38 independent reviews for Azores tour, island explorer
Reviews for Azores tour, island explorer
Hayley Ingham review 10 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being out on the boats with the marine biologists2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book at least 2 boat trips… amazing!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local people yes as they make up the team of workers in the company.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
BrilliantKirsty Lobo review 27 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Jeep trip around crater of sete cidades2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Sea trips may be longer than expected to maximise possible sightings therefore don’t make early lunch / dinner bookings! Check in case of local holidays. We were there for a religious day and many shops and restaurants were closed.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All guides were local people and shops and restaurants all appeared to be locally owned / staffed. I did think some of the trips supported conservation but I was aware all vehicles and marine craft ran on diesel. The guides were passionate about the islands and their history and culture and some of their environmental issues, which is something I will continue to follow.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Wonderful.Anon review 21 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Exploring the geographical volcanic features of Sao Miguel.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely although I am not sure that whale & dolphin watching is not harmful to the animals - even though it’s done very responsibly by all the companies we saw and is very well regulated by the government and local companies (each who employ marine biologists) per the information scientists have. We decided we would not do this again as so many boats going in proximity of these animals could be producing stress.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best in our lives! The host company provided a fabulous itinerary with excellent choices for hotel, meals and tours with very well informed guides on all local and natural - all who were doing their best to provide eco responsible tourism.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much Tahminae. Your wonderful and completely honest review! It is such a fine line in terms of boats on the water. There are regulations in the Azores on numbers of boats around the animals, approaches and distances. As always with more people visiting it adds pressure. We are monitoring the situation and we do feel our boat company offer a very responsible practice.
Steven Baylis review 6 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the large male sperm whale dive.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it. Even on the day spoilt by cloud, making it difficult for the spotters on land to see the whales and dolphins, we saw a sperm whale and dolphins. Saw Sperm Whales, a Sei Whale, Beaked Whales, Bottle Nosed dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Atlantic Spotted dolphins.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a big income for the island. The company used by the operator were very sympathetic to the animals and never got too near.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentHannah Russell review 30 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Dolphin and whale watching - it was incredible2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
A perfect holiday for families with other children - we found the scenery and wildlife fantastic, the food and weather were great, everyone was friendly - and there were no mosquitoes!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The day trips were with local providers and to locally run businesses and restaurants, so it felt like this hopefully benefited local people. It was great to meet some of the marine biologists on the whale and dolphin watching trips and to see how the income they bring in through the trips helps to support their research .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We loved it - I’d definitely go back to the AzoresMike Green review 23 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing dolphins, canyoning, jeep tour, scuba diving.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The host/local company that Responsible Travel uses are excellent. For scuba diving, Best Spot Diving in the marina were excellent, great divemasters and instructors.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. The host company were a responsible group, with guides who clearly cared very much about the Azores.Jean Handscombe review 14 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The landscape/seascape and architecture on each of the two islands we visited - a constant feast for the eye.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ready for mixed weather - rain/sun, cool/warm, wind/calm - all in half a day! Walk the country trails even if like me you are elderly. Eat and drink local food and wines - they are delicious. Engage in conversation with the locals whenever possible - they are welcoming and informative. Trust the tour operator who helped at every stage of planning this trip and their whale watching partner who provided first-rate tours with impressive guides.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We were happy to stay in locally-owned hotels that were environmentally conscious and to patronize local restaurants.. Seeing the Azorean countryside as it is now makes one want to keep it so.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Memorable.Olivia Morrison-Ryans review 20 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching the whales and the delightful enthusiastic people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Difficult to find local places to eat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Slightly. Clearly we contribute to the economy but there is always a negative environmental impact. Difficult to get water bottles filled, always offered another plastic bottle when asking for water.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Very well organised, no problems and the people were delightful.Liz Allen review 16 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing whales and dolphins.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Search out and swim in the natural sea pools - and swim in the harbour pool in Ponta Delgada.