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[description] => Whale and dolphin watching offers one of the most memorable wildlife experiences for families, combining the excitement of being out on the water with the thrill of spotting marine life in its natural environment. These trips are designed to maximise sightings while ensuring a safe, responsible and family-friendly approach.
The Azores are widely recognised as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, offering frequent sightings and expert-led excursions that bring the experience to life for all ages. In Madeira, families can enjoy year-round opportunities to encounter dolphins and migrating whales, often in calm, warm waters ideal for younger travellers. Tenerife adds another dimension, combining reliable marine encounters with sunshine, accessible excursions and dramatic coastal scenery.
Each itinerary balances time at sea with plenty of on-land exploration, ensuring the experience remains varied, engaging and suitable for families looking for both adventure and relaxation.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
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[title] => Dolphin And Whale Watching Holiday in the Azores Islands
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[intro] => Experience the best of the Azores with this seven-night holiday on São Miguel Island. Dolphin and whale watching, and venturing underground through wondrous volcanic surroundings are just some of the experiences included.
[description] => Ocean wildlife, volcanic culture, and outdoor activities: this seven-night Azores holiday to the island of São Miguel puts an exotic twist on your typical European getaway.
Marine animals inspire awe in just about everyone, and seeing them in their natural habitat is one experience that is sure to feature on your bucket list. Our itinerary allows you to tick it off three times – you will watch for whales and dolphins from a tour boat and snorkel close to a colourful variety of fish and other underwater fauna when snorkelling* at the islet of Vila Franca.
The rich volcanic heritage of the Azores is something you will be able to enjoy first-hand. You will bathe in a naturally heated spring at the Terra Nostra Botanical Garden. You will also be able to taste a ‘Cozido das Furnas’ stew – an Azorean piece of geothermal gastronomy that puts a twist on the traditional Portuguese ‘cozido’ by cooking it with natural steam.
The extraordinary island environments are perfect settings for activities. You will kayak on the crater lakes of the Sete Cidades Lagoon and cycle in the surrounding area. Slower-paced activities include walking through part of Sao Miguel’s longest lava tunnel and relaxing in the warm Caldeira Velha waterfall.
You will stay in the modern Hotel Canadiano or, if you have upgraded, in São Miguel Park Hotel, Marina Atlântico or the Azor Grand Hotel. All the hotels are located in the coastal town of Ponta Delgada.
*Snorkelling equipment is not provided, so we recommend bringing your own.
Image credits: Futurismo Azores Adventures
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[0] => Reaching João Paulo II Airport, you will be collected and transferred to your hotel. Check in, unpack and relax – your Azorean adventure is about to begin.
[1] => A filling breakfast will have you all set for the Sete Cidades Adventure Tour. This day-long excursion takes you to ‘Lagoa das Sete Cidades’ on the west side of São Miguel Island. The ‘Lagoon of Seven Cities’ consists of two blueish-green crater lakes ringed by trees.
On the way, you will stop at various viewpoints to enjoy this beautiful landscape. One of the stops will be at the Vista do Rei, probably the most famous viewpoint of Sao Miguel Island from where you can enjoy the views of the two lakes and the surrounding landscape.
When you reach the lakes, you can cycle over a largely flat ten-kilometre trail, of which ten minutes will be spent moving uphill or you can kayak over the sparkling lake.
A picnic lunch is included today.
Back at the hotel, you can relax before heading out and sampling the local cuisine (not included).
[2] => Breakfast is followed by a morning whale-watching tour. You will usually enjoy the whale watching from a catamaran, however, some trips will be in a RIB boat. If you have a preference, please inform us in advance (restrictions may apply for pregnant women and people with lower back problems).
It is no understatement to say that the Azores are one of the best places in the world for this activity – so much so that everyone from the National Geographic to the BBC has paid visits.
You will receive an in-depth briefing on safety measures and responsible observation prior to heading out on the tour; life vests and waterproofs will be provided (except on the catamaran). Depending on luck, there will be a range of cetaceans that you might see. July and August are good months for spotting beaked and Atlantic whales, as well as striped dolphins. Sperm whales are also known to make an appearance at this time while bottlenose and common dolphins can be seen all year round.
Lunch will be had in Vila Franca do Campo, a pleasant southern town. A refitted fishing boat will then transport you to the splendid islet of Vila Franca, which is a circle of green around a crater lagoon that is open to the sea. Snorkelling equipment is not provided, so we recommend bringing your own if you wish to go in to look at life under the water. Species found here include small red scorpionfish, rainbow wrasses, and Guinea-fowl puffers.
