Whaling Heritage of the Azores Tour

Uncover the rich history behind the whaling heritage of the Azores with a captivating tour through Vila Franca do Campo, exploring its cultural significance and the subsequent conservation efforts that have shaped the narrative of this maritime tradition.

Whaling Heritage Azores Tour

Meet us at the Vila Franca do Campo Marina to start our tour focused on the history of whaling in the Azores. We will explore the evolution of this tradition and the conservation of marine life.

The journey begins with the Senhora de Fátima, a 1945 whaling ship, the only fully operational vessel from that era in the Azores. We will learn about local whaling culture through this historical artifact.

Next, we will board a minibus to visit the whaling lookout, Vigia da Furada, where we will discover ancient whale-watching techniques that have made the Azores a reference point in this field.

From the lookout, we will utilize specialized binoculars and, if fortunate, glimpse whales to better understand the lookout's role in monitoring various whale species in the region.

Lastly, we will visit the Ponta Garça Lighthouse, established in 1957, to hear its intriguing stories and enjoy panoramic views of the area.

This 3-hour tour concludes with a return to our starting point, having deepened our understanding of Azorean whaling heritage.