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hard to know - people were very welcoming (even the passport control officers!). I like to think that the whale watching helps support efforts to conserve marine life - there was generally a lot of publicity around concerning plastic pollution in the ocean.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A lovely holiday - I went for the whale watching, which was definitely the highlight, but it is a beautiful island with great hiking and swimming.Jane Ritchie review 5 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The Botanical Gardens and the Geothermal pool at Furnas - both really fab.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be patient if you want to see Whales! Our trip was 1.5 hours of travelling out on fairly choppy water to see 4 sperm whales resting - it was fabulous to see them but you have to be patient - another long trip back home too. We did see lots of Dolphins and flying fish so that was fabulous but not much Whale action - it is always a bit of luck and a lot of patience!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly are happy to support environmental work done by the tour operator and their on-island agents. We also supported local people buying local food, wines and attending local sites. We travelled by bus a lot too lowering impact of fossil fuels. We admired the determination and aims that San Miguel have to support conservation of the islands precious natural environments including the oceans and ocean wildlife.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant - loved it! Such a beautiful island and so much to do and see - I wish I'd had more time there!Emmeline Tan review 27 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were two: jeep tour to Sete Cidades and our cozido lunch. The former for stunning views and the latter for the delicious food and engaging conversations with both tour guide and fellow travellers.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The weather in the Azores can be unpredictable. The locals all say that you can see all seasons in a day and we certainly did experience this! So come prepared: pack waterproof layers, quick dry clothing, and comfortable shoes. The holiday brochures always show you perfect blue skies but this may not be the case when you arrive: wetness is why the island of São Miguel is so lush and green. But just “go with the flow” and you’ll find beauty even in the rain.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The economic impacts can definitely be seen, especially for many younger Azoreans who have returned to the islands to benefit from a growing tourism industry. I’m not so sure about reduced environmental impacts though: this was a recurring theme with all the conversations I had with locals. How do you balance welcoming increasing numbers of people with the stress that this places on the environment and local infrastructure? I think this is an active conversation amongst Azoreans and their elected officials and is probably not a unique problem for this locale.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Well worth it as an “introduction” to the Azores or if you only have a short period of time to travel. Everyone involved - from the team at the tour operator, to the tour guides, to the staff at the hotel - were very warm, welcoming, and helpful. It was a good balance of nature, culture, and history with both active and slower paced days.Geraldine Carty review 12 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it. The whale & dolphin trips were fab and Miguel made our land trips fun and interesting. He was a fantastic guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Check forecast and tailor you bookings to suit it as best one can3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I cannot really say. We are always very conscious of what we do on holiday and try not to leave a footprint. I hope we did unknowingly support local.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic. Thanks to one and all who were involved in making it special and easy.Sally Field review 22 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The experience on the boats, especially when we booked an extra trip out to go on the RIB. Went out 3 times in total and saw loads of dolphins and some SEI Whales. Staff at the base and on the boat were so knowledgeable and friendly and obviously very passionate about what they do. I actually really enjoyed getting out of the city on the two day trips we took; Maria, our guide, was amazing - again, extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the island and it's history, she spoke excellent english and was great fun!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It can get really cold out on the boats; once you get past the end of the island it gets more windy and the water can be choppy. We were there at the end of May and, unfortunately, the weather was not great although we had a couple of really nice days/evenings. Make sure you take warm clothes, possibly even light gloves, a light scarf and a woolly hat if you know you feel the cold; you can always take them off!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I was surprised to learn that global tourism is still relatively new to the Azores so although there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and places to visit in Ponta Delgada itself it is not too commercialised. However, nearly everyone we met spoke really good english and was friendly and helpful. We ate out every day and had some delicious food and drink and the staff at the tour operator boat base were fantastic, really knowledgeable and very passionate. Every time we returned from a trip they thanked us for choosing to see wildlife in it's natural state.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Loved it but, unfortunately, I was hoping for better weather so that was a bit disappointing but I know that can't be helped! Would definitely go to the Azores again and would love to explore some of the other islands.The staff were great and made us feel welcome and supported.Kevin Downes review 1 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The two full day Furnas and Sete Cidades tours were very enjoyable and the guides were very good on both occasions. We did two whale watching trips, one RIB and one catamaran. Both enjoyable and quite different experiences.