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    Lagoa das Sete CidadesAttraction in Sete Cidades, Portugal

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  • Explore Ribeira Grande
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Ribeira Grande

Caldeira Velha Hot Springs

Santa Barbara Beach

Miradouro da Bela Vista

Mulher de Capote

Areal de Santa Bárbara Beach

Island tours

Day trips

Wellness & spas

Nearby destinations

Ponta Delgada tours

Sete Cidades tours

Vila Franca do Campo tours

Furnas tours

Nearby sights

Lagoa das Sete CidadesAttraction in Sete Cidades, Portugal

Gorreana Tea FactoryAttraction in São Miguel Island, Portugal

Islet of Vila Franca do CampoAttraction in Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal

Salto do CabritoAttraction in Ponta Delgada, Portugal

Caldeiras VulcânicasAttraction in Furnas, Portugal

Our Lady of Peace ChapelAttraction in Vila Franca do Campo, Portugal

  • Top experiences
  • Outside Ribeira Grande

Jeep & 4WD tours

Canyoning

Dolphin & whale watching

Surfing lessons

Zip line adventures

Things to do in Ponta Delgada

Things to do in Sete Cidades

Things to do in Vila Franca do Campo

Things to do in Furnas

Rabo de Peixe: Sperm Whale Sanctuary Expedition

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
100 reviews
Activity provider:
Futurismo Azores Whale Watching
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Rabo de Peixe: Sperm Whale Sanctuary Expedition
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
100 reviews

Embark on an ocean adventure as you tour the coast and observe sperm whales and other cetaceans in their natural habitat. Learn from marine biologists about the sperm whale sanctuary by São Miguel.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 3 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English, Portuguese

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lukas – Germany

It was amazing, we saw one sperm whale & a whole school of dolphins. Our guide was very friendly & informative. Lifejackets & Raincoats were provided. Just keep 2 Things in mind: 1. The ride with the zodiac boat is a lot of fun but also pretty rough, so it's not a "chill" experience. It's more of an adventure. 2. It is entirely possible that you will not see any animals, however our guide told us that if this event occurs you will be able to rebook a 2nd tour with them for free. It took us 2h to see the animals but when it happend it was magical. In conclusion 10/10 would book again & a must-have experience for anybody that is visiting the azores.

5
5 out of 5 stars
G
Gemma – United Kingdom

Brilliant trip. We had the best time. Saw Sperm Whales and Dolphins. Captain and Marine biologists were very polite and informative. Felt very safe. 5* Great value for money.

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Starting location:

    Clube Naval Rabo Peixe

  • Rabo de Peixe

    Safety briefing (10 minutes)

  • Rabo de Peixe

    Whale watching (3 hours)

  • Arrive back at:

    Clube Naval Rabo Peixe

Main sites passed
Other sites passed

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Experience breathtaking views of a marine wildlife oasis
  • Encounter sperm whales, the largest cetacean species in the world
  • Embark on an expedition in the deep blue Atlantic Ocean
  • Learn from a team of professional marine biologists about these great creatures
  • Discover more about marine life conservation efforts in the Azores

Full description

Set out on a boat expedition to see sperm whales, the largest of the cetacean family. On this learning adventure, explore the northern coast of São Miguel and its diverse flora and fauna. Discover facts about sperm whales from marine biologists as you look for them in their protected habitat. 
Your tour begins with a briefing from marine biologists at the yacht club on the island's northern side. You'll learn about the different species you might see, the whale-watching history in the Azores, and understand how biologists and whale watchers respect the animals.
Next, board the boat and set out for the Atlantic waters. Enjoy the beautiful coastal landscape and keep your eyes peeled for marine life. You may see dolphins, Portuguese man-o-war, or turtles on the coast. As you enter the deeper waters of the sanctuary, stay on the lookout for sperm whales. 
Finally, return to Rabo de Peixe Harbor. The team of marine biologists will tell you more about the species you just saw. Hear more about the cetaceans, their habits, and their routes to round out your tour.

Includes

  • Pre-tour briefing
  • Marine biologist on board
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Raincoat
  • Food and drinks

Not suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with recent surgeries

Meeting point

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Snacks
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes

Not allowed

  • High-heeled shoes
  • Drones
  • Alcohol and drugs

Know before you go

  • -This activity requires good weather.
  • -Taking into account the logistics associated with this marina and activity, there may be a delay of 30-45 minutes in the total duration of the experience.
Likely to sell out

From $77 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 100 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+1
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5
5 out of 5 stars
L
Lukas – GermanyJune 25, 2025 – Verified booking
It was amazing, we saw one sperm whale & a whole school of dolphins. Our guide was very friendly & informative. Lifejackets & Raincoats were provided. Just keep 2 Things in mind: 1. The ride with the zodiac boat is a lot of fun but also pretty rough, so it's not a "chill" experience. It's more of an adventure. 2. It is entirely possible that you will not see any animals, however our guide told us that if this event occurs you will be able to rebook a 2nd tour with them for free. It took us 2h to see the animals but when it happend it was magical. In conclusion 10/10 would book again & a must-have experience for anybody that is visiting the azores.

Response from provider

June 26, 2025

hank you so much for your amazing and honest review! It's great to hear you appreciated the adventurous spirit of the Zodiac and the guidance provided by our team. Thank you for highlighting both the excitement and the unpredictability of wildlife tours — we always do our best, but nature has its own rhythm. It means a lot to us — we hope to welcome you back anytime! Sofia Nunes (Futurismo)

5
5 out of 5 stars
G
Gemma – United KingdomAugust 17, 2024 – Verified booking
Brilliant trip. We had the best time. Saw Sperm Whales and Dolphins. Captain and Marine biologists were very polite and informative. Felt very safe. 5* Great value for money.
5
5 out of 5 stars
H
Hester – NetherlandsAugust 1, 2024 – Verified booking
This tour delivered exactly as promised, plus a little extra. We saw birds, dolphins, man o' wars, and so many sperm whales. Adults, babies, sleeping, cuddling, jumping and diving, we got our fill!

Product ID: 417921

Activity provider:
Futurismo Azores Whale Watching
  • Portugal
  • Azores
  • Things to do in Ribeira Grande
  • Tours in Ribeira Grande

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