[3] => Learn about the volcanic heritage of the Azores with today’s thematic tour to Furnas. After breakfast, your first stop of the day will be a highlight for tea-lovers. You will be taken to the Gorreana Tea Estates, one of Europe’s oldest remaining tea plantations. In addition to seeing the growing areas, you will have an opportunity to try some of the produce.
You will then head to the Caldeiras das Furnas, where you will see the famous fumaroles and mineral springs. Make sure you try the water from each spring. You might notice the variety in tastes because of the different minerals present.
At lunch, you will get to try ‘Cozido das Furnas’, the classic Portuguese ‘cozido’ stew of slow-cooked meats and vegetables with an Azorean twist: preparation using natural steam from the ground.
Following that, there will be a look around the exceptional Terra Nostra Garden. This visit will finish with the chance to get into the iron-rich waters of a geothermal pool, which has a soothing temperature between 35°C to 40°C. (Please take old swimming costumes as the mineral water will stain them a light brown colour).
[4] => We have left today free for you to spend as you please. Why not explore the harbour area, or choose an additional activity from our ‘personalise’ section.
[5] => Today, you will enjoy amazing views of Lagoa do Fogo, the shimmering ‘Lake of Fire.’ Lagoa do Fogo is part of a marvellous natural reserve that stuns all with its beauty and the lake is one of the most beautiful lakes on the island.
Travelling via minibus will enable you to visit a viewpoint high above the vivid blue waters and then descend to the lake itself, stopping to bathe in a thermal pool en route. You can also visit the Salto do Cabrito waterfall – although it should be noted this can only be done on foot.
[6] => Following breakfast, you have a free day to see more of São Miguel, also known as “The Green Island”.
You could remain in the area and explore Ponta Delgada on foot or book an excursion locally.
[7] => After a final breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to João Paulo II Airport to catch your direct flight home.
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[intro] => Spend ten nights travelling around the Azores island ‘triangle’ of Faial, São Jorge and Pico. Guided day tours will show you all the highlights, from the great volcanic Caldeira crater to the forested slopes and waterfalls of Sao Jorge and Europe’s only coffee plantation. You could also add further land and water-based activities to complete your stay.
[description] => Situated in the centre of the Azores archipelago, the islands of Faial, São Jorge, and Pico make a triangle rich in natural beauty and local culture. This ten-night holiday gives you a full introduction to the region, with a few nights in each location and visits to the prime attractions.
On a tour of Faial, you will see the mighty volcanic crater of Caldeira which rises above the island. There will be a trip to the sea-facing Capelinhos volcano and the iconic Ponta dos Capelinhos lighthouse which stands below. While exploring Sao Jorge, you can look forward to the greenery of Sete Fontes Forest Park and the picture-perfect viewpoints of Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Ouvidor, as well as a series of welcoming local villages with handicrafts and traditional cooking.
On Pico, your guides will showcase the best the island has to offer. You will visit Portugal's longest lava tube which is over 3 miles long, and witness rich bird and plant life and stunning views of the ocean and neighbouring islands.
The natural environment of the Azores makes it perfect for outdoor activities, so we have included a scenic hike to Caldeira do Santo Cristo. You can also add additional Faial-based hikes to your itinerary – these include a walk around the Caldeira crater and a journey along the Levada aqueduct route. Please see the ‘Personalise’ section for more information.
You can also book to go whale and dolphin watching – a must-try activity in this part of the world, which is famed for its marine mammal life. Our optional activity selection also features thrilling canyoning and sea kayaking trips – more information can be found in the ‘Personalise’ section.
You will travel between the islands by ferry, taking in ocean vistas as you go. Throughout the trip, your accommodation will be in hotels based on or close to the coast, adding an Atlantic touch to your stay.
Image credits: Futurismo Azores Adventure
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[0] => On arrival, you will meet your driver and transferred to Internacional Azores Boutique Hotel, which faces the Atlantic waters. This evening is left free to allow you some time to settle in. Once you’ve checked in, why not head to one of the nearby restaurants for a pleasant seaside dinner?
[1] => After your first Azorean breakfast, you will be treated to a day tour of Faial by minibus or van (depending on the group size). Your guide will take you to the volcanic Caldeira, an immense crater from which you can look out to the ocean and admire the neighbouring Pico Island.
