Azores Whales of the Atlantic Trip
Engage in whale conservation research and scuba-dive-focused marine conservation. Dive with giant mobula rays, dolphins, whales, sharks, whale sharks, and countless fish, as part of identification and data collection for ongoing research. Ike and camp while seeing flora & fauna found nowhere else in the world.
Trip Tuition: $3,000 (Airfare not included) Group rates available)
Trip Dates: March - October (2-week trips)
Trip Tuition: $3,000 (Airfare not included) Group rates available)
Trip Dates: March - October (2-week trips)
Whale Conservation
|
Ecological Monitoring ProgramAt the forefront of integrating marine conservation education with in-water training and experience, Conservation Diver now offers their Ecological Monitoring Program training on the Azores. Trip members will spend several days learning specific principles and techniques they will employ on daily scuba dives as part of ongoing global research projects. Students leave with a Conservation Diver Certificate, a gold star sure to enhance any college application.
|
Princess Alice SeamountA submerged mountain some 50 miles from Faial Island, the biodiversity and abundance of marine megafauna is as rich as anywhere on the planet. Giant oceanic manta and mobula rays, whales, sharks whale sharks, and countless other species make regular visits. After learning to identify various species, trip members participate in monitoring programs while scuba and freediving - sure to be an experience of a lifetime.
|
Horta & Ponta Delgada
The capitals of Faial and Sao Miguel islands, these two towns were settled in the 15th century. With ancient buildings and mellow vibes, trip members get the chance to explore island life Azores style. For centuries these port towns served as hubs for world explorers, farmers, pirates and whalers and the history can still be felt in the air. With a population of nearly 70,000 Ponta Delgada is by far the largest town in the Azores. Your time in the Azores will begin and end here with a day of restaurants, hiking, and soaking in the many mineral laden thermal hot springs across Sao Miguel Island.
|
Terra Nostra ParkOn the last day on the Azores trip, members visit this botanical garden built around several thermal hot springs. The garden was first established in 1775 by an American shipping merchant. With its healing mineral waters, and myriad garden paths, this is a great way to rejuvenate the body and find a final fill of beauty and connection to these special islands.
|
Dolphin SwimWhile in the Azores, trip members have the opportunity to spend a morning freediving with dolphins. Beyond marine conservation education and activity, the experience of being in the ocean amidst a pod of dolphins is guaranteed to inspire a lifelong connection with these jovial intelligent creatures.
|
-
Trip Tuition
-
Passport/VISA
-
General Trip Info
-
Trip Itinerary
-
Medical Info
-
Cancellation/Refund Policy
-
Water Safety/Minimum Eligibility
<
>
TRIP TUITION:
$3000 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE)
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
$3000 (GROUP RATES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE)
TRIP TUITION COVERS:
• ACCOMMODATIONS
• MOST MEALS (WE OCCASIONALLY ENCOURAGE TRIP MEMBERS TO EXPLORE LOCAL RESTAURANTS)
• LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
• PROJECT PLANNING, MATERIALS, AND MANAGEMENT
• ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
• TRAVELLERS MEDICAL, EMERGENCY, AND EVACUATION INSURANCE
• LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRIP LEADERS
TRIP TUITION DOES NOT COVER:
• INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE (TRIP LEADERS HELP SELECT AND ARRANGE AIRFARE FOR GROUPS)
• LOCAL SHOPPING
• ADDITIONAL SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES
Passport:
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Portugal or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Portugal.
Azores Tourist Visa:
All trip participants with a US passport will receive a free tourist visa on arrival in the Azores.
If you do not have, or have not applied for your passport and are planning to join a trip, sooner than later is best. Passport delivery since 2020 has taken as long as several months to receive. You can order a passport at your local post office. Standard service (is supposed to) take 4-6 weeks, while expedited service is much faster, but also more expensive. If you already have your passport it must have at least 6 months of validity from the day you arrive in Portugal or it needs to be renewed. If you do not have 6 months of passport validity you will be refused entry to Portugal.
Azores Tourist Visa:
All trip participants with a US passport will receive a free tourist visa on arrival in the Azores.
Accommodations:
While on Sao Miguel Island students stay on hotel on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada. this hotel was originally a Catholic monastery recently converted to accommodate international travellers. On Faial Island we stay in several small boutique hotels in the sailing port town of Horta. We also will camp at a beachside campground for several nights. Students are encouraged to bring their own tents and sleeping bag. Tents are also available to rent at a reasonable price. All backpacking gear is provided for the overnight summit of Pico Peak where we campout in the dormant caldera near the summit. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together at reputable restaurants, or prepared by chefs at our accommodations. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
While on Sao Miguel Island students stay on hotel on the outskirts of Ponta Delgada. this hotel was originally a Catholic monastery recently converted to accommodate international travellers. On Faial Island we stay in several small boutique hotels in the sailing port town of Horta. We also will camp at a beachside campground for several nights. Students are encouraged to bring their own tents and sleeping bag. Tents are also available to rent at a reasonable price. All backpacking gear is provided for the overnight summit of Pico Peak where we campout in the dormant caldera near the summit. Roommates will be arranged based on your preferences and in consultation with chaperones and Padma staff.
