Azores Scuba and Marine Science
Engage in whale conservation research and scuba-dive-focused marine conservation. Dive with giant mobula rays, dolphins, whales, sharks, whale sharks, and countless fish, as part of identification and data collection for ongoing research. Ike and camp while seeing flora & fauna found nowhere else in the world.
Azores Islands, Portugal
Dates
Year-Round
Group Size
10-20 Student
4 Trip Leaders
Max 8:1 Student/Adult
Tuition
$3000
*not including airfare
THE TRIP AT A GLANCE
Whale Conservation
With over two dozen whale species, the Azores are among the greatest places on the planet to see and study these mysterious giants. After learning how to identify by sight and unique song, trip members spend time up close and personal with a number of species while engaging in ongoing research projects. All trip participants will earn the Whale Conservation Certificate through Conservation Diver.
Ecological Monitoring
At the forefront of integrating marine conservation education with in-water training and experience, Conservation Diver now offers their Ecological Monitoring Program training on the Azores. Trip members will spend several days learning specific principles and techniques they will employ on daily scuba dives as part of ongoing global research projects. Students leave with a Conservation Diver Certificate, a gold star sure to enhance any college application.
Princess Alice Seamount
A submerged mountain some 50 miles from Faial Island, the biodiversity and abundance of marine megafauna is as rich as anywhere on the planet. Giant oceanic manta and mobula rays, whales, sharks whale sharks, and countless other species make regular visits. After learning to identify various species, trip members participate in monitoring programs while scuba and freediving - sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
Horta and Ponta Delgada
The capitals of Faial and Sao Miguel islands, these two towns were settled in the 15th century. With ancient buildings and mellow vibes, trip members get the chance to explore island life Azores style. For centuries these port towns served as hubs for world explorers, farmers, pirates and whalers and the history can still be felt in the air. With a population of nearly 70,000 Ponta Delgada is by far the largest town in the Azores. Your time in the Azores will begin and end here with a day of restaurants, hiking, and soaking in the many mineral laden thermal hot springs across Sao Miguel Island.
Terra Nostra Park
On the last day on the Azores trip, members visit this botanical garden built around several thermal hot springs. The garden was first established in 1775 by an American shipping merchant. With its healing mineral waters, and myriad garden paths, this is a great way to rejuvenate the body and find a final fill of beauty and connection to these special islands.
Dolphin Swim
While in the Azores, trip members have the opportunity to spend a morning freediving with dolphins. Beyond marine conservation education and activity, the experience of being in the ocean amidst a pod of dolphins is guaranteed to inspire a lifelong connection with these jovial intelligent creatures.
