Season
of the Giants
Blue whales are the largest animals that have ever lived on earth. It is one of the most impressive encounters the animal kingdom offers us. Around the island of Pico there are probably the best sighting opportunities in the world to get close to these mighty animals. Our experienced crew and land based spotters ensure that we have sustained and impressive encounters.
Since a few years blue whales are sighted more often in European waters again. This could mean that the population in the North-East Atlantic is recovering a little from the consequences of the hunts in the 20th century. At that time they were nearly wiped out worldwide and are still classified as critically endangered. It is a privilege to see a blue whale up close once. Besides blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, humpback whales and sperm whales are seen almost daily.
In addition, pilot whales, small killer whales, 4 species of dolphins, sea turtles, moon fish, sharks and yellow-billed shearwaters. ildkröten, Mondfische, Haie und Gelbschnabelsturmtaucher.
WHALE & DOLPHINS
It is a very special experience to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Around the island of Pico there are rich feeding grounds for all marine mammals. That is why sperm whales live here all year around hunting the giant squid in the deep. Other species like the large baleen whales are only seasonal guests on their migration. Even the largest animal ever lived on our blue plant is our guest from February to June every year.
This makes Pico one of the no 1 destinations in the world to meet whales and dolphins.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable treatment of the animals is our top priority. Therefore, the experienced skippers also read the behavior of the animals first and decide when or if you are allowed into the water.
With the help of the experienced skippers you can observe the behavior of the whales in peace and learn a lot about their life and migration cycles.
WHY PICO SPORT
Operating since 1993 we have 30 years of experience with marine mammals. Our skippers work with us since many years and lots of experience in gentle handling of the animals. We find the whales and dolphins because we work with land based spotters. This technique dates back to the days of the old whalers. With strong binoculars the so called VIGIA searches for the whales and dolphins. They tell the boats the positions of the animals. Thus, we never go blindly to the ocean and work with a 99% success rate in sightings.
EXPLORE THE ISLAND
The program includes some tours that will also bring you closer to the culture and nature of the island. So we visit the whale spotter, hike in the wineries, explore the volcanoes of the highlands and the breeding grounds of the yellow-billed shearwaters.
A tour to the neighboring island of Faial is also planned.
