Each year it gets harder to find ways to describe how good the summer has been, as they just scorn to get better and better, and 1998 was no exception. The weather was the best we have had for years and the sightings were excellent. Sperm whales, bottlenose dolphin and common dolphin were seen on every tour. We saw some amazing behaviours too last summer with two male sperm whales, several groups of pilot whales and a group of Cuviers beaked whales all taking a particular interest in the boat, by swimming right over to us. We saw false killer whales and beaked whales (probably Sowerby's ) breaching and on one memorable day in July we encountered ten sei whales, a number we would usually encounter over several months. Add a rare sighting of a pygmy sperm whale and you can see we were very busy last summer. Here is the full sightings record by tour.
| Species |
Percentage Number of Tours Seen |
Species |
Percentage Number of Tours Seen |
| Sperm whale | 100% | Striped dolphin | 33% |
| Pilot whale | 67% | False killer whale | 42% |
| Bottlenose dolphin | 100% | Sei whale | 33% |
| Common dolphin | 100% | Beaked whales | 33% |
| Rissos'dolphin | 75% | Pygmy sperm whale | 8% |
| Spotted dolphin | 75% |
The average number of species seen on 1998 tours was 6.7 species per tour, a third of all tours saw 8 species and the quietest tour still saw 5 species.
We are pleased to announce the formation of an association of Azorean based whale and dolphin watching companies. The association will initially comprise five founding companies including Whale Watch Azores, with others soon to follow. Its aims will be to improve the welfare of cetaceans in the area and to improve education of local people and visitors to the Azores alike. It will speak out with regard to issues affecting cetaceans in the Azores and eventually through joint research and co-operation, increase our knowledge of cetaceans. Watch this space for more news.
The regulation of whale watching in order to safeguard the welfare of cetaceans in Azorean waters has long been an important issue for Whale Watch Azores, so we were very pleased when October 1998 saw the first symposium on whale and dolphin watching in the Azores. The conference was attended by officials from the Azorean government and maritime authorities, the University of the Azores, several international and Portuguese NGO's (including The International Fond for Animal Welfare, The Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society and Greenpeace), and many representatives of the whale watching industry in the Azores.
The conference lasted three days and included discussions on the methods of approaching whales and dolphins, the effects of different boat types, the effects of swimming interactions on whales and dolphins, and the funding and enforcement of the regulations. There were also training workshops for the whale watching companies and an educational inflatable whale and dolphin display for local children. The conference was covered by several local newspapers, TV stations and the Observer- newspaper was also represented. We hope this conference (funded mainly by the Portuguese government) will become a bi-annual event and contribute greatly to cetacean welfare locally.
We really enjoy our time in the Azores and pride ourselves in trying to give something back to local people. In 1998 we were able to fulfill this aim. Early on July 9th there was a severe earthquake just off the coast, between the islands of Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge, causing several deaths and large scale damage to property. We were able to supply a small amount of equipment to help with temporary housing but felt this was not very much, so in late July and early August we ran our first ever "Whale Aid" days.
On free days between our own tours we offered day trips to people on holiday in the Azores with all the money going to the earthquake relief fund. On the days trips we took a total of seven people, seeing seven species and raising over £400. Together with donations from guests who travelled on our tours up to the end of the season, we raised nearly £700 for the fund. Thanks go to all who donated.
In September we also offered two free educational day trips for some of the local children of Pico. They were very excited and were lucky with sightings or cetaceans, fish and sharks. A swim and slide show were also included. We hope to make these educational trips an annual event if schedules and weather allow.
In l999 not only will Whale Watch Azores be offering the same high quality whale watching tours but we will also be offering a wide range of Azores holidays covering other activities and land based accommodation.
Archipelago Azores Ltd. was formed at the end of 1998 to cater to the growing band of discerning travellers who wish to visit the Azores and see more of these enchanting islands. Archipelago Azores will be offering guided walking holidays together with golf, diving, cycling, sailing, multi activity and short break holidays in the islands. Also offered is a selection of beautiful accommodation in country manors and residences of character, which you can combine with car hire, international inter island flights and as much or little activity as you wish.
Archipelago Azores is the only UK company specialising solely in the Azores so please call for our 16 page brochure if you are tempted!
Please note a small change to details of tours given in our brochure. From 1999 onwards there will now be no swimming with sperm whales as part of our tours. Skin sample collection and the possibility of swimming with dolphins as detailed in the brochure are unaffected.
| Tour Number | Tour Dates | No. of Nights | Tour Price |
| 1. | Wed 28th April to Sun 9th May | 11 * | £1135 |
| 2. | Wed 12th to Sun 23rd May | 11 | £1145 |
| 3. | Fri 28th May to Thurs 10th June | 13 *** | £1215 |
| 4. | Fri 11th to Thurs 24th June | 13 *** | £1215 |
| 5. | Fri 25th June to Sun 4th July | 9 | £1095 |
| 6. | Tues 6th to Thurs 15th July | 9 | £1095 |
| 7. | Fri 16th to Sun 25th July | 9 | £1115 |
| 8. | Tues 27th July to Thurs 5th August | 9 | £1115 |
| 9. | Fri 6th to Sun 15th August | 9 | £1115 |
| 10. | Tues 17th to Thurs 26th August | 9 | £1115 |
| 11. | Fri 27th August to Sun 5th Sept | 9 | £1095 |
| 12. | Wed 8th to Sun 19th September | 11 | £1205 |
| 13. | Wed 22nd Sept to Sun 3rd October | 11 * | £1135 |
| 14. | Wed 6th to Sun 17th October | 11 * | £1135 |
| 15. | Wed 20th to Sun 31 st October | 11 ** | £1075 |
* Whale Walk, Cycle Sail Tours. ** Sailing Tour. *** Lisbon overnight stays required. How to Fill An Order
Flight cost incl. airport taxes : Tours 1-6, 12 - 15 £285. Tours 7 - 11 £325
Travel insurance premium (please call for family rates) £ 19
| 15 - 17th January | The Holiday & Travel Show, G-Mex Centre, Manchester |
| 26th January | Slide Show, Wells, Somerset |
| 4th February | Slide Show, Malmsbury, Wiltshire |
| 5th - 7th February | Interhol Holiday Show, Bournemouth International Centre |
| 12th - 14th February | The Holiday & Travel Show, SECC, Glasgow |
| 18th - 21st February | Destinations 99 Travel Show, Earls Court, London |
| 19th February | Slide Show, Allestree, Derbyshire |
| 26th - 29th February | Great Escapes, Holiday & Travel 99, NEC- Birmingham |
| 10th March | Slide Show, Bournemouth, Dorset |
| 8th April | Slide Show, Sutton, Surrey |
Please call for free travel show tickets and further information on slide shows