The sleepy port of Horta has played host to transatlantic yachtsmen for many years, and the harbour is covered in their gaily painted messages. Inland, the hugh volcanic crater of Caldeira offers breathtaking views. Sunvil are able to pre-book half day island tours of Faial and full day tours of Pico with an English speaking driver.
Half day tour of Faial
Depart from Horta via the mountain road towards Caldeira, the highest point on the island at 1,043 metres. Continue north to Capelinhos, the site of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores in 1957 and visit the museum, which details the evolution of the eruption.
Price: £82 per taxi based on a maximum of 3 people (excluding transfers to/from Horta harbour).
Full day tour of Pico from Faial
Depart from Horta harbour to Pico Island (30 minutes by boat). Depart from Madalena to the village of Sao Roque on the north coast of Pico, visiting the black rocks of Cachorro en route. After a brief stop in the village take the mountain road (altitude 900m) towards the Lajes do Pico. Lajes do Pico was, for many years, the centre of the whaling industry in the Azores. Today you can visit the Whaler’s Museum (entrance fee not included) located on the harbour front, home to a fascinating exhibition about the industry, which includes examples of the equipment used, as well as many original photographs. Return to Madalena stopping at ‘Verdelho’ wine cellar en route. Return to Faial by boat.
Price: £158 per taxi based on a maximum of 3 people (excluding transfers to/from Horta harbour).
Half day Whale & Dolphin Watching (Daily between 01 Apr-31 Oct)
Whale & dolphin watching trips (excluding transfers) can be pre-booked on Faial. For departure from Horta:
Price is: £39 per adult & £31 per child aged 5-12yrs.
Special reduction for adults of £2 per person if booking 4 people or more on any one trip.
Notes:
• Minimum child age is 5 years (accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• Duration: 3-hour trip
• May to Sep is the best period to see whales
• Briefing on Horta by a marine biologist (c.20-minute talk)
• Pregnant women or any person suffering from severe back problems are not allowed on the whale watching boats
• Rigid hull inflatable boats used (Zodiac boats).
• It is advisable to pre-book this excursion in August.
Half day Jeep Safari
Horta – Botanical Garden – Varadouro Bay – Vulcanoes – Cabouco – Horta
Why not experience the natural beauty of the blue island of Faial, off road, in a 4x4 wheel drive. Enjoy an unforgettable journey through the islands’ best trails. Driving through trees and pastures overlooking the Atlantic Ocean you will discover places and landscapes of rare beauty not often encountered by the average tourist.
Price is: £25 per person. Children aged 0-4 are free.
Notes:
• Duration: Approximately 4-hours
• Departure from Horta centre. No transfers included from/to hotels.
• Minimum number of 2 passengers
• Maximum number of 6 passengers
• 7-seater, 4x4 Nissan Patrol
• English speaking driver/guide included.
Whale & Dolphin Watching Holiday on Faial >
