Update from our marine conservation volunteering holiday in the Azores archipelago, working on whales, dolphins and turtles
It was great to welcome our first whale & dolphin research team (and most of their luggage) to get the 2026 expedition underway.
Team 1 seems to have endless enthusiasm for the days ahead. We have been able to complete the normal project briefings, presentations and equipment training over the first couple of days… and the missing bag also arrived. Success all round.
Blown away
However, the inclement weather conditions have continued, meaning our first day at sea as whale and dolphin citizen scientists has been delayed until the weekend.
We were able to complete the boat brief though conditions in the harbour were also testing, reaching Force 4-5! A good simulation of potential conditions at sea! The wind gusts on Thursday were in excess of 150 km/h! Needless to say, this would not be a good time to be out on the water.
Processing data
Under these conditions, the team were ‘happy’ not to be at sea, but rather have the comfort of the expedition base for a ‘data day’. Working through ID photos, and undertaking species matching for multiple species, including Risso’s dolphins, false killer whales and sperm whales.
This extra time on shore has also given us time to better familiarise ourselves with the job roles on the boat. And undertake more training on the equipment we use on board.
Changing weather
The good news is that the weather is due to change for the better. So hopefully we can swap the wind for whale blows soon.
Read also: First I second 2026 diary entry of the Azores whale and dolphin expedition
Author: Craig Turner
Craig Turner was born in Oxford, England. He studied biology, ecology and environmental management at Southampton, Aberdeen and London universities. After graduating from his first degree, he left the UK for expedition life in Tanzania. Since then, he has continued to combine his interest in volunteer travel and passion for conservation, working with a wide range of organisations on projects and expedition sites in the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. He has managed expedition programmes for the Zoological Society of London, and is a frequent contributor to the ‘Explore’ conference held by the Royal Geographical Society (RGS). He is a Fellow of the RGS and the Linnean Society. Having visited and/or worked in more countries than years have passed, he now runs a small environmental consultancy with his partner, based in Scotland, where he splits his wildlife interests and work between the UK and overseas. He also crews for the RNLI and is casualty care trained. He is ever keen to share his exploits, writing for several magazines, and is a published photographer.