Marine Birdwatching Expedition

Join a marine wildlife expedition to explore hidden places and observe coastal colonies, to look for the season’s shorebirds and seabirds, and wild behaviour out to sea with incredible ocean views!

What you can expect:

You will meet us at the Marina of Vila Franca do Campo for check-in, at the specified time.

The day starts with a short informative briefing introducing to species that can be observed locally, migratory and behavioral patterns, and onboard safety.

Everyone will follow the Guide and Skipper to their designated boat and go out to sea. First the boat will travel along the coast to observe the known coastal colonies, shorebirds, and life at the volcano islet of Vila Franca do Campo, and then head out to sea looking to find seabirds and wild animal behaviour. Our lookouts high inland help locate our friends, and provide directions via VHF Radio to where the boat will travel initially at high speed. While carefully approaching undetected viewing distance to our friends, your Guide will keep you informed.

Many Birds find oasis in the Azores Islands to breed and raise chicks, or as on-route refuge - marine birds can be observed yearlong, peaking in Spring with the arrival of migratory species, and in Autumn with rare american vagrants.

It is the largest known colonies of Cory’s Shearwater and Roseate Terns. Commonly sighted species are Barolo Shearwater, Common Terns, and Yellow legged Gulls, occasionally Bulwer’s Petrel, Grant’s and Monteiro’s Storm-petrel, unexpected surprises are Bridled and Sooty Terns. Migratory not breeding Great Shearwater and Leach’s Storm-petrel can be regularly observed, as well as Manx Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, and vagrant Arctic, Pomarine and Great Skuas, possibly Little Egret and Turnstones, Whimbrel, and surprise rarities.

At 11:00 it is time to be at the Marina for check-out.

Know before you go:

• Eat light, and bring your personal water supply, sunscreen and chap-stick for the Sun, and warm clothing since temperatures may vary. Light food is permitted onboard, a camera is essential (pref. with zoom), binoculars are recommended - protect any personal equipment.
• NOT FOR anyone pregnant, with weak back, in wheelchair, in delicate health condition, or under the age of 4.
  

Includes:

• Opticron 8x42 Binoculars
• Knowledgeable Wildlife Guide
• Experienced Skipper
• Zodiac RIB Boat (12-28 pax)
• Impermeable Top and Life Vest
• Insurance

Does not include:

• Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
  
• Personal Water supply