São Miguel · Azores
A calm, nature-first experience aboard the Azores' largest whale-watching catamaran with a glass-bottom view into the Atlantic.
The Experience
Departing from the new Ponta Delgada Marina at Portas do Mar, our tour heads into the Atlantic in search of resident and migratory whales and dolphins. Trips run a minimum of three hours, but no two are the same. Whales and dolphins are constantly on the move and we sail a little further when we have to.
Minimum 3 hours · departures vary with the ocean and the wildlife
Built for stability with unobstructed views across the open Atlantic.
A purpose-built glass viewing window beneath the waterline. The only whale-watching catamaran in the Azores with one. A rare vantage onto the world below.
Born and raised on these waters. Trained in marine wildlife protocols and calm in open ocean.
Operated by the same Azorean family since 2003. Nothing flashy. Just us and the ocean.
Wildlife of the Atlantic
The deep waters around São Miguel place the Azores on a natural route for resident and migrating cetaceans. Some species are seen throughout the year; others pass through seasonally. Sightings are never guaranteed. We know these waters, but the ocean always decides.
Swipe to view
Physeter macrocephalus
Resting at the surface between dives into the deep Atlantic. Calm, immense, and unmistakable.
Delphinus delphis
Often travelling in playful groups across the deep blue Atlantic. Fast, social, and full of energy.
Tursiops truncatus
The familiar face of the Atlantic. Curious, approachable, and often the first to greet the boat.
Grampus griseus
Pale, scarred, and quietly striking. Each mark a record of a life lived in the open ocean.
Other species, including sea turtles, seabirds and additional cetaceans may also be encountered depending on the season route and sea conditions.
Adults
Ages 13+
€60
Children
Ages 6–12
€30
Infants
Ages 0–5
Free
Daily departures: 09:00 · 14:00
Private charters available on request.
Before you book
Sightings are common, but never guaranteed. We work with land-based lookouts and experienced on-board crew to read the conditions each day, but whales and dolphins are wild animals and the ocean decides. If no whales or dolphins are seen on your trip, we'll offer you a second trip or a full refund.
Most trips last around three hours, though conditions at sea and wildlife activity can slightly affect timing.
Our new catamaran was built for comfort and stability in Atlantic conditions, with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, a bar, four bathrooms on board, generous deck space, and a glass-bottom underwater viewing window that lets you watch marine life from beneath the waterline. It's the only whale-watching boat in São Miguel permitted to operate more than 6 nautical miles from shore, giving each trip more room to adapt to the ocean.
Yes. Our trips are supported by local land-based lookouts and on-board crew with decades of Atlantic experience. They help identify activity at sea and guide each approach with care, distance, and respect for the animals.
We follow Azorean whale-watching rules and approach animals with care, distance, and low disturbance. The goal is observation, not pursuit. If an animal changes behaviour or moves away, we respect that.
Yes. Families are very welcome, and infants join free of charge. The catamaran's stability and indoor spaces make it well-suited for families with younger children.
The catamaran is significantly more stable than a zodiac, but the ocean is still the ocean. If you're sensitive to motion, we recommend a light meal before boarding. We can provide seasickness medication free of charge, but it must be requested in advance before check-in.
Azorean weather can shift in a single trip, so pack for warm sun, cooler air on the open ocean, and the occasional shower. We recommend layers (T-shirt, pullover, a light rain jacket), flat-soled shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, a snack, and a camera. Dry storage is available on board for anything you want to keep out of the spray.
If we cancel due to sea or weather conditions, you'll be offered a reschedule or a full refund. Your safety and the wildlife's welfare come before the schedule.
Yes, private charters and custom group experiences can be arranged on request. Get in touch with your group size and preferred dates and we'll come back with options.
Our Story
2003
Built more than sixty years ago and christened 'Netos de José Augusto', she ran for decades as a passenger ferry between Flores and Corvo, the two westernmost islands of the Azores. José F. Costa acquired her in 2003 and set her on a new course: carrying visitors out onto the ocean.
2026
A new vessel enters service. The Azores' largest whale-watching catamaran, purpose-built for stability with a glass-bottom viewing window and room for everyone on board.
Same family. Same ocean. A boat built for the next twenty years of trips.
Founder · Captain
“I've spent more than thirty years on this stretch of the Atlantic and I still feel the same respect for the ocean. We approach the animals calmly patiently and without rushing the moment. That's how we like to be at sea.”
Contact
Call us for same-day questions, book online, or email us for private charters and group requests.
For same-day questions, calling is usually fastest.
Private charters and custom group experiences can be arranged on request.
Meeting point
Portas do Mar Marina
Daily
09:00 — 17:00
Daily departures from Portas do Mar Marina.
Find us at the marina before departure.
Get directions