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went late April before the holiday season kicks in and noticed that several shops & restaurants weren't as open as their advertised opening times. If you want to go to Gruta do Carvao (larva caves) it's definitely best to pre-book. The china factory Ceramica Vieira was interesting - get a bus, taxi or a 1.5hr walk.Try and have your whale watching trips spread apart and check weather forecasts for good weather when you arrive. Nature dictates what you do/don't see so be prepared for that.Some of the baked fish dishes can be very salty.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Glad we did it. t's not a fully guided tour, so you do have time to yourself to get out and about and do things at your own pace.Paul Nichols review 1 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing baby dolphins practicing their jumping infront of our boat2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider October, the weather is changeable but it's great value on the island and the crowds are so much less3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The whale/dolphin watching trip was also collecting data that aids conservation, otherwise not especially more than another holiday4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
we loved it allVALERIE BALBAN review 25 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sao Miguel is a beautiful island and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Susan Ripley review 17 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Swimming with a pod of up to 50 wild common dolphins! Seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If possible, book extra trips with the whale watching tour operator as their company is really excellent. Upgrade your second dolphin and whale watching trip to swimming with dolphins. Join in with everything!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely benefited local people as all the companies used were local. The whole approach and ethos of the whale watching company is to look after wildlife and reduce the environmental impact on their habitats and daily life. The trips were collecting marine data not just a tourist attraction and the strict rules regarding how to approach and treat these creatures was always paramount.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely superb and well worth the journey to this unique and beautiful island!Paul Stratton review 27 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing Sperm whales close up2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Leave yourself a free day near the end of the week to add an additional sea trip if you wish.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the tours seemed to be responsibly handled and the tour companies employed local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentKaren Barratt review 29 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
seeing a blue whale with it's calf and a humpback with calf and then a pod of orcas was something i will never forget2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
book a couple of restaurants in advance as they get booked up3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The marine biologists and all the whale watching staff we met were amazingDianne Baily review 23 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Sperm whale.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We went to book extra trips and some were full so booking in advance would be our tip.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!GERALD BAILY review 23 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the Sperm whale dive and the tail coming up2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book trips in advance. The Cat and the Ribs were brilliant each had there own advantages. Swimming with dolphins in the open sea was brilliant so don't be afraid to try it. I am 67 years old and loved it3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism very important for the Island.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, one of the best holidays both at sea and touring the island.Sacha Wellborn review 12 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all excellent, but the rib boat and encountering whales was probably the most exciting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I have no doubt it benefited local people, and likely supported conservation efforts. But going out on boats and taking tours in vans and jeeps doesn't strike me as reducing environmental impact. However, really glad we did it.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
All around excellent.Stuart Holdcroft review 26 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Whale watching. Seeing the enormous pod of atlantic spotted dolphins.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book restaurants in advance if you want specific ones.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes in all instances.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very goodFateme Banishoeib review 16 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whale and dolphin watching2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The Island has many secret plays like beaches, little side roads. Ask locals what are their favorite places and discover sides you won't see unless taken by a local.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am not sure about the environmental impact especially of boats when going to tours to see dolphins and whales. Certainly the boat company tour guides are managed by locals and in the most respectful ways for animal species.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A solid 4/4.5 out of 5.June Davidson review 27 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing a sperm whale2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for all types of weather3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Was not really made aware of any benefits of tourism to conservation on the island4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for taking the time to write a review and glad you had good sightings.
Tourism brings enormous financial benefits to the islands which is felt by all the locals. Our boat company works in partnership "giving back to the local community " with local schools educating the children about the wealth of marine life in "their" ocean, giving free trips to sea for them and other locals and teaching how they can protect the marine life for future generations.
