HOW OFTEN WILL WE BE WITH THE WHALES AND DOLPHINS?
Our trips are designed to give you the best possible opportunity to see the whales and dolphins, by utilizing the 7 years of previous experience in the Azores. Cetaceans are not always 100% predictable, but our methods reduce the luck factor in locating them considerably.
WILL SOMEONE BE ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT I AM LOOKING AT?
Lisa has been at the forefront of cetacean research in the Azores since 1988. She can explain how to tell each different species apart, their behavioral characteristics, and is able to answer other questions you may have.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?
Three meals per day and accommodation while on board, airport transfers in the Azores, running costs of the yacht and naturalist's services. Flights are not included in the trip cost but we can provide these separately at competitive rates. You will need to provide items of a personal nature such as insurance, flight taxes, souvenirs, alcohol and soft drinks (tea, coffee and squash are always available at not charge), laundry, gratuities and sightseeing on the islands. No special equipment is required for the trips, except snorkelling gear for those who wish to enter the water to help skin sample collection. A recommend list of things to bring is sent to you with your pre-departure information booklet.
HOW BIG ARE THE GROUP SIZES?
Our trips are aimed at small group travel as this limits environmental impact and offers a personal touch not always available on other trips. Group size is limited to 8 guests, plus crew. People travel alone or in couples, as the accommodation plan allows flexible sleeping arrangements.
IF I AM TRAVELING ALONE DO I HAVE TO PAY A SUPPLEMENT?
A supplement is only payable if you request a single cabin. If we upgrade you for operational reasons there is no charge. This upgrade is at our descretion and is made on a first come, first serve basis.
ARE THERE ANY AGE OR FITNESS RESTRICTIONS?
As long as you are young at heart there are no age restrictions, although a doctors certificate may be required in some cases. You should be reasonably fit but 6am aerobics on the foredeck are not in the itinerary! If you are disabled or you wish to bring your family, you must contact us before booking, for specific advice.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
It is a condition of booking that you have insurance to cover yourself for medical expenses, personal liability and cancellation of your trip. We consider the level of insurance provided by the policy we offer to be the minimum level required. If you wish to arrange your own insurance you must do so as soon as your booking is confirmed and send us details of cover.
HOW DO I MAKE A BOOKING?
Simply fill in the booking form and post it to us along with the deposit, flight deposit and insurance premium. We can take bookings up to 10 days before the start of a trip, but as the groups are small early booking is recommended. More importantly, TAP is the only airline to fly to the Azores and there can be heavy demand for seats in the summer, so flight availability may be a problem.
"The information you supplied was excellent ... the brochure gave a very fair picture of life on board ... it was a great holiday-definitely one of the best. You made everyone so welcome, with attention to all sorts of small details that are so often overlooked by larger organizations" Mrs C.G.
"I've had the time of my life." Ms. P.T.
"Great! Fantastic! Wonderful! One of the most exciting experiences I've ever had, and a lifelong dream fulfilled!" Ms. T.S.
"As the fisrt whale watching trip for both of us it surpassed all of our expectations. As guides we couldn't ask for more - you were very professional, entertaining and we learned a lot." Mr & Mrs D.K.
"The boat was really great, the atmosphere pleasant, friendly and welcoming ... very enjoyable and restful, greatly helped by the good weather, variety of sightings and the company." Mr B.P.
"Wonderful trip - lovely crew, thanks for an unforgettable experience." Mrs M.G.
"Whales, dolphins, turtles, great company and food. Fantastic! Even the mutiny and the unfortunate cannibalism didn't spoil it. " Mr T.B.
"The best recharge the batteries ever had. Thank you." Mr & Mrs T.C.
"I don't want to leave! Thanks for the wonderful holiday, the dolphins and whales and the memories." Ms E.P.