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Spend two weeks in the Azores learning to identify whales, collect field data, and earn an official researcher card. Departures from Dive Azores in Horta mix hands-on boat surveys with evening seminars against a volcanic coastline.
Spend two weeks in the Azores learning to identify whales, collect field data, and earn an official researcher card. Departures from Dive Azores in Horta mix hands-on boat surveys with evening seminars against a volcanic coastline.
Book with Dive Azores
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Dive Azores · Horta, Açores
On Faial Island in the central Azores, the Whale Research Assistant course runs from Horta's marina and turns curious travelers into field-ready cetacean observers. Over 14 days, participants learn photo‑ID, non‑invasive survey methods, and data collection techniques while working in the volcanic seascape surrounding Faial. The program departs from the Dive Azores shop at the marina of Horta and culminates in an official Whale Researcher Assistant card issued by Conservation Diver NGO in partnership with Whale Project Azores. Days are structured around early‑morning and late‑afternoon boat surveys when light and sea conditions favor sightings. Instructors emphasize practical skills: species identification from blow patterns and dorsal fins, accurate behavior logging, GPS track recording, and cataloging photographs for long‑term monitoring. The volcanic coastline, black basalt cliffs and stretches of pale pumice laid down by the Capelinhos eruption provide a dramatic backdrop; seabirds scream above while loggerhead turtles and shoals of fish cluster in sheltered bays. This course attracts both aspiring researchers and committed naturalists. Small group sizes—up to 14 people—mean hands‑on time with real surveys, and a focus on non‑invasive techniques makes this a low‑impact way to contribute to conservation. Practical assessments and field exercises are paired with evening seminars on whale ecology, local oceanography and the legal frameworks protecting marine mammals in Portuguese waters. Expect variable sea states; the captain can alter plans for safety, and the operator enforces age and health limits: participants must be at least 18 and the boat is unsuitable for pregnant guests or those with serious back conditions. If conditions force cancellation, customers receive a full refund or credit; no‑shows are charged in full. Bring sturdy, non‑slip footwear, windproof layers, and gear for long days outdoors. Beyond the science, Horta itself is a lively base. After surveys return to port, the marina atmosphere—rumored to have one of the most famous yacht‑bar cafés in the Azores—and volcanic viewpoints invite debriefs and photography. For travelers who want to combine travel with tangible conservation outcomes, this program delivers both skill development and meaningful contribution. Whether you come to add research experience to your CV, to improve your field photography, or to spend two weeks immersed in Azorean marine life, the Whale Research Assistant course on Faial offers a rigorous, sea‑tested way to learn and to help protect some of the ocean’s most charismatic species. Practical coursework includes cataloguing photo‑ID workshops, and basic GIS plotting — all designed to equip volunteers with data that feeds ongoing studies. The team encourages participants to practice ethical observation: keep distance, avoid sudden maneuvers, follow staff instructions. Check in at the Dive Azores shop at the marina of Horta for schedules and confirm departures; small groups mean each participant leaves with real field experience.
Participants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this program.
Daily departures meet at the Dive Azores shop at the marina of Horta; contact the operator for the exact daily schedule.
Yes — the program concludes with an official Whale Researcher Assistant card issued by Conservation Diver NGO in partnership with Whale Project Azores.
The captain may alter or cancel surveys for safety; customers receive a full refund or credit if the operator cancels due to weather.
No — for safety reasons the boat tours are unsuitable for pregnant women and for guests with serious back or osteoporosis conditions.
Groups are capped at up to 14 people to maximize hands‑on field time and training.
Dive Azores is a marine-focused adventure operator based in Horta, Açores, offering whale research courses, conservation programs, and guided zodiac tours. The company runs structured citizen-science projects where participants learn marine mammal identification, field research techniques, and data collection protocols used in long-term studies. Participants can enroll in the Whale Research Assistant course to learn to identify whales, practice research methods, and earn an official Whale Researcher Assistant card. Programs include one-week and two-week Whale Project options that combine daily fieldwork, species identification training, and shore-based lectures set against the Azores' volcanic scenery. The Whale Conservationist course provides expert-led sessions on whale biology, ecology, and conservation methods, followed by practical citizen-science opportunities to support ongoing research. Guided whale watching zodiac tours and private zodiac experiences are led by biologists, prioritize small, respectful groups, and aim to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and other marine life. Emphasis on scientific contribution and responsible wildlife encounters underscores every activity, with practical training that supports data collection for regional and global research networks. Field staff are described as biologists in tour summaries, and tours focus on minimizing disturbance while maximizing learning and observation. Dive Azores operates from Horta, making it accessible for visitors to Faial Island and neighboring islands. Pricing, exact schedules, and booking details are available through the operator's reservation channels. Participation supports whale conservation efforts and provides hands-on experience in marine research. Guests often combine research programs with island exploration and local cultural experiences during their stay for meaningful, educational vacations abroad.
Book with Dive Azores