|
|
Whale-watching
Pico is probably the most impressive of the Azores Islands, if you arrive from the sea. It's a 2.500 meters volcano arising directly from the ocean. It was an ancient renowned whale fishing station, because of the large amount of whales that frequent the deep waters just near the coastline at the south of Pico. At Lajes do Pico, site of an ancient whale factory, there are many traces of this old activity that was finally banned in 1980. Here an intelligent French guy implanted a whale-watching station Espaço Talassa utilizing the know-how of the ancient whalers and transforming what was a cruel ritual in one of the most impressive things you can do in Açores, a near contact with whales and dolphins. His philosophy is that the old whalers can now protect their ancient prey, if this allows them to live, it's really a great idea.
All along the coast there are many points of observation whit ancient towers in strategic locations (vegia) that were used by the whalers to spot the sea. One of this, "Vegia Queimada", a superb point of view over the coast, has been restored. Now serves to guide the Zodiacs of Espaço Talassa, that bring you to whale-watching cruises. From here the observers scan the sea, searching for whales and dolphins, and, once spotted, signal the point to the station where you must be ready to board for a raid on the ocean. It's really impressive, but the guys are very experienced, and know how to bring you safely, very close to the whales, it's really a great feeling. I had two whale-watching raids and we were able to go in strict contact with 7 sperm whales and a lot of dolphins. You can also have a whale-watching trip in Fajal, organized by the world-wide renowned Peter Café, the point of attraction for all the skippers and the sailormen arriving in Horta, and in São Miguel, the main island of the Açores archipelago. Here there is Futurismo Azores Whale Watching. All are organized almost in the same manner and also utilize old whalers and vigie to spot the whales and organize daily zodiac whale watching trips. Futurismo can also bring you for a whale-watching cruise on a 36 feet boat. Good whales! Addresses:
If you are searching for travel information and good addresses about these islands just click at the links below or use the search engine to scan this site or the web for you. All the addresses and the suggestions made in these pages were personally tested.
Have a good trip. I'll be glade if you want to share with me your experiences about isles you visited and addresses and links you think worthy to be added. E-Mail address
Copyright Giovanni Tosti. |
Vegia Queimada
