Update from our marine conservation volunteering holiday in the Azores archipelago, working on whales, dolphins and turtles
Successful sightings have continued for our last two days at sea.
Tuesday continued the theme of blue, fin and minke whales. We have now had more minke encounters in the past four days than I have had in eight previous whale and dolphin research expeditions to the Azores. Calmer seas definitely help with sightings! The now obligatory common dolphin encounter rounded off another great day at sea.
Last day for group 1
Our last day for Group 1 began in a similar vein. However, we also had an encounter with three sei whales. These beasts are slightly easier to spot than the minkes, but are also not so common at this time of year – a great record. What then followed was best described by Bob – a ‘fluking festival’. Three different blue whales decided to fluke for us!
This means, Lisa (our scientist) has recorded over 20 different blue whales this year. We wait to hear if any get ‘matched’ to other locations in the north Atlantic.
Dolphins and baleen whales
So, our first day at sea was all about dolphins and our last was all about baleen whales. With the last encounter being a fluking blue whale, it was a great way for the first team to end. And conclude the first haul of data.
It’s always a pleasure to kick-off the expedition with such a fantastic group who have had their patience tested by the weather; yet demonstrated textbook teamwork with endless effort and no lack of humour – it has been a joy to work and spend time with you all.
But as we wave farewell to Group 1, we are now excited to welcome Group 2. There is still much to discover, so bring good weather and calm seas….
Safe travels to all…
Read also: First I second I third I fourth 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.