Azores

The Azores archipelago is one of the world's most remote and pristine locations. These nine islands, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, are a long way from the European continent, approximately 1,600 kilometers west of mainland Portugal. It is precisely because of this remoteness that the natural landscapes of this archipelago have remained nearly intact. They are known as the "Hawaii of the East" because of the volcanic craters and turquoise lagoons that have emerged, creating a subtropical wonderland teeming with life.

With such a diverse surface, the aquatic life beneath the Atlantic Ocean is equally diverse. Azores, home to many species of whales and dolphins, turtles, and other marine animals, is renowned as one of the best places in the world to go whale and dolphin watching. Because of their annual migration, the spring months are usually the best time to see these magnificent creatures, especially in April and May.

During the cold winter months, they breed in tropical waters, preparing their calves for the long journey to the North Atlantic. The Azores serve as a stopover on their way to their final destination: feeding grounds near Greenland, Iceland, and Norway. From March to June, they pass through the Azores, stopping for several days to feed on the archipelago's coast. Summer, on the other hand, is the best time to see the favorite and most friendly cetaceans, dolphins. When conditions are calm and warm, larger groups of families and friends pass by near the island's waters. However, no matter when you visit the Portuguese archipelago, you'll almost certainly meet some of these new friends at sea. All year, four resident species can be seen: common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and sperm whales.

Because of its nutrient-rich waters, the Azores are a hotspot for both resident and migratory species. A staggering 28 of the 87 existing species of cetaceans have been spotted in the area. The Blue whale, Fin whale, Sei whale, and Pilot whale are among them. Other than the Common, Bottlenose, and Risso's dolphins, this region is home to rarer dolphins such as the Striped dolphin and the Atlantic Spotted dolphin. Although orcas (also known as killer whales) can be seen, the chances of seeing the largest member of the dolphin family are slim.

Location: Portugal