A trip will also be made to the volcano of Capelinhos on the tip of the Capelo peninsula, as well as to the famous Ponta dos Capelinhos lighthouse and the volcano information centre that sits at its feet. See the newest section of Faial Island, its dark, rocky terrain was formed in 1957 during an eruption. Lunch is included today.
Returning to your hotel, you can freshen up before heading out for dinner.
[2] => Having had breakfast, you will be transferred to the harbour for a ferry ride to São Jorge via Pico Island (ferry departs at around 9 am - time is subject to change and takes approximately 50 minutes). Have your cameras at the ready for snapshots of the Atlantic as you make your way across.
After being taken to your hotel and checking in, you can get straight to island activities. Abseil down waterfalls and slide along streams during a session of canyoning or you can take numerous hikes, in the area, and enjoy all the island has to offer. All these optional activities can be booked with us in advance – please see the ‘Personalise’ section for more information.
You will either stay at Hotel São Jorge Garden or can upgrade to an apartment at Cantinho das Buganvilias. Please see the ‘Accommodation’ section and speak to our Travel Experts to find out more.
[3] => Breakfast leads into a day tour of São Jorge (either by van or minibus - depending on the group size), featuring several of its most prominent sites. Marvel at the handicraft work of Ribeira do Nabo before continuing to the welcoming villages of Urzelina and Manadas. A stop will be made at the eighteenth-century Santa Barbara Church before breaking for lunch in a Calheta village restaurant.
You will then spend the afternoon being shown the pretty parish of Ribeira Seca and the coffee plantation of Fajã dos Vimes. This comprehensive tour also includes trips to the viewpoints of Fajã dos Cubres and Fajã do Ouvidor, not to mention the Sete Fontes Forest Park with its splendid natural sights.
You can finish off the day by visiting a local restaurant or trying your hotel’s cuisine.
[4] => Today you'll have two options available for you as you explore Caldeira do Santo Cristo.
This area is stunning and offers spectacular coastal views and exotic flora and fauna.
The first option is a truly rewarding 10km walk. After a transfer of around 45 minutes you will begin you walk at a height of 700m on the Serra do Topo hillside. The route is initially steep as you descend (so this is ideal is best suited to regular walkers as walking poles and sturdy boots are recommended) but the views are well worth it and the gradient does become more gentle. When you reach the Caldeira do Santo Cristo you can take a dip in the lagoon and enjoy a picnic lunch as you will have passed the 6km mark. The lagoon is formed by a natural sea wall of volcanic rock. From here is it a further 4km to Fajã dos Cubres, where the walk ends. Fajã translates as ‘strip of land’ and you will see that this location is aptly named as it is a small strip of flat land with the peaks on one side and the sea on the other.
Option two is a relaxed walk from Fajã dos Cubres to Caldeira do Santo Cristo which is much flatter (100m in elevation approximately) and covers a total of 8km (4km each way). Lunch and swimming at Caldeira are both included.
Please let our Travel Experts know your preferred option at the time of booking. Minimum group size for both walking options is 2 people.
[5] => After breakfast, you will be taken to the harbour for the ferry to Pico Island, once again being treated to beautiful views of the water. The ferry ride will take approximately 50 minutes in total, following which you will be transferred to your hotel (approximately 30 minutes).
Please note that depending on the availability and travel day the ferry will either depart in the afternoon or in the evening.
[6] => Breakfast will be followed by a tour of Pico Island.
Your trip today will take you to the island's central plateau where you will experience beautiful views of the ocean and the volcanic origins of the island What was once a hostile volcanic hotspot is now a celebration of biodiversity with hundreds of native plant species now making it their home. Enjoy panoramic views from Pico da Urze along the way.
In the afternoon, after a delightful picnic lunch, we will visit the Casa dos Vulcões. This fascinating centre offers an immersive experience into the volcanic activity of the Azores. You can expect interactive exhibits, detailed explanations of volcanic formations, and the opportunity to learn about the region’s geological history. The visit provides a comprehensive understanding of how volcanoes have shaped the beautiful landscape around us. Drop off at Madalena at the end of the tour.
[7] => With breakfast done, you can spend a full day in the Azores trying out more exciting optional activities. The archipelago is internationally famed as a site for whales and dolphins, and no visit to this part of the world is complete without a trip to spot them in the wild. Try a stunning whale and dolphin watching tour and feel the thrill of seeing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Even better, you can book to swim with dolphins and get a closer experience. Please see the ‘Personalise’ section for more information.
