vineyards, go round the volcanic lakes and the laurisilva forest, or watch Pico’s birds from coast to mountain. Or do nothing by the sea, which is also an activity. Our guided activities on land start from \u20ac39. [Explore our outdoor activities \u2192]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Our cancellation policy depends on the service booked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rescheduled bookings cannot be carried over to future seasons\/years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All cancellation requests must be made in writing to espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We recommend trip cancellation insurance. It’s often already included with the credit card you paid with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Choose Lajes do Pico<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nZodiac or Bigger Boat \u2014 Which Do You Use?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhich Cetaceans Can Be Seen and When?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMorning or Afternoon \u2014 Which Is Better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIs it worth visiting in spring or autumn instead of summer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nAbout the Hotel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nOther Accommodations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCan I Book Individual Trips Outside a Package?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDo You Offer Group Discounts?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat to Do in Pico When You’re Not at Sea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat Is Your Cancellation Policy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sea Activities (Whale Watching & S\u00e3o Jorge trip) & Outdoor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Accommodation & Packages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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