Whale & Dolphin Watching Info:
The whale watching season, from April to October, is dictated by the weather and not by the absence of cetaceans, which are seen year round. In fact, the Azorean waters are a sanctuary in the Atlantic for whales and dolphins, with more than 27 species reported to the islands, and one of the best places in the world for observing marine mammals in the wild.
Every whale watching tour is an unique experience and the sightings vary. The impressive sperm whale is a year-round resident. Regular dolphin sightings include the common, risso's, bottlenose, atlantic spotted and striped dolphins; pilot whales are common during the summer.
Baleen whales like the fin whale, blue whale, sei whale and minke whale are best spotted between April and June when passing near Faial and Pico islands migrating north.
3/27/2008
Snorkeling With Dolphins in Azores
In the Azores we are allowed by law to snorkel with 5 different species of dolphins and snorkeling with whales is forbidden. All the dolphins are wild and free and the encounters are always in deep waters. Thus, good snorkeling experience is mandatory and will be assessed before the trip.
Snorkeling with dolphins is possible during a regular whale and dolphin watching trip, but only if the sea conditions and the behaviour of the dolphins allow. A maximum of 4 snorkellers can join in each trip and only 2 are allowed in the water at the same time. A detailed briefing is provided prior to embark.
The skipper is in charge of assessing the conditions and coordinating the activity. A second crew member helps and keeps an eye on the snorkellers. Our first priority at all times is your safety and safety of the dolphins.
In order to minimise the impact on the dolphins we enter the water as quietly as possible and just stay floating at the surface with a mask, snorkel and fins.
In-water encounters seem to be closer and more fruitful if the snorkeller remains motionless.
The dolphins are then free to approach and satisfy their natural curiosity. Although a thrilling and unique experience, snorkeling with wild dolphins is not an activity without risks.
Touching the dolphins is NOT permitted on our expeditions. Don’t forget that these dolphins are wild; trying to touch them can only scare them away or result in a potential aggressive behaviour. You should always stay close to the boat and stick to the rules of our experienced crew members.
Not to disturb the dolphins we don’t stay more than 15 minutes with the same group of animals.
If the skipper decides that the conditions are not ideal for the activity the decision must be accepted by all.
For more information visit our site or contact us:
www.diveazores.net
info@diveazores.net
Snorkeling with dolphins is possible during a regular whale and dolphin watching trip, but only if the sea conditions and the behaviour of the dolphins allow. A maximum of 4 snorkellers can join in each trip and only 2 are allowed in the water at the same time. A detailed briefing is provided prior to embark.
The skipper is in charge of assessing the conditions and coordinating the activity. A second crew member helps and keeps an eye on the snorkellers. Our first priority at all times is your safety and safety of the dolphins.
In order to minimise the impact on the dolphins we enter the water as quietly as possible and just stay floating at the surface with a mask, snorkel and fins.
In-water encounters seem to be closer and more fruitful if the snorkeller remains motionless.
The dolphins are then free to approach and satisfy their natural curiosity. Although a thrilling and unique experience, snorkeling with wild dolphins is not an activity without risks.
Touching the dolphins is NOT permitted on our expeditions. Don’t forget that these dolphins are wild; trying to touch them can only scare them away or result in a potential aggressive behaviour. You should always stay close to the boat and stick to the rules of our experienced crew members.
Not to disturb the dolphins we don’t stay more than 15 minutes with the same group of animals.
If the skipper decides that the conditions are not ideal for the activity the decision must be accepted by all.
For more information visit our site or contact us:
www.diveazores.net
info@diveazores.net
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