HORTA WHALE WATCH FIELD GUIDE
Become a Whale Citizen Scientist off Horta: A One-Day Conservation Course
A seven-hour, expert-led introduction to whale biology and citizen-science techniques run through Dive Azores—this guide explains what to expect and why the training matters.
Become a Whale Citizen Scientist off Horta: A One-Day Conservation Course.
Join expert-led sessions to understand whale biology and ecology, then move into hands-on work supporting whale research through citizen-science methods—an accessible, impact-oriented course that trains participants to contribute real data to conservation efforts.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Learn from researchers
Sessions are led by researchers who show participants how their observations and data feed into global whale research initiatives.
Foundations of whale biology and ecology
The course offers an introductory look at whale biology and ecology to give context to field observations and data collection.
Hands-on citizen science
Participants are trained to engage in citizen science, actively supporting ongoing whale research projects with usable field data.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Over a focused day of instruction and fieldwork, you move from classroom-style sessions into practical activities designed to teach how to observe, record and submit data that researchers can use—an efficient crash course in both whale natural history and the methods of citizen science.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course is for — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs as a single program lasting approximately 7 hours.
Boat tours are subject to operational safety decisions; the captain may impose additional restrictions based on sea and weather conditions.
Specific gear guidance should be confirmed with the operator Dive Azores prior to the course.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Whale Conservationist course?
The program is approximately 7 hours long.
Is there a minimum age to participate?
The course is presented with a headline context of age 15+, indicating suitability for participants aged 15 and older.
Can pregnant people join the boat portion of the course?
No—boat tours are unsuitable for pregnant women for safety reasons.
What will I learn?
Participants receive an introductory look at whale biology and ecology and are trained to engage in citizen science to support whale research.
Who operates the Whale Conservationist course?
The course is offered by Dive Azores.
Can the operator change participation rules?
Yes—the captain of the vessel maintains the right to raise restrictions according to sea and weather conditions.