About Weather/Climate/Temperature

The Azores enjoy a mild maritime climate, of which the dominant feature is the area of high pressure named after them. The "Azores High" generally lies South or South West of the islands and, in the summer, is often stationary, when prolonged calm, hot, sunny weather can be expected. July and August are the hottest months and February and March the wettest. Temperatures rarely drop below 12C and are often up around 20C. The sea is warmed by the Gulf Stream to a pleasant 17-22C, making it very pleasant to swim in year round.

About Scenery/Beauty Spots

Explore the dramatic volcanic sites of the Caldeira and Capelinhos, the picturesque villages and the main town of Horta, with its marina full of colourful paintings left by visiting yachts. The famous "Peter's Café Sport" is the perfect place to stop for coffee or a cold drink, where sailors swap tales of adventure on the high seas.

Whale and dolphin watching trips have replaced the traditional whaling boats as a way to make a living from the sea. From the marina you can go whale watching, swimming with dolphins, sport fishing, line fishing, diving and sailing, or just take a cruise along our scenic coastline.

Passenger ferries enable you to visit Pico or Sao Jorge for the day, making Faial a perfect centre for your holiday.

About Family Activities

Whales and dolphins are observed in these waters year round, attracted by the abundance of food. The whale watching season begins mid-April and extends through October. During the early part of the season you can see many different varieties, included the biggest whale in the world - the blue whale. From Horta marina you can go out for a 3 hour trip on either a rigid inflatable, or a fiberglass motor catamaran. Each has knowledgeable marine biologists on board to keep you informed of the various sightings. The operators all follow a strict code of conduct, so as not to harass the animals, whilst allowing a good viewing. During the early months, April through June, there tend to be more varieties, as the different species migrate. For the rest of the summer the sperm whales continue to be sighted, along with occasional other varieties.

The whale species seen include Sperm, Short-finned Pilot, Blue, Fin, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Northern Bottlenose, Pygmy Sperm, Bryde's, Orcas, False Killers and beaked whales such as Sowerby's, True's and Cuvier's. Dolphin species include Bottlenose, Common, Risso's, Spotted and Striped dolphin. Other marine life includes the Cory's Shearwaters and Roseate tern, Loggerhead turtles, sharks and sport fish such as marlin and swordfish.

Whales and whaling play an important part in the history and culture of the Azores. American whalers visited the islands in the 1700's and by the mid 1800's a whaling industry had grown up throughout the islands. The Azorean whalers had a tough way of life and developed a reputation for being brave and strong. The whaling went on using the same traditional open boats and hand harpoons right up until 1985. Now whale watching has replaced whaling as a way to make a living from the sea.