3 independent reviews for Azores accessible whale watching holiday
Reviews for Azores accessible whale watching holiday
Patricia Williams review 31 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing the whales and dolphins was wonderful. A lifetime ambition realised! Definitely also recommend the day trip to Furnas where we enjoyed having a swim in the mineral pool in Furnas after a fantastic lunch in a local restaurant.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We booked an accessible holiday as our son had a stroke four years ago and he had mobility issues. I’d say don’t worry about it and don’t hesitate to ask for help - everyone we met on tours, in our hotel and in cafes and bars were kind, helpful and supportive. The crew on the boats are used to helping less mobile people and are only too happy to offer their support with boarding, stairs on board or anything really!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the hotel staff, tour guides and boat crew were local people. The hotel had policies to save water etc and the boat captains always kept their distance where it was needed from the whales although most dolphins seemed to love the boats. The marine biologists on board gave us excellent information about how they were careful to not disturb or frighten the animals and how they photographed them so they could identify and track migratory and local species for conservation purpose.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Loved it! Was everything we hoped for and more.Sue Edwards review 15 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing blue whales - awesome.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the wonderful whale watching experience and the fantastic island and all its features.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local people in that tourism boosts the economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five stars plus. A truly amazing holiday, friendly people, very clean, lovely scenery and GREAT whale watching. The hotel was superb and all staff very helpful. We wish we had discovered the Azores earlier and hope it does not get to commercialised. We will be back!Paul Mahoney review 7 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
From our first contact with Responsible Travel though to Gaynor from the UK operator through to the local operator on San Miguel everything was smooth and all our questions were more than answered. As a wheelchair user I had a few concerns over going on a boat but Gaynor let me know all would be fine - and it was.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ask the right questions that you need answering. We did and because of that we were completely assured everything was going to be great. And is was truly superb. The crew were able to deal with my specific disability. If you have a disability make sure this holiday will work for you. If you're able bodied it will be fine.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Completely. See below.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My husband is a wheelchair user who is passionate about wildlife. Being disabled, whale watching has very much been a dream of his for many years but access has been an ongoing challenge. Imagine our delight when the crew here made this happen. Thanks to the brilliant staff at the whale watching company, dreams came true last week. The captain alongside a few other staff members not only lifted Paul onto the vessel, they did so safely, with a great humour & ensured he would be able to see everything. Big shout out also to Sandra who ensured he had everything he needed & was just so open, friendly & informative. The commentary on the boat was clear and very educational. We were also struck by the sensitivity displayed towards the animals. When a number of boats appeared, we were told that we should move on so as not to stress the animals. This is a big plus. We would highly recommend this company. In our view, they went above and beyond to meet our needs & we will be eternally grateful to them.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
