The Azores
Discovered by the Portuguese in 1427, Sâo Miguel lies some 1,360 kilometres off mainland Portugal and is the largest of the nine volcanic islands that make up the Azores archipelago. The presence of great whales in Azores waters led to a history of whaling in the archipelago in past centuries; however, nowadays the whales attract a more benign interest – in the form of whale watchers.
Situated on a triple junction of the Eurasian, African and North American tectonic plates, it’s the Azores’ special underwater topography which attracts deep-diving species such as sperm whales, while the great baleen whales such as fin and blue whales pass through the archipelago on migration. There’s a host of dolphins here too, from bottlenose, striped and common to Risso’s and the photogenic Atlantic spotted. There are rarities here too, such as false killer whales and beaked whales. The chance to be close to a huge whale, or playful dolphins, in a small boat is not to be missed, and one of the natural world’s greatest thrills.
The Azores is Europe’s best whale watching destination, so any trip here warrants a boat excursion out to sea in search of cetaceans. And the good news is, there are whales and dolphins in the waters around Sâo Miguel all year round, so as long as the sea is relatively calm, you should be lucky enough to spot them on a whale watching trip with your family. In the days of commercial whaling, ‘vigias’ or look-outs were stationed around each island hoping to spot a dorsal fin, fluke or a tell-tale blow so they could let the whalers know of the presence of a whale in the water. Nowadays, the vigias help the whale watch boats, which all add to the Azores being a fantastically rewarding place to head if you’re keen to see whales and dolphins. Prepare to be excited, awed, and to become addicted!
Join our next eight-day Azores Family Adventure small group holiday for whale-watching, kayaking, canyoning and much more…
Namibia
The southern African country of Namibia might not be the first destination that comes to mind when considering dolphin watching. However, trips out from Walvis Bay into the South Atlantic, which rolls in all along this stunning country’s Skeleton coastline, are very rewarding. Look out for three different species of dolphin – bottlenose, Heaviside’s and dusky, as well as pelicans, seals, African penguins, leatherback turtles and numerous other species. After spending time on the Skeleton Coast head to the arid desert interior to explore the salt pans of Etosha, acacia savannah and the lush, green, sub-tropical woodlands of the Waterberg Plateau.
Namibia's Big Cat Self-drive Safari, our 16-day tailor-made holiday has many school holiday departure dates.
Oman
Oman is a beautiful family-oriented country with stunning ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ type landscapes, including beautiful mountain scenery, sweeping wadis, vast deserts and historic forts. The dolphin watching off Muscat is very good, while a chance to snorkel, swim to hidden caves and look for turtles at Sur Beach (seasonal) makes it an excellent choice for a family holiday. Try sand boarding in the desert before making a splash in the water pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. You can also walk part of the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams, before taking a leisurely walk through the colourful Wadi Shaab.
Be captivated by some Middle Eastern magic on one of our Dolphins & Dunes small group holiday departures during Easter or October half term.
Contact us for more information on family whale and dolphin watching holidays or explore all our family holidays which can be tailor made to your requirements.
