HORTA WHALE WATCH FIELD GUIDE
A week at sea with the Whale Project Azores: learn to ID whales against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs
A seven‑day, field‑based program out of Horta with Dive Azores that teaches photo‑ID and contributes real data to global whale research.
A week at sea with the Whale Project Azores: learn to ID whales against a backdrop of volcanic cliffs.
Based in Horta in the Azores, the Whale Project (1 week) places you on the water and in the lab: you spend seven days mastering cetacean identification, collecting photo‑ID data for research, and exploring volcanic shorelines where turtles, seabirds and sharks share the seas with whales and dolphins.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hands‑on photo‑ID and global data contribution
Participants learn how to identify cetaceans at sea and collect photo‑ID data that feeds into global research efforts—core objectives of the week‑long Whale Project.
Mastering field techniques in marine mammal identification
The program focuses on practical skills—spotting whales and dolphins from a survey vessel and creating usable photographic records for researchers.
Volcanic seascapes and rich marine life
Beyond cetaceans, the area’s volcanic coastline and waters regularly produce sightings of turtles, seabirds, sharks and more, adding natural history context to the field work.
What the day feels like
What the week feels like
The week alternates time at sea and focused identification work: dawn boat surveys and wildlife watches, followed by photo‑ID processing and data submission—an immersive cadence that turns participants into active contributors to marine mammal science.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this week is made for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a seven‑day, field‑intensive program based from Horta run by Dive Azores.
For safety reasons the boat tours are unsuitable for pregnant women and people with back problems and/or osteoporosis; the captain can impose further restrictions based on sea and weather.
The week is operated by Dive Azores and centers on active field work and photo‑ID data collection for research.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Whale Project (1 week)?
The program runs for seven days.
Who operates the program?
The program is run by Dive Azores out of Horta in the Azores.
What will I learn during the week?
You will learn how to identify cetaceans at sea and how to collect photo‑ID data to contribute to global whale research.
Are there medical or safety restrictions?
Yes—boat tours are unsuitable for pregnant women and for people with back problems and/or osteoporosis; the captain may also impose restrictions according to sea and weather conditions.
What other wildlife might I see?
Alongside whales and dolphins you can expect to encounter turtles, seabirds, sharks and other marine life in the region.