Azores: Marine Birdwatching Expedition
ID: GYG391543-710147
Category:
Country: Portugal
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Embark on a birdwatching boat tour with marine biologists. Get incredible coastal views while exploring hidden places to observe sea birds, learn about behavior, and see their colonies.
Cruise the Azores coastline and stop at the off-coast nature reserve of the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo to observe known seabird colonies and other marine wildlife alongside a professional birdwatching team.
After a safety brief about the “Zodiac RIB” boat you will be traveling in, start your sea journey with an introduction to you the bird species you will observe, their migration routes, and their behavioral patterns.
Follow directions provided by inland lockouts via VHF Radio allowing the boat to carefully approach at an undetected distance. Learn about the field imagery and data collection for local research.
Many Birds find an oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks and as an on-route refuge. Marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in abundance in Spring and Autumn with the arrival of migrants and vagrants.
See vast colonies of Cory’s Shearwater, Barolo Shearwater, Common and Roseate Terns, Yellow-legged Gulls, Bulwer’s Petrel, Wilson’s, and Madeiran Storm-petrels. On lucky days spot less-common species like Bridled or Sooty Terns.
Not breeding but regularly sighted are Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel, Manx and Sooty Shearwater, vagrant Northern Gannets, Arctic, Pomarine, and Great Skuas. Shorebirds encountered include Buzzards, Turnstones, Sanderlings, Canaries, Little Egrets, Wagtails, and Whimbrels.
Highlights
- Enjoy a birdwatching expedition with biologists and naturalists
- Explore hidden places to observe local sea birds and coastal colonies
- Observe the wild behavior up close of dozens of bird species
- Get with incredible views of the Azores ocean landscape
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Light food is permitted onboard
• The itinerary may change or the tour may be canceled in case of extreme weather conditions
• As in any wildlife tour in the wild, it is not possible to guarantee that you will see any specific animal
• English is the official language for the tour, although the team is multinational and will do their best to accommodate your preferred language
All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
You must keep social distance while in vehicles
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Meet the crew at the TERRA AZUL base located at Marina of Vila Franca do Campo, 4, 9680-909, São Miguel, Azores Islands.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