There are regular community beach cleans, marine festivals which are a celebration and also raise awareness. Finally the Azores has been given "whale Heritage site status " by a leading cetacean conservation organisation WCA which endorses their efforts to promote a more responsible,& sustainable whale watching tourism. This has encouraged efforts by local suppliers from responsible boat approaches, more efficient fuel use in boats as well as less
boats to promoting locally sourced food and new vegan restaurants are opening. We have details of ongoing changes on our web site. The guides on the boat do usually describe the conservation initiatives.
Katherine Pattison review 3 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Trip to Sete Cidades and a hike that we did ourselves to Pico du cascalho2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t stay in the city. Book more whale tours as half get cancelled. Review trips that are booked, furnas tour very gentle, which would suit many but we were after a little more adventure3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had conversations with this with the tour guides, tourism obviously has increased so much for them in the last 10 years but sounds like it’s way too crowded in the summer! Potentially increase environmental awareness but not sure if it directly had an impact on environment4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were probably after a little more adventure and a little disappointed two of our whale tours were cancelled but the one that was ok to rebook was really great and they really tried hard for us to see as much as we could. The guides we’re great and one lady in particular at the central office too. Hotel room was lovely and staff were super lovely but the hotel was very noisy at night especially at the weekend and smelt of smoke a lot but the pool was lovely and the hot tub too. Our final tour was the best so we wish we had done it at the beginning or booked a hiking trip earlier on.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Katherine
Thanks for your comments and glad you enjoyed your holiday. Our guests want varying levels
of activity so always good to check. Your hotel is one of our most popular and we have never
had reports of noise and smoke which would have come from the bar in the street ( No
smoking or noise inside hotel ) if you had told us we could have tried to move you to a room on
other side of building. Most guests prefer to stay in the town as it is convenient for boats and
restaurants. We try our best to pick quiet hotels at all times and this is the first time we have
heard of this on such a usually quiet street with no traffic. If you stay in another part of the
island the logistics can be very complicated !
I am sorry you had 2 boat trips cancelled due to bad weather. Obviously this is challenging and
the local team did offer a re schedule which they try and do at every opportunity for our
guests. Thanks for your comments and we shall certainly ask hotels to pick the quietest rooms
kin regards
Amanda
Winifred Hammarstrom Menezes review 27 Apr 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
bathing in the hot springs, seeing the calderas and driving along their rim2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
although the vacation is called "dolphin and whale watching", be realistic, there is no guarantee that one will see whales3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes. though we did see other tours driving 4-wheeled vehicles which did not seem environmentally friendly4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
great hotel, great toursSteven Baylis review 7 Aug 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the large male sperm whale dive.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just book it. Even on the day spoilt by cloud, making it difficult for the spotters on land to see the whales and dolphins, we saw a sperm whale and dolphins. Saw sperm Whales, a Sei Whale, Beaked Whales, Bottle Nosed dolphins, Common Dolphins, and Atlantic Spotted dolphins.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Tourism is a big income for the island. The company used by the tour operator were very sympathetic to the animals and never got too near.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Lisa Dolling review 3 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Four different species of dolphins in enormous pods spectacular, we loved the tea plantation and kayaking in the crater lake, we also really enjoyed learning about the work marine biologists do in the Azores too.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you do book in advance as many activities are popular. You also need to accept that the weather may cancel your plans! A trip on the rib gets you closer to the action than the bigger boats. Do take the opportunity to see the volcanoes and the geothermal places the island is so beautiful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We certainly got to see what sort of things happen locally but I’m not sure we improved the environment local people although they were all very friendly and we did buy mementos.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It really was just sometimes breathtakingly beautiful and wonderful to be so close to such a natural beauty.Tracey Bevan review 25 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Whale watching....we did three trips.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The whale and dolphin watching is a must. I would highly recommend booking with this company, they were superb on the water. Very knowledgeable with marine Biologists on board each boat, giving us great information and the best chance of seeing these wild animals without disturbing their natural behaviour. We unfortunately observed other operators who were driving there boat in a manner that disturbed the dolphins, very poor practice, so be careful about what operator you use. This operator is the one to choose, like I said were excellent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We used a lot of local bars and restaurants..... away from the main town as well as ones in it. Environmental impact was poor. Flew there, hired a car went on 4 boat trips. Conservation. Yes, the local operator have marine biologists on every boat and they are collecting data. However they never explained how the info is used or how much of the money goes where. (But thinking about it I never asked!!!)4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. Hotel was very good. People on the Island were friendly. Suggest you recommend books to use for guides to the Islands, or other holidays. I bought mine second hand, without them i would have not had such a good experience.Alastair Neilson review 22 Apr 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Viewing 2 Finback whales at close quarters while on one of the boat trips. Also relaxing in the geothermal pools in Furnas. Magnificent scenery and botanics there.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
