Our 4 Best Sao Miguel Whale Watching Tours

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 4,109 reviews · 3 hours · from $82Our pick

Set out from Ponta Delgada with a marine biologist or nature guide to search for whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds. You can choose a catamaran or Zodiac boat. Expect a 15-minute safety briefing, about 2 hours and 45 minutes at sea, and clear rules for respectful wildlife watching. English and Portuguese tours are available.

“The quide had so much great information So lucky saw a group of three Sei whales and a pod of about 200 dolphins So much fun watching them play and swim in our waves and they had babies beside them They were spotted Dolphins Great experience!!”

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2.Whale Watching & Islet Boat Tour w/ Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,945 reviews · 3 hours · from $73

Set out from Vila Franca do Campo in a fast zodiac with a marine biologist or wildlife guide. Look for resident sperm whales, dolphins and seasonal species, then circle volcanic Vila Franca Islet. Expect an active, sometimes bumpy ride, useful safety gear, and careful wildlife viewing. Pickup from Ponta Delgada is optional.

“Had a great time on the tour. The Biologist (Rose?) was very engaging and gave us great information about what we were seeing. I also appreciate that they want us to understand and be respectful of the ocean and the wildlife. We saw a whale multiple times and had dolphins swimming with us throughout the tour. I would highly recommend this tour”

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3.Whale and Dolphin Watching in a Zodiac Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $82Top rated

Cruise from Angra do Heroísmo in a small zodiac boat, guided by a shore-based spotter on Monte Brasil. Your Portuguese, English, or Spanish-speaking guide and skipper search for dolphins, sperm whales, blue whales, and other marine life while explaining animal behavior and ocean ecology. Allow 2.5 hours, though sightings can extend the trip.

“We saw a ton of dolphins which was amazing. No whales on our day. The ride out was fun, sit closer to the front if you get sea sick. Once the sun went away, it was a very cold ride back. Overall, it was a great experience and would recommend.”

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4.Half-Day Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 219 reviews · 3 hours · from $70Best value

Join Picos de Aventura in Angra do Heroísmo for a 3-hour whale and dolphin trip led in Portuguese, English, or Spanish. A skipper, biologist, and lookout explain local wildlife, search for up to 27 cetacean species, and may add views of Ilhéu das Cabras. Expect open-water conditions, fast boat turns, and a real chance of seeing dolphins or whales.

“fantastic, nice guides Francisco e João were excellent”

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