Azores, Portugal
Sperm, blue, fin, sei and humpback whales, orca and pilot whale · April – October
Species in this destination
These are the species seen most often. Other whales also appear in this destination, less regularly.
When to go
Sighting probability
The longer the bar, the likelier you are to see whales that month. The dark bar marks the peak of the season.
In short: the season runs from April to October. April and May are the best months for the great baleen whales passing through (blue, fin and sei), and June to September for sperm whales.
The Azores archipelago, in the middle of the North Atlantic, is one of Europe's richest places for cetaceans: up to 28 species have been recorded in its waters, thanks to the great depths found very close to the shore.
Sperm whales are resident all year, peaking from June to September, while in spring (April–June) large baleen whales (blue, fin and sei) migrate through on their way to their Arctic feeding grounds. Summer brings more dolphin and pilot whale activity. Whale watching relies on a unique traditional method: land-based “vigias” (lookouts) who spot the animals from coastal viewpoints and guide the boats by radio.
Watching ethics
The Azores have their own regulations on minimum distances, the number of boats allowed around an animal at once and time spent with it. Officially licensed operators follow these rules; avoid any unlicensed boat or anyone promising to swim with sperm whales outside regulated activities.
Practical tips
- Book early in the morning: the sea is usually calmer before the afternoon breeze picks up.
- Bring warm, waterproof clothing: the North Atlantic can be rough even in summer.
- Land-based “vigias” are part of the traditional Azorean method; ask whether the operator works with them, as it greatly improves the success rate.
- Pico and Faial are the historic home of whale watching; São Miguel is the best option if you are staying in Ponta Delgada.
- A 100-400mm zoom: sperm whales usually show only their back, and their tail when they dive.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see whales in the Azores?
It depends on the species: April-May for the great baleen whales migrating to the Arctic (blue, fin and sei), and June-September for sperm whales, which live there all year. The whale watching season runs from April to October.
Which whales can you see in the Azores?
Sperm whales, blue, fin, sei and humpback whales, orcas and short-finned pilot whales, among others: up to 28 cetacean species have been recorded in Azorean waters.
What are the Azores whale lookouts (vigias)?
Lookouts who spot whales from clifftop posts and guide the boats by radio. It is the traditional Azorean method and greatly improves the chances of a sighting, so ask whether your operator works with them.
Which Azores island is best for whale watching?
Pico and Faial are the historic home of whale watching; São Miguel is the most convenient option if you are staying in Ponta Delgada.
What should I bring whale watching in the Azores?
Waterproof warm layers, as the North Atlantic can be rough even in summer, and a 100-400 mm zoom: sperm whales usually show only their back and tail as they dive. Morning trips are best, before the afternoon wind picks up.
Field photography
The Azores, through our lens.
Photographs by José A. Curto, Blowline's co-founder, taken at this destination.
Subscriber information
Everything you need to plan the perfect outing.
- Month-by-month sighting probability, with notes on each period
- Recommended departure points and which traveler profile fits each one
- Verified operators, with information on each one
- Combinable activities in the area
- Full guide downloadable as a PDF, ready to take on your phone
Would you like to see whales in Azores?
Tell us when and how you'd like to go, and we'll put you in touch with the operators and agencies we recommend.