Wildlife & Nature > Azores Adventure with Whales & Dolphins

AZORES ADVENTURE
8 days - thermal pools , volcanoes, whales & dolphins

Bathed in the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, the archipelago of the Azores rise up from around the mid Atlantic ridge to form a string of volcanic isles full of natural wonders. Portuguese and Spanish galleons first used these islands as a safe haven from pirates on their journeys to and from the Americas. We will spend our time on two islands, Sao Miguel and Terceira. They offer wonderful opportunities for discovery on foot to appreciate these diverse volcanic landscapes, colourful flora and the amazing geothermal areas. The Azores have a healthy population of dolphins and whales who have made the clear, blue, fish-rich waters around the Azores their home. We stay in the well-located Sao Miguel Park Hotel in Ponta Delgada and the four-star Hotel do Caracol on Terceira, both of which have indoor and outdoor pools.



Dolphin and whale search
For the first half of the week we base ourselves in Ponta Delgada, the charming capital of the Azores. Renowned for its dramatic volcanic scenery - we enjoy a visit to the Lagoa de Furnas (a volcano crater) and the Terra Nostra Gardens where we have the opportunity to try the local 'Cozido' - lunch cooked by the geothermal properties of the earth. Weather permitting, on one of our days here we will go in search of dolphins and whales that feed in the rich waters around these stunning islands. We will also have plenty of free time to explore our beautiful surroundings, relax on the beach or you could choose to take to the water again to search for more whales and dolphins!
Exploring caves
A short flight will take us to the island of Terceira, with a gentle terrain of forested hills, red tiled villages and fertile farmland. Reminders of its more violent volcanic past are never far away however, none more so than at the remarkable Algar do Carvao. Here we explore subterranean caves reminiscent of scenes from Lord of the Rings! The rest of our time here will be left free for further explorations of this fascinating isle and the attractive town of Angra itself. We would recommend a great walk in the north of the island to Biscoitos, meaning 'biscuits', that perfectly describes the rough lava landscape. Natural pools have formed amongst the rocks where the sea crashes in - a favourite spot for an exhilarating swim.

Prices, Dates and Availability Availability is listed as either 'spaces', 'limited' or 'closed'. For tours showing limited availability, we suggest you reserve the holiday in the next few days. All tours are restricted to small group numbers and even those tours showing spaces should be booked as soon as possible. Child prices valid for children aged 11 years and under on date of departure.

Start - End Dates Adult Price Child Price Availability 21/07/2007 - 28/07/2007 849 GBP 745 GBP closed 28/07/2007 - 04/08/2007 858 GBP 754 GBP spaces 04/08/2007 - 11/08/2007 858 GBP 754 GBP limited 11/08/2007 - 18/08/2007 858 GBP 754 GBP spaces 18/08/2007 - 25/08/2007 858 GBP 754 GBP spaces 25/08/2007 - 01/09/2007 858 GBP 754 GBP spaces 19/07/2008 - 26/07/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces 26/07/2008 - 02/08/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces 02/08/2008 - 09/08/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces 09/08/2008 - 16/08/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces 16/08/2008 - 23/08/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces 23/08/2008 - 30/08/2008 884 GBP 774 GBP spaces

The local payment for this tour is from 185 EUR. This amount is to be paid directly to your Tour Leader on arrival Residencial Sete Cidades, Ponta Delgada The Local Payment is part of the overall selling price of the tour and is to be paid in addition to the price outlined above. Single Room option not available Airport Tax Abroad: Not Included

Tour prices Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2008 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2008/09 brochure, due to be published in September 2007. Prices listed are on a per person basis, sharing accommodation (unless otherwise stated). Please refer to the dossier for details of what is included in the cost.

Teen departures In response to feedback from customers young and old we're launching a new idea in 2007: Teenage departures. Please click on the for more information.

Fuel Surcharges In response to global oil price rises, many airlines are now imposing fuel surcharges. Due to the volume of these surcharges, Explore as a matter of policy is applying these additional costs to all new and existing bookings up to 30 days prior to tour departure. Where a fuel surcharge is in place at the time of booking, the amount will be shown as a separate item on your Holiday Confirmation. Where the fuel surcharge is imposed or increases after the time of booking, this additional amount will be shown on the Final Invoice, sent 9-10 weeks prior to departure. Where the latter is the case, an amount equal to 2% of the invoiced holiday cost will be absorbed by Explore (see Booking Conditions under 'Surcharges') - this amount will also be shown as a separate item on the Final Invoice where applicable.