Azores Experiences - Whale Watching & Jeep Tours

What is a baleen whale and what is a toothed whale? What do they have in common? What are the differences between them? The group of cetaceans is composed of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Dolphins and porpoises have teeth, but whales can have teeth or baleen plates depending on the species. Sometimes this creates confusion among people. In this post, we will try to explain the differences between baleen and toothed whales, what do they have in common, their origin, their phylogeny and their evolution.  Phylogeny of Cetaceans  Cetaceans, from the Ancient Greek huge fish ( ketos ), are the widest living group of aquatic mammals, they inhabit every ocean basin and some river systems. Their morphology and size are diverse, ranging in adult length from the Vaquita ( Phocoena sinus ) which is 1.45m to the Blue whale ( Balaenoptera musculus ) which grows up to 33m.  They belong to the order of Cetartiodactyla, an order that gathers the old orders of cetacean...

Why can we find such a wide biodiversity in the archipelago? What makes the Azores so special? In the Azores, up to 25 different species of cetaceans can be seen. This is because on the one hand, the islands are located in the path of the migratory route for some species and, on the other hand, they are home for several others. In this post we will explain why the Azores are the perfect habitat for some cetaceans and why they are the perfect “pit stop” for others. Geological and Climate involvement Firstly ,  we need to understand that wild animals are driven by two main things: feeding and reproduction. Migratory species move between feeding grounds in nutrient - rich and typically cold waters and breeding grounds in typically nutrient-poor and warm waters. Non-migratory animals, on the other hand, are those who could find a way to survive in their breeding grounds, meaning that they can find food in the same area where they can breed.  The Azores are 9 v...

It was one of those May afternoons, grey, misty, somewhat breezy. It had been raining and the hole town of Horta was wet. Not really in the mood for a day at the sea, but it was not a great day weather wise. We had a few returning guests –Sally and Paul, who are friends–   supposed to stay for 12 days and take two trips per day. Yes, 2 trips per day! They wanted to give it a try. Together with some other participants, including Jaime from Spain –or the “Crazy Spaniard”, as we named him…– with 6 passengers on board. Things looked promising! The lookout gave us the information we were expecting, Sperm whales spotted, south of Pico island, not far from the coast. Off we went. Usual logistics, experienced customers, me as the Skipper, Marc and Nacho as guides and photographers. After some time, narrowing the Sperm whales position with the very useful hydrophone, a big male surfaced. Full speed, approach, slow down… Creep up behind the giant, no reaction. “Cool!”, we all thoug...

It seems a long time ago, but it´s only been 11 years. If I look at where we are today, I never imagined it while a child. Well, if I am honest, if had had the chance (and talent, and money...) I would have been a F1 driver... Go ahead and win Monaco... and Estoril... You see where I am going with this. Since it did not happen as I imagined it, life went by me for a long time, not really impacting my aspirations and ambitions. Until I met her. She changed my life forever, and since 1999 everything took a turn. That was also the year when I saw my first whale, a Spermwhale, of course. The texture, the light, it all made a great impression on me, I could not think of anything else. Strike 1! Back to "real life", office work and two failed university incursions. Job was not bad, some success, but no real fulfillment. On to 2003, personal life changes, and off to Faial I go! To meet her... Looking young No real clue of where my future was going, but that sighting...