{"id":7555,"date":"2024-01-16T11:59:50","date_gmt":"2024-01-16T11:59:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.espacotalassa.com\/?page_id=7555"},"modified":"2026-11-02T14:03:53","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T14:03:53","slug":"contact","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/contact\/","title":{"rendered":"Contact"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<!-- FAQ Gate \u2014 Espa\u00e7o Talassa | Paste this into a Custom HTML block ABOVE the Contact Form 7 shortcode -->\n\n<style>\n.et-faq-gate { max-width: 720px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 1rem 0 1.5rem; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; }\n\n\/* Booking banner *\/\n.et-book-banner { background: #1d3455; border-radius: 8px; padding: 1rem 1.25rem 1rem 1.4rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: space-between; gap: 16px; flex-wrap: nowrap; }\n.et-book-banner-text { margin: 0; font-size: 14px; color: #f0ede2; line-height: 1.5; font-weight: 500; }\n.et-book-banner-text span { opacity: .75; font-weight: 400; display: block; font-size: 13px; margin-top: 2px; }\n.et-book-btn { background: #115eb9; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; padding: 10px 20px; border-radius: 6px; white-space: nowrap; letter-spacing: .02em; transition: background .15s; }\n.et-book-btn:hover { background: #0d4a94; color: #fff; }\n\n\/* Intro notice *\/\n.et-faq-intro { background: #f0ede2; border: 1px solid #d8d4c8; border-radius: 8px; padding: 1rem 1.25rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 12px; }\n.et-faq-intro svg { flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 2px; color: #1d3455; }\n.et-faq-intro p { margin: 0; font-size: 14px; color: #1d3455; line-height: 1.6; }\n\n\/* Section headings *\/\n.et-faq-heading { font-size: 11px; font-weight: 700; color: #1d3455; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .08em; margin: 0 0 .75rem; opacity: .6; }\n.et-faq-heading:not(:first-of-type) { margin-top: 1.5rem; }\n\n\/* Accordion items *\/\n.et-faq-item { border: 1px solid #dde1e8; border-radius: 6px; background: #fff; margin-bottom: 6px; overflow: hidden; }\n.et-faq-q { width: 100%; background: none; border: none; padding: 14px 16px; text-align: left; cursor: pointer; display: flex; justify-content: space-between; align-items: center; gap: 12px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 600; color: #1d3455; line-height: 1.4; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; }\n.et-faq-q:hover { background: #f7f5f0; }\n.et-faq-q svg { flex-shrink: 0; transition: transform .3s ease; color: #1d3455; opacity: .5; }\n.et-faq-q.open svg { transform: rotate(180deg); }\n\n\/* Answer panel \u2014 smooth animation *\/\n.et-faq-a {\n  max-height: 0;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  opacity: 0;\n  transition: max-height .35s ease, opacity .25s ease, padding .3s ease;\n  padding: 0 16px;\n  font-size: 14px;\n  color: #1d3455;\n  line-height: 1.75;\n  border-top: 0px solid #eee;\n  font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 400;\n}\n.et-faq-a.open {\n  max-height: 600px;\n  opacity: 1;\n  padding: 12px 16px 16px;\n  border-top: 1px solid #eee;\n}\n.et-faq-a a { color: #115eb9; }\n.et-faq-a ul { margin: 6px 0 0 0; padding-left: 1.2rem; }\n.et-faq-a ul li { margin-bottom: 4px; }\n\n\/* Bottom CTA *\/\n.et-faq-bottom { margin-top: 1.75rem; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; gap: 10px; }\n.et-faq-divider { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; width: 100%; }\n.et-faq-divider span { font-size: 12px; color: #1d3455; opacity: .5; white-space: nowrap; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: .06em; }\n.et-faq-divider::before, .et-faq-divider::after { content: ''; flex: 1; height: 1px; background: #dde1e8; }\n.et-faq-cta { display: flex; align-items: center; gap: 12px; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; }\n.et-faq-cta-book { background: #115eb9; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; padding: 10px 22px; border-radius: 6px; letter-spacing: .02em; transition: background .15s; }\n.et-faq-cta-book:hover { background: #0d4a94; color: #fff; }\n.et-faq-cta-or { font-size: 12px; color: #999; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; }\n.et-faq-still { font-size: 13px; color: #666; font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; margin: 0; }\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"et-faq-gate\">\n\n  <!-- BOOKING BANNER -->\n  <div class=\"et-book-banner\">\n    <p class=\"et-book-banner-text\">\n      Ready to book?\n      <span>Dates, availability and prices are all on our reservations page.