Swim with wild dolphins in the Azores, a mid-Atlantic hotspot where common, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, striped and Risso's dolphins are all encountered regularly. Shore-based lookouts called vigias spot the pods before boats set out, keeping trips efficient and low-impact, and licensed operators let confident swimmers slip in beside them. Clear ocean and huge pods make it one of Europe's best dolphin swims, best from July to September.
Swim with wild dolphins in the Azores, a mid-Atlantic hotspot where common, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, striped and Risso's dolphins are all encountered regularly. Shore-based lookouts called vigias spot the pods before boats set out, keeping trips efficient and low-impact, and licensed operators let confident swimmers slip in beside them. Clear ocean and huge pods make it one of Europe's best dolphin swims, best from July to September.
Up to 90% sighting chance in Azores (Portugal). Best months: July, August, September.
April to October, best July to September for the calmest seas and warmest water.
Common, bottlenose, Atlantic spotted, striped and Risso's dolphins, plus resident sperm whales offshore.
Yes, with licensed operators, when conditions and the dolphins allow; you should be a confident open-water swimmer.
Traditional clifftop lookouts that spot dolphins and whales and radio the boats, a low-impact system that is a hallmark of the Azores.