One of the boat trips was a bit rough due to the weather. If you do suffer from sea-sickness, select a calm day! Recommend that you explore Sao Miguel Island (not just Ponta Delgada) to get the most out of your holiday. For a 10-day holiday, a visit to the other islands not really practical (due to distance) - requires another visit!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Made use of lots of local services, particularly restaurants and other food outlets, to boost the local economy. Seeing dolphins/whales in their natural environment, certainly preferred to a 'sea-life' centre.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and would certainly recommend to others.Carol Spong review 25 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the dolphins and whales in their natural environment.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Consider visiting one or more of the other nearby islands as well.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate out everyday so yes, we contributed significantly to the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We were very lucky with the weather and most of the guides on the tours were excellent, so we really enjoyed the week.Anna Lisa Ainsworth review 23 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whale and dolphin watching trips were excellent. Female sperm whales and a baby, a male sperm whale showing his tail on a deep dive and an amazing acrobatic display of wild dolphins.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Carry suntan cream and a rain coat as the weather changes during the same day. Relax and enjoy island pace.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes hotel and businesses are owned by locals. The whale/dolphin trips adhere to environmental standards.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday, nice hotel, good restaurants and friendly knowledgeable guides on all the trips.Ayesha Kyari review 14 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing common dophins playing in our bow wave.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book a hotel with character, with outdoor space/pool.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall we had a nice if not overwhelming holiday. The hotel was clean, pleasant but very 'beige' and impersonal - we could have been anywhere in the world! I should have chosen something with more character, some outdoor space/pool so we had somewhere to relax other than in our room and with tea and coffee making facilities. The operators staff were lovely. We had okay dolphin encounters, no whales on the two trips we went on, but know other people did see them on other trips. We should have gone on a third trip but having been a bit disappointed on the first two, missed out. The trip to Sete cidades was great, we could have spent a whole day there! The vehicle which took us from and to the airport had totally bald and dangerous tyres - we let the local operator know at the beginning of the week and were told it was run by one of their partners, but it was the same when we left.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your useful feedback and so glad you had an enjoyable holiday. Yes we do have a selection of lovely hotels with character to suit all tastes. I am giving your feedback about the tyres to the company as this is unacceptable and we do carry out regular safety reviews to ensure all services offered to our guests comply with required standards. It is useful to have guests noting anything that they feel could be improved, so thank you.
Susan Eve review 20 Oct 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Using the thermal pool at Terra Nostra under the stars!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wander out to the local bars and cafes as the locals are really hospitable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday definitely benefited local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!Mark Thornton review 2 Nov 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the whales & dolphins2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If sea is calm do as many boat trips as you can .. seas can get rough quickly and stay that way for a few days3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes .. definitely benefited local people .. hotels & shops use way too much disposable plastic but recycling very prominent4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentGraham Sadler review 2 Jun 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it really but maybe the trips were the standout.. exceptionally good. Great whale and dolphin viewing, and the land tours were very interesting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Hire a car for the day and explore the spectacular wilderness coastline and stunning waterfalls.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
2 out of 3 yes. Not sure flying 3.50 mins reduced environmental impact, but the development of tourism is needed in this part of the world, to ensure the young people have a future.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic, all elements were superb and the hotel staff were very professional and everything kept very clean. The operator's partner is an excellent ground provider, though could maybe introduce life on the Azores a little more. We were 2 adults and 3 under teens children and everyone had a wonderful time.Wendy Leonard review 28 Sep 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Holiday Reviews
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