Living Islands: Whales, Water & Volcanoes of the AzoresLiving Islands: Whales, Water & Volcanoes of the Azores

Today we’ll explore the rich underwater world that surrounds the archipelago. We’ll start with an introduction to this North Atlantic ecosystem, learning from marine biologists about the cetaceans we might encounter today and how to thoughtfully behave around them. Then we’ll board our boat and take to the seas, scanning the horizon for signs of massive fin whales, bottlenose dolphins, and clicking sperm whales. Back ashore, we break for lunch and then stretch our legs with a gentle hike, beginning at Vista do Rei Belvedere, where we’ll learn about the fiery, volcanic birth of the Sete Cidades crater. We'll start following the circular trail, about 5.5 kms (3.4 miles) along the peninsula known as Ponta dos Carneiros and end our walk in the town, just in time for dinner at your leisure. 

We say farewell to São Miguel Island as we take a short, regional flight to Pico Island. The afternoon is yours to discover the new island at your own pace, or relax at the hotel. We meet up again as a group for dinner at a local restaurant to taste some regional delicacies. 

Today we explore Pico’s unique UNESCO Heritage classified viniculture. We begin with a walk through the vineyards of Criação Velha. Unlike the lush vineyards we are used to around the world where the regular rows of vines disappear over rolling hills, the vintners here have adapted to the rocky, volcanic landscape. We’ll stroll through rows of grapevines, taking in the beauty of the region and learning about local viticulture. Stone walls and homes protect the vines from fierce winds and salty sea spray coming in off the Atlantic Ocean. Then it’s off to experience the fine wines Pico island has to offer with a wine tasting. After lunch, we visit São Roque on the North Coast, stopping to discover some of the vineyards specializing in distilled, fine wines. We stop for a tasting from a local producer who invites us to his cellars. We return back to town in time for dinner at leisure. 

Hop on a ferry and head to the island of Faial for a visit to the Whaling Interpretation Center, where we’ll learn more about the social and cultural history of whaling in the area. We’ll also pay a visit to two massive volcanoes: the Capelinhos and Caldeira. From here, we’ll make our way to the nearby city of Horta where we may spend the remainder of the day exploring on our own. Consider stopping in a bakery for a fofa, a baked dough dumpling flavored with fennel seeds and filled with sweet egg yolk cream topped with sugar and lemon zest. Or visit Peter Café Sport, a long-beloved stop for passing sailors; consider stopping in for a gin and tonic or two.

This morning, we’ll take a quick flight to Ponta Delgada in São Miguel Island and make our way to Furnas. Nestled at the bottom of a massive crater formed by one of the three active volcanoes on São Miguel, Furnas is known for the world-renowned Terra Nostra botanical garden, its stunning lake, and its fumaroles, or openings in the ground that emit steam. Upon arrival, we’ll relax at the hotel, where you can soak in the iron-rich, hot water tank with temperatures reaching up to 104ºF (40ºC ).

Nordeste is considered one of the most beautiful parts of São Miguel; visitors and locals alike often refer to it as the tenth island of the Azores, an island in its own right. Nearly everywhere you turn, you’ll be faced with a new stunning view—out over the ocean, along the rugged coast, or up at a tumbling waterfall. After a leisurely morning scoping out this island oasis, we’ll meet with the conservationists protecting Nordeste’s endemic flora and fauna. We’ll learn about the quickly disappearing Azores Bullfinch, as well as the critical role of moss-filled peat bogs—from maintaining the natural water cycle to providing safe nesting grounds for snipe and other native birds. We’ll learn about the many threats that these habitats face, including the introduction of invasive species. This afternoon, you’ll have the option to participate in several conservation maintenance projects, such as identifying and removing invasive plants to help restore habitat resilience.

This morning, we’ll take a dip in the ocean alongside pods of dolphins. After a brief orientation outlining how to interact responsibly with these cetaceans in their natural habitats, we’ll grab a snorkeling mask and hop in a zodiac. Two at a time, we’ll dive in for a swim alongside these charismatic marine mammals. We’ll later emerge from the water for a visit to the top of Serra da Água de Pau mountain, also called Pico da Barrosa, where we catch breathtaking open views of Fogo Lake. After admiring, the volcano's crater and the lake's vividly colored blue lake, you'll understand why it's considered one of the most beautiful lakes on the island. As we descend, we stop in Caldeira Velha, where thermal pools and waterfalls surrounded by endemic fauna and flora await. After taking a dip in the thermal pools we make our way back to the hotel to freshen up before our meeting up with the group for a final dinner together.

It’s time to say fare-whale to these extraordinary islands and the rich marine ecosystems they support. We’ll help you check out and transfer to the airport. Until the next adventure!