AZORES: WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING TRIP NOTES

Transcription

1 AZORES: WHALE & DOLPHIN WATCHING TRIP NOTES Trip Code: WSA (ASA) Country: Portugal Amended: November 2013 Edition No: OP Valid from: 01 Jan Dec 2014 HIGHLIGHTS Spectacular varied scenery on three islands in Azores Whale and dolphin watching tours Visit Sete Cidades Crater lakes and Fire Lake Excellent birdlife spotting opportunities SUMMARY Azores is a true paradise for nature lovers with blue lakes smothered in flowers, deep verdant craters of dormant volcanoes and breathtaking landscapes from the mountains. Each island of the Azores is home to a myriad of cultures and traditions that will leave a lasting memory. Our itinerary includes some excellent opportunities to see whales and dolphins off the coast of three islands in the archipelago of Azores and we learn about various conservation projects from the knowledgeable locals. During out time on Faial Island, we also have the opportunity to learn more about the various bird species attracted to this island thanks to its diverse landscape formed from volcanic activity. Finally we end our experience on the 'Green Island', or Sao Miguel, where lush colours of verdant pastures surround us on our visits to renowned Sete Cidades Crater and Fire Lakes. IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU? This tour is graded 'Leisurely' and includes two whale and dolphin watching tours, an excursion through the wilderness of Faial Island and visits to Sao Miguel Island's famous Sete Cidades and Fire Lake by 4WD. We visit three islands of the Azores archipelago, with the option to spend more time on Pico on the free day. With the Azores' extinct volcano craters, wild landscapes covered in blue hydrangeas and stunning coastal cliffs, plenty of stops will be included so there is enough time to take the best photographs or simply admire the views. There will be some walking which is not technically difficult and should not present difficulties for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The whale and dolphin watching excursions are not recommended for pregnant ladies or those with heart or back problems. As they depend completely on sea condition, the excursions can therefore never be guaranteed yet alternative activities will be offered. We will amend the itinerary over the week in order to provide the best chances to see whales and dolphins and if sea conditions remain the same for the duration of the week, we will instead offer a tour of Pico Island. The area is also subject to rain at any time so it is best to be prepared for this before you travel. On departures in May and October, it is best to bring warm clothes in case of colder weather. Exodus Travels Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE Sales & Reservations: sales@exodus.co.uk