[8] => Following breakfast, it’s time to head out on the beautiful waters again for your ferry ride back to Faial. The crossing takes approximately 30 minutes and is a brilliant vantage point to admire the islands from. Once you arrive at the island, you will be transferred to your hotel.
After checking in, you’ll have a free afternoon to spend as you please. See our ‘Personalise’ tab for more information or talk to one of our Travel Experts to discuss the best ways to fill your time.
[9] => With breakfast finished, you will have the day free. You might like to explore more of Horta or to simply unwind in the hotel Jacuzzi. Better still, you can continue your adventures on Faial by booking an optional half-day or a full day hike on one of the island’s scenic routes. You can return to the Caldeira and walk around its rim or follow the old Levada aqueduct system ringed by greenery. Please see the ‘Personalise’ section for more information.
[10] => After a last Azorean breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your journey home.
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[description] => Active itineraries for experiences of a lifetime
Experiencing a destination in an active way can offer a unique perspective and help create some unforgettable memories at the same time.
Through our sister company, Activities Abroad which specialises in family activity holidays, we have accrued over a decade of experience working with some of the world’s best activity providers. We have used this knowledge and connections with our network of trusted partners to design some outstanding active itineraries here at Artisan Travel too.
View our multi-activity summer holidays here.
Do I need a high level of fitness for a multi-activity summer holiday?
No. None of our multi-activity holidays require a high level of fitness and we will provide information on the length of each activity as well as its difficulty.
You also don’t need any prior experience of an activity unless we clearly state this is required, as all our activities come with dedicated guides and experts to help teach you the ropes.
Our expert guides are the best in the business and, as ever, your safety always comes first.
Summer activity holiday destinations
In the summer months, many regions offer a wide variety of activity options for all levels. Some of our itineraries include the activity highlights we feel you simply have to try and other holidays are left completely open for you to choose how you wish to experience the destination.
In Gozo for example, we offer you the chance to choose from a range of activities such as sea kayaking, cycling, climbing and hiking. You might want to fill up every minute with exciting activities or you could have a combination of active experiences with relaxing moments such as enjoying the delightful cuisine, exploring the picturesque coastline or delving into the island’s history and culture.
In both the Azores and Madeira, you’ll explore on land and at sea for an all-encompassing experience of these brilliant archipelagos. Activities on these striking islands include walks, cycling and kayaking as well as some optional extras such as canyoning and full day hikes.
Or perhaps you’d like to visit Croatia, where a combination of historic cities and island havens await. There are many different activities on offer to help you explore this wonderful region, including cycling, snorkelling and paddle boarding.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
View our multi-activity summer holidays here.
Image credits: Northern Norway, Explore the North.
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For families with a sense of adventure, volcanic and geothermal landscapes offer a fascinating way to explore how the Earth is shaped. These destinations combine striking scenery with accessible exploration, making them ideal for introducing children to the power and beauty of the natural world.
In Tenerife, families can explore dramatic volcanic terrain, from lava fields to towering peaks, all within a well-developed and easy-to-navigate setting. The Azores offer a greener, more varied landscape, where crater lakes, hot springs and geothermal activity create a constantly changing environment to discover. Madeira complements this with rugged mountains and impressive rock formations, offering scenic viewpoints and gentle exploration opportunities.
With guided excursions and well-planned itineraries, these trips ensure that even the most dramatic landscapes remain accessible, educational and enjoyable for travellers of all ages.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
Image Credits:Miradouro da Eira do Serrado003©Nuno Andrade
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Whale & Dolphin Watching
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Home
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Experiences
- Whale & Dolphin Watching
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Whale and dolphin watching offers one of the most memorable wildlife experiences for families, combining the excitement of being out on the water with the thrill of spotting marine life in its natural environment. These trips are designed to maximise sightings while ensuring a safe, responsible and family-friendly approach.
The Azores are widely recognised as one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world, offering frequent sightings and expert-led excursions that bring the experience to life for all ages. In Madeira, families can enjoy year-round opportunities to encounter dolphins and migrating whales, often in calm, warm waters ideal for younger travellers. Tenerife adds another dimension, combining reliable marine encounters with sunshine, accessible excursions and dramatic coastal scenery.
Each itinerary balances time at sea with plenty of on-land exploration, ensuring the experience remains varied, engaging and suitable for families looking for both adventure and relaxation.
Travel with the experts
Our Artisan Travel Experts know our destinations intimately and will be more than happy to discuss the various activity options with you if you have any questions about our holidays. Our clients’ safety is our primary concern so you can rest assured that you will be travelling in the best possible hands.
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