Whale-watching in the Azores

In the article on the Azores in the April ’09 issue (“Far Horizons,” pg. 72), the writer states, “Today Pico is regarded as one of the best whale-watching venues in the world, with a viewing season running from April to October.”

I have no doubt the author was told this, as multiple people told me the same during a visit in September ’08. Of course, most of them had never been anywhere else but the Azores. One was a local guide, who then casually mentioned that I was lucky to have seen a whale, as she had been whale-watching three times and never seen one.

Apparently, the one whale those in our boat saw was the first one seen in three days. It was difficult to make out much, as local regulations do not allow the boats to approach closer than 150 meters. While I understand the need not to crowd whales, 450 feet is a bit excessive.

I have gone whale-watching in many parts of the world, including off Mexico in February ’08 (Baja Jones Adventures) to see gray whales and blue whales, and I’m planning to visit the Arctic in August ’09 to see narwhals, so I’m not exactly a neophyte at this.

GARY MOCKLI

Chesterfield, MO

According to the website of the company and research firm Whale Watch Azores (www.whalewatch azores.com), on excursions in 2006 its boaters spotted 646 sperm whales, mainly off of Faial. Of 10 whale-watching companies in the Azores, six operate only May through July, while the other four (including WWA) run tours April to early October.