2 character for us to discover. For the bold and adventurous, perhaps heading back to sea and swimming with dolphins, sharks or manta rays is a more appealing option (for more information on this please see the 'optional excursions' section of the trip notes). There is also the opportunity to simply join on the zodiac boat and go snorkelling and note there is a biologist and skipper on board to ensure every precaution is taken to protect the dolphin's habitat. In the evening we take a flight back to Sao Miguel Island. (B) Day 6 Sete Cidades & Fire Lake LAND ONLY ITINERARY The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Day 1 Fly to Ponta Delgada Start Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island. Day 2 To Horta After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pico Island, where we transfer to Faial on a 30 minute ferry. Faial is also known as the Blue Island thanks to all the blue hydrangeas that decorate the houses, divide the fields and line the roadsides. We enjoy a guided tour around Horta; its marina, whose walls are covered with colourful paintings, is a primary stop for yachts crossing the Atlantic. After our lunch stop, we visit the Scrimshaw Museum and its impressive collection of engraved whales' teeth and bones. In the afternoon, we meet a local biologist, who will brief us about our whale watching activities over the week. (BL) Day 3 Whale and dolphin watching Today we embark on our whale and dolphin watching tour between the Faial and Pico Islands. There are 80 species of whales and dolphins on the planet and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast of the Azores, with the most common being Sperm Whale, Bottlenose dolphin, Short-finned pilot whale; Atlantic spotted dolphin and the Blue Whale. During our excursion, we observe the behaviour of these cetaceans and learn more about their habitat with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board. We should always respect their environment and therefore during times of feeding or resting times, we avoid any interference and maintain our distance. Please note this activity is completely dependent on sea conditions and if we cannot reschedule the tour, then an alternative visit to the vineyards of Pico Island will be offered. (BL) Day 4 Faial Island We enjoy a full day visiting the beautiful land and sea of Faial Island, which with its fascinating islets, unusual rock formations from volcanic activity, picturesque windmills and lush green pastures offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Along the coast, we have a superb mix of land and seabirds to observe in their natural habitat, such as Tern Pink and nests of Seagulls in the Capelinhos Volcano as well as Shearwater and Bat, which are endemic to the Azores. We return to Horta and gain more understanding thanks to a short briefing from the University of the Azores on the ecology and conservation of various species of seabirds. In the evening, we walk down to the coast to hear some spectacular sounds from the Shearwater. These are nocturnal seabirds who come to the coast simply to breed and on their night-time visits, they often give eerie contact calls as they nest in burrows and lay their single white egg. (BL) There is some free time in the morning before heading out on our next adventure to explore the beauty of the island. Our 4WD excursion takes us through ravines and near volcano craters where we enjoy the wonderful landscape around Sete Cidades Volcano, including the Green and Blue Lakes. From Vista do Rei, we are rewarded with breath taking views of tranquil lakes, blue hydrangeas bordering the crater rim that contrast with the steep sides of the crater. We then venture into this extinct volcano to visit the pretty village of Sete Cidades with its traditional architecture and verdant pastures. An opportunity not to be missed is to swim in the warm waters of Ferraria or Caldeira Velha (pool formed from a geyser). Our final treat is the Fire Lake in Barrosa Mountain, an enormous lake with jutting peninsulas and white sand beaches which is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day. (BL) Day 7 Whale and dolphin watching & Furnas Our final day offers another chance to spot some wonderful whales and dolphins on our boat journey down to the south coast of the island. We arrive in Ribeira Quente, a fisherman's village and transfer to Furnas Valley where we enjoy a spectacular meal of the famous Cozido das Caldeiras (style of cooking that buries sealed pots in the baking earth). After lunch, we take in the sights of romantic lakes, winding pathways, exotic flowers and thermal waters in Park Terra Nostra, before continuing onto the hot springs. One of the most spectacular forms of volcanic activity we see here are fumaroles, which spout boiling water and medicinal mud. (BL) Day 8 Fly to London End Ponta Delgada. (B) ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD We use 4 star hotels throughout the trip within walking distance to the harbours and all rooms are en suite. Our hotel in Horta offers wellness facilities including a sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath and a fitness centre. In Ponta Delgada, our charming hotel is a 19th Century building situated in the historical centre of the town, with a sauna, swimming pool and a very warm welcome. All breakfasts and 5 lunches are included. Breakfasts are buffet style with a variety on offer including bread, jams cereals, and of course tea and coffee. For lunch, we usually enjoy a set menu with drinks included, except for day 4 where a picnic is provided. In the evening, the leader will recommend local restaurants that serve traditional Azores food, which can be a selection of meat or fish with vegetables and potatoes or rice. Vegetarians are well catered for in Azores as long as the hotels are advised in advance. Day 5 Free day As Pico Island is only a short ferry trip from Horta, it is an excellent option for our free day. Due to its geological age, this island is considered the 'wildest' island in the Azores archipelago. With UNESCO declaring the exotic vineyards (that grow on rock) as a World Heritage Site, beaches that are called natural swimming pools and former whaling villages, there is certainly a completely different 2

