Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 133

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 134

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 135

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 143

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 133

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 134

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 135

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 143

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 133

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 134

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 135

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-content/plugins/headspace2/models/inline_tags.php on line 143

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43
Posted:
Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
June 28th, 2011 by Sarah Bennett

We have 4 seats left for this Saturday’s departure to Sao Miguel at the very special rate of £190 per person including taxes.

Flight details are :
OUTBOUND : 02 Jul 2011    Depart Gatwick 20:50   Arrive Sao Miguel  23:40
RETURN :       16 Jul 2011     Depart Sao Miguel 13:00  Arrive Gatwick  19:50

Please note that Manchester departures are also available for these dates. Flights are operated by SATA International.

First come first served!!



Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43
Posted:
Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
March 31st, 2011 by Serge Viallelle

Olá,
Yesterday we planted 37 endemic plants from the azores at “Casa do Flores” helped by a group of German teenagers who are crossing the Atlantic on a sailing boat called “Thor Heyerdahl”… They have made Lajes do Pico more green… for sure the ocean will be very blue on the way back home.

Tree planting on Pico, AzoresSerge

Serge Viallele is our preferred whale watching operator on Pico island based in Lajes do Pico


Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43
Posted:
Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
February 2nd, 2011 by Sarah Bennett

Special offers for April 2011

Still looking for a holiday in April? We have knocked £100 off selected holidays in April using the direct flight from Manchester and Gatwick.

Whale and dolphin watching experience – 7 nights

Sperm whale breaching

Sperm whale breaching

Based in a stunning converted convent, your week will be spent out whale watching, on a history of the whales tour, with a marine biologist looking at their current research, and exploring the cobbled streets of Vila Franca. A fantastic educational week in a lovely location.

Normal price : £1046pp   Offer price : £946pp

For more details on this holiday, please see our website




Cycling on Sao Miguel – 7 nights

Cycling on Sao Miguel

Cycling on Sao Miguel

With a choice of 2 great itineraries, we have catered for everyone from occasional cyclists to mad fit tourers. Bikes are new Specialised Cross Trails bought at the end of 2010 to replace our old fleet.

Strenuous itinerary - Normal price : £895pp  Offer price : £795pp
Moderate itinerary – Normal price : £906pp  Offer price : £806pp

For more details on these holidays, please see our website




Walking holiday on Sao Miguel – 7 nights

Sete Cidades crater walk

Sete Cidades crater walk

Explore the craters of Sao Miguel, its boiling pools, its stunning waterfalls and beautiful coastline at your own pace on our independent walking holidays. You can choose to have a hire car and do circular walks or have taxi transfers and do linear walks. Lovely  hotel accommodation and great walks.

Self drive – Normal price : £856pp  Offer price : £756pp
Taxi transfer – Normal price : £959pp  Offer price : £859pp

For more details on these holidays, please see our website



Please note : prices are valid for departures on 02 April, 09 April and 16 April 2011. They cannot be combined with any other offer


Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43
Posted:
Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
February 2nd, 2011 by Sarah Bennett
Sightings of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea have been confirmed in Angra marina on Terceira island. Birders believe it has been on the island since at least mid December (and some say last July) but has only just been identified. This represents the first sighting in the Azores of this species.
Archipelago Azores have birdwatching holidays departing in May and October this year. There is one space left on our 28 May departure to Graciosa and Terceira with Peter Alfrey  and we are finalising the dates for our October departure visiting Sao Miguel, Terceira, Flores and Corvo run in conjunction with Birdwatch magazine and led by its editor, Dominic Mitchell.
For more information see our birdwatching page or call Ian on 017687 75672

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43

Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 43
Posted:
Warning: strtotime() [function.strtotime]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 35

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 107

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 109

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 111

Warning: date() [function.date]: It is not safe to rely on the system's timezone settings. You are *required* to use the date.timezone setting or the date_default_timezone_set() function. In case you used any of those methods and you are still getting this warning, you most likely misspelled the timezone identifier. We selected 'UTC' for 'GMT/0.0/no DST' instead in /home/archipel/public_html/whats-new/wp-includes/functions.php on line 112
September 29th, 2010 by Miguel Cravinho

São Miguel’s waters are filled with energy and this week during our tours we observed lots of socializing activity among dolphins and whales.

 The summer time is the breeding season for the dolphins and some species like the Atlantic spotted dolphins, come closer to the coast of São Miguel to mate and give birth to calves. Throughout the summer of 2010 TERRA AZUL gave the chance to many people observe frequent socializing behaviour associated with mating.

 Male dolphins can be seen breaching out of the water for courtship display, but they can also be seen swimming after females in the attempt to mate with them, sometimes even harassing them.

 Definitely summer is not over for the dolphins as on the 22nd of September a large group of Atlantic spotted dolphins comprising adults, juveniles and calves was seen socializing and quite few individuals were very active and in search of partners. 

 Socializing is not only a question to find a mate, it is also an important behaviour among members of the same group and between mothers and calves. The physical contact between the two is very important and helps to strengthen the bond.

 An intimate behaviour like nursing was witnessed on the 21st of September between a female sperm whale and her calf.

 The mother was seen rolling halfway on her body showing the belly. This behaviour when performed in the presence of calves may be considered connected with nursing. The calf, which is not visible at surface, approaches the mother in the genital area where are the nipples to suckle milk. 

 In the picture below the female was seen together with two young individuals and the one visible may not be necessary her calf.Sperm whale and calf

 Other species encountered this week were the Risso’s, common, bottlenose and striped dolphins.

However, the sperm whale once again drove our attention as they were breaching on several occasions.

 Breaching whales are always spectacular to watch, just have a look in our blog www.terrazulazores.com/diariodebordo 

Miguel