<\/span>\n    <\/p>\n    <a class=\"et-book-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/product\/the-whales-and-dolphins-of-queimada\/\" target=\"_blank\">Reserve now \u2192<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- INTRO NOTICE -->\n  <div class=\"et-faq-intro\">\n    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><circle cx=\"12\" cy=\"12\" r=\"10\"><\/circle><line x1=\"12\" y1=\"8\" x2=\"12\" y2=\"12\"><\/line><line x1=\"12\" y1=\"16\" x2=\"12.01\" y2=\"16\"><\/line><\/svg>\n    <p>Before writing to us, have a look at the questions below: most answers are already there. If yours isn&#8217;t, the form is at the bottom of the page and we reply within 24 hours.<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- THE TRIP -->\n  <p class=\"et-faq-heading\">The trip<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      Is the morning or afternoon trip better?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">According to our statistics, both trips have the same success rate and the same species. Whales don&#8217;t check the clock. If you&#8217;re an early riser or staying near Lajes, go in the morning. If you&#8217;d rather have a slow breakfast or are coming from the other end of the island, go in the afternoon.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What is included in the trip?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">Each trip lasts approximately 3 hours. Included in the price:\n      <ul>\n        <li>Expert guide on board throughout the trip<\/li>\n        <li>Waterproof jacket (in case of spray or rain)<\/li>\n        <li>A drink at the end (beer, water or soft drink)<\/li>\n        <li>One ticket per person to the <a href=\"https:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/cSygHwBfgAAajmGu8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Museu dos Baleeiros<\/a> in Lajes do Pico<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      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.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      Can I book individual trips without a package?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/product\/the-whales-and-dolphins-of-queimada\/\" target=\"_blank\">reservations page<\/a>.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      Do you offer group discounts?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">For bookings of 4 or more seats, group rates apply automatically when you select your dates on our <a href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/product\/the-whales-and-dolphins-of-queimada\/\" target=\"_blank\">reservations page<\/a>. No need to contact us in advance.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What are the health restrictions?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">For safety reasons, the following individuals cannot join our sea activities:\n      <ul>\n        <li>Pregnant women<\/li>\n        <li>Children under 5 years old<\/li>\n        <li>People with back or heart conditions<\/li>\n        <li>Anyone who has undergone surgery within the last 6 months<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      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.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      Zodiac or bigger boat \u2014 which do you use?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">Zodiacs only, and that won&#8217;t change. 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&#8217;re close to the water and the encounter is more direct. You also get a bit wetter, it&#8217;s true.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- WEATHER & CANCELLATIONS -->\n  <p class=\"et-faq-heading\">Weather &amp; cancellations<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What happens if the weather is bad on my departure day?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">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 <strong>full refund<\/strong> or the option to <strong>reschedule<\/strong> to another available date, whichever you prefer.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What is your cancellation policy?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">\n      <strong>Sea activities &amp; outdoor experiences:<\/strong>\n      <ul>\n        <li>More than 4 days before departure: full refund<\/li>\n        <li>2 to 4 days before: no refund, but we reschedule within the current season<\/li>\n        <li>Less than 2 days before or no-show: no refund, no reschedule<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      <strong>Accommodation &amp; packages:<\/strong>\n      <ul>\n        <li>More than 7 days before check-in: full refund<\/li>\n        <li>7 days or less, or no-show: no refund<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n      All requests must be made in writing to <a href=\"mailto:espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com\">espacotalassa@espacotalassa.com<\/a>. We strongly recommend travel cancellation insurance, often included with major credit cards.\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      My flight was cancelled \u2014 can I get a refund?