3 Single Accommodation: Single rooms are available in all hotels on this trip - subject to availability. The cost of the single supplement is 240 and should be requested upon booking. Extra Accommodation: If you would like Exodus to organise additional accommodation for you at the start and/or end of your trip, please contact the office at least 4 weeks prior to departure. TRANSPORT Transport to and from the airport is by private minibus, which will also transport baggage between hotels (please note that on some occasions transfers may be shared with a 'Walking in the Azores' Exodus group). Internal flights are in either 37 or 80-seater propeller planes. Boats vary in size and on day 2 this will either be a 12 or 45 person boat, whereas on day 7, we will use Rigid Inflatable Boats. Please note transport for optional activities is not included but will be of the same quality. For Land Only clients, internal flights and transfers to and from the airport are included in the price of the trip. WEATHER AND SEASONALITY If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office. JOINING THE TRIP IN PONTA DELGADA 8 days, normally start Ponta Delgada Sat, end Ponta Delgada Sat Itinerary Start Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Ponta Delgada in the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before departure. Azores enjoys a privileged climate with its temperate softened by gentle influence of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures do not vary by much and the average is 13 ºC in winter and 23ºC in summer. Water temperatures varies a little oscillating between 17ºC and 24ºC. Whilst light clothing is recommended for summertime, it is better to dress for cooler and damper weather for Spring and Autumn. Winters are mild yet it often rains meaning waterproofs and warm jackets are essential if travelling between November to February. Please note, activities are mainly at sea so please bring clothes and shoes accordingly. JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK 8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat Itinerary Start The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary. Flights from London We normally use the scheduled services of SATA (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure. UK Regional Flights The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice. Airport Transfers If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, the cost is 15 (per person, one way) and is payable before departure. Please ensure that you provide us with all relevant information at least 2 weeks before departure. The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 15 (per person, one way) should you decide to make your way independently. Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit: Both companies used for our whale and dolphin watching tours respect the animals during times of feeding or resting by maintaining a distance and avoiding any interference. We use a small familyrun company in Ponta Delgada who use small boats and in Horta the company plants a tree every time they go to sea to help reduce the carbon impact. Our hotels source as much local food as possible 3

4 and conserve energy where possible. Leaders and biologists are employed locally and are very conscious of environmental concerns so they ensure clients follow them in the best practices to reduce our footprint. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Passports and Visas Most nationalities, including British, require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Certain European nationalities may be able to travel within Europe on their national identity card. Check carefully with the relevant authorities if you intend to do this. No visa required for UK passport holders. Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required. Vaccinations and Health Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad. There are no specific health risks on this trip. The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Insurance - are you adequately covered? You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Local Time GMT - 1 hour Group, Staff and Support The group will generally be between 4 and 15 people. There will be a local leader and drivers and local guides where needed. The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. MONEY MATTERS Currency Information The national currency of Portugal is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate of 1.2 to the UK and 0.75 to the US$. Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication. ATM availability/credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques There are cashpoints in both Ponta Helgada and Horta, whilst the hotels also accept major credit cards. Extra Expenses and Spending Money Evening meals vary between 15 for a simple dish (excluding seafood) to 30 per person for an upmarket restaurant. Prices also fluctuate a lot for a simple meal in a café: between 7 and 12. Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group sizes) Ferry from Horta to Pico Island: 3.40 per person one way Swimming with dolphins: 40 per person (minimum 2 persons). This takes place out in the open ocean where the dolphins are completely wild. The process of choosing a pod to swim with can sometimes take time as it is important to choose a pod that will not become stressed with human interaction. Swimming with sharks on Day 5: 130 per person for approx. 4 hours (minimum 4 persons - only in June, July, August & September) Minimum for the activity to be confirmed: 4 people Duration: 4 to 5 hours Swimming with sharks takes place in the safety of a cage. Whilst attacks are extremely rare this is just a precaution that is taken. Swimming is with snorkelling equipment provided (the cage will not be totally submerged). It is not necessary to bring diver's certificate. Swimming with Manta Rays on Day 5: 178 per person for a full day (minimum 6 persons) Minimum for the activity to be confirmed: 6 people Duration: full day Swimming with Manta Rays is a snorkelling activity without a cage. It is not necessary to bring diver's certificate. Tipping (leader and local staff) Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides in appreciation of their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and depends on the service received. WHAT TO TAKE Essential Equipment and Clothing Comfortable shoes or boots for sightseeing Rubber shoes (it can be slippy and wet on the boats) Head torch for evening of day 4 Small daypack and water bottle Hat, sunglasses, sun lotion Binoculars Swimming costume Most activities are at sea so a warm coat is essential (for the night tour as well) Warm clothes (or layers are best) for Spring and Autumn departures. 4

5 Optional items: Perhaps an umbrella just in case. Baggage and Baggage Allowance At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 20kg. As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check and/or the airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure. JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some special deals on travel gear and equipment. In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically into our monthly photo competition. To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus. It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for? IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be contacted on 0044 (0) Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www. exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information? Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent. The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary. As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel Agent. Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website. Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP 1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days. 3. Complete your booking and payment When you re ready to book, go to for online booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque. Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. 5