Naturalist - Science & Tourism
Naturalist - Science & Tourism
5
4WD, ATV & Off-Road ToursBoat ToursHiking & Camping ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
We are a team of Researchers, Field Biologists from the Univ. of Lisbon and the Azores and local Nature Park Guides, working on land and marine environments for more than 10 years. We found a way to stay close to wildlife, and improve tourism experiences, bridging Science & Tourism. Azores Naturalist Team is based Faial, operating Faial, Pico and Sao Jorge Island where the natural history and the local culture are live. Whale watching, Bird watching, Walking, Hikings, Jeep or Van Tours, private or large groups, tell us what you have in mind, our job is to help you have a great vacation! Every ticket contributes 10% for the NGO AtlanticNaturalist.org and environmental data is collected on every tour (whales, bats, sharks, seabirds, etc).
Horta, Portugal
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Naturalist - Science & Tourism
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
488 reviews
Excellent
477
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
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Rosie Livingstone
3 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Whale watching with Naturalist was a revelation of the teeming ocean, thanks to this first class team of biologists. Not only did we see the animals close to but we learnt a lot about them. We passed through a large school of bottle nosed dolphins, first the males, then the females and young. Spotters from land helped us to a sperm whale cow and her calf, magic to know she was breastfeeding the calf while resting at the surface then watch her dive with iconic tail leaving her young above for safety. Then a school of smaller spotted dolphins, then on to a sei whale, and finally a lone, probably male, sperm whale. The albatrosses and shearwaters all added to the atmosphere.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlexCro75017
8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
I went with my family for a whale watching trip in Faial with Naturalist Science and Tourism. It was a fantastic experience and we particularly appreciated to be accompanied by dedicated and experienced scientists. The staff was not only passionate, professional and extremely knowledgeable, but they are also very kind and take the time to provide very interesting information. We also appreciate their very sustainable and respectful approach. They are doing a great job at transmitting their love for the ocean to their clients. Part of the resources they collect through the whale watching trips also serves to fund scientific projects. So if you are interested to watch whales and dolphins, and learn more about their lives and environments, I highly recommend you to book a trip with Naturalist Science and Tourism. It was the highlight of our 3 weeks in the Azores.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lycia M
119 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Our family did a private tour with Marco and Josue, and we were not disappointed. We picked this group because they offer the opportunity to do research if it presents its self. They are more than just a boat, and company making money off tourists. They are marine biologists from the University in Portugal, it’s educational, mixed with your vacation. They talked to us about what we could possibly see, sperm whales, and common dolphin. Going with low expectations as it was migrating season yet we still saw 8 sperm whales, swam with a pod of 150+ dolphins and THEN came across a sea turtle. Here’s where it go incredible...we got to bring her into our boat, measure her shell, and head, tag her and then released her back home. They will now be able to study Lucy, and see where the Atlantic takes her. Truly incredible, and educational experience. HIGHLY recommend.
Written November 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pille L
Tallinn, Estonia20 contributions
May 2022
I had several adventures with Naturalist while my time in Faial.
Saw a blue whale and fin whale during one trip!!! And many different dolphins. Recommend booking several whale watching trips to increase your chances of seeing all the animals. My two trips out on the ocean were something I will never forget. Thank you marine biologists Sara and Gisela and the rest of the team!
Also, went on a land tour. Visisted the volcanoes, learned about local plants (and invasive ones), about the history of the island and saw all the main sights - all in one day! Loved the warm personality and humor of tour guide Pedro.
Thank you Naturalist for having me. 10/10 recommend!
Saw a blue whale and fin whale during one trip!!! And many different dolphins. Recommend booking several whale watching trips to increase your chances of seeing all the animals. My two trips out on the ocean were something I will never forget. Thank you marine biologists Sara and Gisela and the rest of the team!
Also, went on a land tour. Visisted the volcanoes, learned about local plants (and invasive ones), about the history of the island and saw all the main sights - all in one day! Loved the warm personality and humor of tour guide Pedro.
Thank you Naturalist for having me. 10/10 recommend!
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kterziyski
Plovdiv, Bulgaria89 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
It was a full day tour of Faial island. Everything was perfect - the tour program, the food, and especially the guides, who were not only informative but also super friendly and smiling, which enchanted the weather to also be perfect, so we could see everything without a cloud, even the Caldeira. The tour builds up very nicely and culminates with what is believed to be the newest European land - the moonlike landscape of Capelinos. I highly recommend this tour! Special thanks to our guides Pedro and Ana!
