Azores Sperm Whale Watching
Marine & Pelagic
Mammals
Intermediate
Portugal — Azores
April to October
Overview
Deep ocean whale watching in the mid-Atlantic with sperm whales and dolphins.
Equipment
- Binoculars
- Seasickness medication
- Warm waterproofs
- Camera
Safety Notes
- Open ocean — rough conditions possible
- Whale watching vessels can be small — seasickness common
Identification Tips
1
Former whaling lookouts (vigias) still spot whales for tour boats
2
Sperm whale fluking indicates 45-min dive
3
Risso's dolphins have scarred white skin
Species Checklist
| Species | Likelihood | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sperm Whale | common | Deep water, year-round residents |
| Risso's Dolphin | common | Distinctive scarred skin |
| Bottlenose Dolphin | common | Bow-riding near boats |
| Blue Whale | rare | Spring migration Apr-Jun |