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">If your flight is cancelled and you can&#8217;t reach Pico, send us your booking reference and proof of the cancellation. We look at every case and do our best to find a fair solution. <strong>We always recommend travel insurance for a trip to the Azores:<\/strong> delayed or cancelled flights are not rare, and insurance covers costs that we can&#8217;t.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What if I fall ill before my trip?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">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.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <!-- SIGHTINGS & SEASONS -->\n  <p class=\"et-faq-heading\">Sightings &amp; seasons<\/p>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      What is the best time of year to see whales?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">There is no &#8220;best&#8221; season: it depends on the species. We go out from mid-March to the end of October. 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&#8217;s always something else: turtles, seabirds, sharks, and Portugal&#8217;s highest mountain as a backdrop. Month-by-month data is on our <a href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/research-education\/sightings-statistics-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">sightings statistics page<\/a>.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      How many species can I expect to see?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">Since 1994 we have recorded 28 cetacean species in the waters around Pico, one of the highest diversities in the North Atlantic. On a normal trip you can count on 3 to 4. Sperm whales are here all year; the other species come and go with the seasons. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/research-education\/sightings-statistics-2\/\" target=\"_blank\">sightings statistics page<\/a> shows what we&#8217;ve been seeing lately.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"et-faq-item\">\n    <button class=\"et-faq-q\" onclick=\"etFaqToggle(this)\">\n      Is it worth visiting in spring or autumn instead of summer?\n      <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"2.5\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><polyline points=\"6 9 12 15 18 9\"><\/polyline><\/svg>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-a\">Yes, very much so. 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.<\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <!-- BOTTOM CTA -->\n  <div class=\"et-faq-bottom\">\n    <div class=\"et-faq-divider\"><span>All good?<\/span><\/div>\n    <div class=\"et-faq-cta\">\n      <a class=\"et-faq-cta-book\" href=\"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/en\/product\/the-whales-and-dolphins-of-queimada\/\" target=\"_blank\">Reserve now \u2192<\/a>\n      <span class=\"et-faq-cta-or\">or<\/span>\n      <p class=\"et-faq-still\">use the contact form below if you still have a question.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<script>\nfunction etFaqToggle(btn) {\n  var a = btn.nextElementSibling;\n  var isOpen = btn.classList.contains('open');\n\n  \/\/ Close all open panels\n  document.querySelectorAll('.et-faq-q.open').forEach(function(b) {\n    b.classList.remove('open');\n    b.nextElementSibling.classList.remove('open');\n  });\n\n  \/\/ Open clicked one if it was closed\n  if (!isOpen) {\n    btn.classList.add('open');\n    a.classList.add('open');\n  }\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ready to book? Dates, availability and prices are all on our reservations page. Reserve now \u2192 Before writing to us, have a look at the questions below: most answers are already there. If yours isn&#8217;t, the form is at the bottom of the page and we reply within 24 hours. The trip Is the morning [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7625,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-contact.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rank_math_title":"Contact Us | Espa\u00e7o Talassa, Lajes do Pico, Azores","rank_math_description":"Get in touch with Espa\u00e7o Talassa. Book your whale watching adventure or ask about tours on Pico island, Azores.","rank_math_facebook_title":"Join the Ocean Adventure | Contact Espa\u00e7o Talassa","rank_math_facebook_description":"Reach out to Pico's premier whale watching experts. Discover sperm whales, dolphins, and unforgettable ocean experiences.","rank_math_facebook_image":"https:\/\/espacotalassa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Casa_do-frances_Boca_small.jpg","rank_math_twitter_title":"Join the Ocean Adventure | Contact Espa\u00e7o Talassa","rank_math_twitter_description":"Reach out to Pico's premier whale watching experts. 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