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cres
Lisbon, Portugal506 contributions
Jul 2022
Awesome boat trip. My family and I loved the trip. We were lucky to see Sperm Whales & Dolphins & Portuguese man-of-war. Staff are great with a vast amount of knowledge and more than able to answer all questions. This makes a huge difference to other trip providers; they are all Biologists and have massive respect for the animals. Remember, we are in their habitat. Recommend booking a few days in advance. 10/10 recommend!
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoCouchPotatoLady
Switzerland69 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Great excursion, learned new things about sea life and contributed to research funds. These expeditions are carried out by scientists from the University of Lisbon. The explanations regarding whales and other sealife was very interesting. You go on a small boat so make sure to travel light as you will not be able to take much with you. Make sure to have pockets on the clothes you are wearing (or a small waterproof backpack), sunglasses and a cap. The company provides jackets against the water splashes and life jackets. And then it's adventure time and try to spot the whales :)
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arkaney
Rimini, Italy7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Amazing experience! The Naturalist’s staff is very qualified and they pay attention to the sea’s health environment. We booked online a tour for a specific day but the weather conditions didn’t permit the tour. The staff helped us in order to plan another day for the tour when the weather was in the best condition. Observing the local marine fauna while respecting the environment made the experience truly unique. The guide spoke perfect English and in a clear and simple way.
Very recommended.
Very recommended.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dreamer604686
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • Family
Words really can't describe what we experienced on our whale watching tour with the Naturalist team on April 20th, 2024! It was an unforgettable and unique blue whale spectacle 💙
There were around 3-4 blue whales around us, which kept coming to the surface to breathe. One or two of the animals lingered there for a few seconds in a relaxed manner, ideal for us to observe the animals and then occasionally show their tail fins as they dived down. The blue whales do this extremely rarely and we were able to experience it 4 times. Awesome! We were quite far out at this point, about 10km southwest off Pico's coast.
When the whales dived down to feed, the marine biologists provided us with very good information about the animals and patiently answered all our questions.
The Naturalist team put their hearts into their work, you can feel that immediately, but they always treat the animals with respect. Thank you for making my dream come true 💙 120% recommendation for Naturalist and special greetings to Giselda !
There were around 3-4 blue whales around us, which kept coming to the surface to breathe. One or two of the animals lingered there for a few seconds in a relaxed manner, ideal for us to observe the animals and then occasionally show their tail fins as they dived down. The blue whales do this extremely rarely and we were able to experience it 4 times. Awesome! We were quite far out at this point, about 10km southwest off Pico's coast.
When the whales dived down to feed, the marine biologists provided us with very good information about the animals and patiently answered all our questions.
The Naturalist team put their hearts into their work, you can feel that immediately, but they always treat the animals with respect. Thank you for making my dream come true 💙 120% recommendation for Naturalist and special greetings to Giselda !
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandra B
Trento, Italy14 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Exciting all-round experience: six dinghy trips (blue whales and sperm whales, dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, pseudo-orca and humpback whale, loggerhead and Portuguese caravel), an evening in silent observation of the breeding grounds of Calonectris borealis, tours of the island of Faial and Pico filled our days. The week spent with the Naturalist team was full of observations and scientific knowledge. Gisella, Josè and their collaborators (among all of them I remember the passion Cris and Mafalda) are guides of great quality and experience in scientific dissemination; their work as researchers allows them to collect, with each outing, new data on resident and passing whale populations. Absolutely recommended for competence, equipment, kindness and availability.
Written May 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Qual o melhor horario, a parte da manha ou da tarde? Para observar estas especies?
Written September 16, 2021
Gostaria de fazer um liveaboard na região do Açores em Portugal, qual a melhor época do ano? Vocês fazem? Qual o roteiro?
Written June 14, 2019
Viva! Oferecemos experiências a partir de terra, pode ficar num dos nossos alojamentos parceiros e sair para o mar todos os dias com a nossa equipe de investigadores residente. A cidade da Horta espraia-se numa baía sobre o mar, e temos grandes profundidades perto da costa pelo que encontramos os maiores animais do oceano como a baleia azul perto da costa. Recomendamos primavera, Verão e Outono, altura que o tempo oferece maior estabilidade! Contacte-nos!
Written June 13, 2021
Nuotare con i delfini dipende sempre dalla ricettività degli animali. Attualmente non lo facciamo a luglio e ad agosto, per ridurre la pressione sugli animali, ma lo facciamo tra marzo e ottobre, quindi sì. La temperatura del mare è ancora intorno al 20 di ottobre, quindi può essere un'esperienza molto piacevole.
Written August 26, 2018
Hello, is it possible to go on a whale watching tour with a two year old?
Written May 28, 2018
Caro Roberto, bella domanda. I tour di avvistamento di balene e delfini a Faial e Pico Azzorre sono di 60 € a persona. Il viaggio è di 3 ore con i ricercatori marini, usando gli osservatori a terra per trovare gli animali prima della partenza. Include anche un briefing sulla vita marina, raccolta dati in mare, attrezzature impermeabili, assicurazioni, tasse e normalmente ricordi unici creati da questo oceano ricco, con tartarughe marine, meduse, uccelli marini, balene, delfini e tanto divertimento!
Written March 18, 2018
Does the tour company provide any waterproof toppers for the whale watching? What footwear would you recommend?
Written March 13, 2018
Hi! Thank you for your question!
Yes, Azores Naturalist provides waterproof clothing for boat tours in Faial and Pico – jackets and trousers. Going on a zodiac is like going on a convertible car, even if in land is warm, we recommend bringging a sweater or a light jacket, and then you can dress ours on top!
Regarding the foot wear: depends on when you are visiting the archipelago and the current weather. Usually flip-flops are the best choice, in case of any ocasional splashes getting inside of the boat you’ll not wet your shoes. For winter time and windy days water proof boots can be provided.
Written March 23, 2018
manuelpombo
Lisbon District, Portugal
Qual a melhor altura para ver baleias nos Açores? Qual o melhor sítio para ver baleias no Faial ou em São Miguel?
Written February 24, 2018
Bom dia Manuel!
Obrigado pelas suas perguntas!
Isso depende do que quiser ver. Se está ansioso para ver baleias de barbas (Baleia Azul, Baleia de Bossa, Baleia Comum, Baleia Anã, Baleia Sardinheira) Março - Junho é a melhor temporada. No entanto, durante o Verão, avistam-se por vezes Baleias Sardinheiras e Baleias de Bryde. Por outro lado, se quer ver cachalotes e golfinhos, qualquer altura do ano é boa!
Nos Açores trabalhamos com Vigias que estão em sítios estratégicos, sítios esses usados pelos antigos baleeiros no tempo da caça à baleia. Duas horas antes de cada passeio de barco controlam o mar com binóculos, à procura de baleias e orientam o nosso barco via rádio. Este é um dos poucos lugares do mundo onde isto acontece, o que torna o arquipélago um sítio único para a observação de cetáceos. Na Naturalist (Horta, Faial) como saímos para o mar já com informação sobre a a localização dos cetáceos, a probabilidade de os ver é maior ;)
O número de avistamentos de baleias no grupo central é maior, em particular no Triângulo - Faial Pico e São Jorge. Isto deve-se ao facto de o declive do fundo marinho ser muito acentuado, atingindo grandes profundidades próximo da linha de costa, levando espécies oceânicas e grande migradoras (como as baleias de barbas) a ocorrerem perto de terra. Os Açores estão na rota de migração destas espécies, como a baleia azul. No Atlântico os cachalotes mergulham em média na quota dos 800m em busca de lulas, o que aqui acontece junto à costa.
É frequente avistarmos os bufos das baleias a partir de terra, às vezes sem binóculos!
Todos os dias são diferentes. Venha à aventura!
Written February 26, 2018
Bom dia
Pode ser marcado na hora, ou tem que ser marcado com antecedência?
Written November 13, 2017
Ora viva Ana Paula,
Sugerimos que marquem as actividades sempre com a maior antecedência possível. Sobretudo para o período entre Junho e Agosto.
Recomendamos o máximo de uma semana antes, durante a época baixa.
Conte connosco para vos indicar quais os melhores dias para as diferentes actividades, é para isso que cá estamos.
Saudações Naturalistas
Written November 13, 2017
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