Electronics:
There is little time for playing on screens during a Padma trip. That being said, be sure to have a camera or phone to take pictures throughout the trip. Feel free to bring GoPros and camera drones if you want. With a simple power converter (ask the omniscient Google for options) all US chargers can be used on your trip. Trip leaders will have local cellphones for your use if needed and to communicate with families back home. Smartphone apps such as WhatsApp, and WeChat offer free international voice messaging, and calling from anywhere with internet access. Trip leaders' and chaperones' primary international means of communication is through WhatsApp.
Meals & Water
Most meals are eaten together at reputable restaurants, or prepared by chefs at our accommodations. A special focus on hygienic, nutrient rich, and clean food is our goal to help avoid any gastrointestinal issue during the trip. We are careful to provide, and remind trip members to only drink, clean water. With abundant activity and the often humid and warm locations of our trips, it is important to drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Although we strive to provide ample food, many trip members also bring snacks from home. There are also opportunities for trip members to explore local restaurants on their own.
Alcohol & Drugs
Padma maintains a zero tolerance policy on illicit drug use, and it will not be tolerated. Depending on the severity of the incident, trip members may be immediately expelled from the trip at their family's expense. In many countries and areas we travel, trip members are legally allowed to drink alcohol. On such trips, trip members are allowed to drink alcohol responsibly unless parents/guardians inform us otherwise. No drunkenness, inappropriate, or disrespectful behavior is allowed and if it occurs, trip members may lose privileges or be sent home if Padma trip leaders conclude the situation warrants expulsion.
Disciplinary Policy:
Padma Organization reserves the right to expel any trip participant from the trip at Padma trip leaders' discretion. This trip is not a party. Padma trips are intended as an opportunity for students to serve others while representing themselves, their school, Padma, and the United States as cultural ambassadors. Any behavior that disrupts this purpose, brings danger to themselves, or other trip members, along with any illegal activity are not allowed. The family of any student expelled from the trip is responsible for all costs to bring their student home. A first warning and removal of privileges will be given for minor offences, while larger incidents may result in immediate trip expulsion.
Day 1 Your trip begins with a flight to Portugal. Among the nine main islands, you will arrive in Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel Island, then take a short flight to Faial Island where most of your adventure will take place. After a bit of relaxation, several team building and leadership training exercises will be followed by your first local dinner and a brief orientation talk. The evening is yours to explore Horta City, a town of 7000, with centuries old architecture and a very laid back vibe.
Day 2 Your first full day in the Azores will begin with an introduction to freediving, including dryland breathwork training and getting into the ocean to get your first taste of the abundant marine life here. After lunch, a full island tour will be followed by dinner and an Azores marine conservation documentary film.
Day 3-5 Day three begins your marine ecology and conservation training through Conservation Divers Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP). For several days, you will learn how to identify various species, assess the risks and health of ecosystems, and help develop preservation and restoration programs. Each day will include at least one scuba dive to hone your skills while collecting data as part of ongoing research. Evenings will consist of group activities designed to nurture leadership, comradery, and fun. One dive will be at the Princess Alice Seamount, one of the most biodiverse spots in the entire Atlantic, where crystal clear waters consistently afford more than 100ft of visibility.
Day 6 After several activity packed days, the morning is yours to explore the island, head to Praia do Norte Beach to surf or boogie board or snorkel, or just have a slow-paced relaxing morning with friends. After lunch, we head to Myrica Faial Permaculture Farm. Following a tour and orientation, we’ll enjoy a fresh organic dinner before heading to bed amidst the verdant flora of the “blue island”.
Day 7-8 At Myrica you will learn about and engage in permaculture farming and landscape techniques. Based in understanding natural processes, promoting soil strength, efficient water use, and avoiding environmental disturbance, the permaculture practices learned here are sure to bring lifelong benefits.
Day 9-10 With over twenty whale species found in the Azores, there is scant a better place to get up close with these giants of the seas. Since the long overdue whaling bans took effect in the 1980’s, the Azores are now a hub of whale research and conservation efforts. You will engage directly in some of these projects while getting to new all about individual species, their habits, and their continuing struggle to survive.
Day 11-12 After hanging with the whales, you’ll head a few miles across the sea to Pico Island. After climbing to the highest point in Portugal we’ll camp atop Pico Peak and take in a sunset you’ll never forget, and wake to a sunrise over an endless ocean horizon.
Day 12 Our time on Faial Island comes to a close and we head back to Sao Miguel for our last night on the Azores. With an evening of reflections and sharing together about the trip, you’ll begin the preparations to head home.
Day 13 Famous for its thermal mineral laden hot springs, you’ll spend a few morning hours soaking in the revitalizing warm natural pools of Sao Miguel. After a lunch of your choice in the ancient city of Ponta Delgada, you’ll head to the airport to fly back home.
Day 14 Arrive home with more stories than your family can keep up with, and memories, experiences, and an education to last a lifetime.
Day 2 Your first full day in the Azores will begin with an introduction to freediving, including dryland breathwork training and getting into the ocean to get your first taste of the abundant marine life here. After lunch, a full island tour will be followed by dinner and an Azores marine conservation documentary film.
Day 3-5 Day three begins your marine ecology and conservation training through Conservation Divers Ecological Monitoring Program (EMP). For several days, you will learn how to identify various species, assess the risks and health of ecosystems, and help develop preservation and restoration programs. Each day will include at least one scuba dive to hone your skills while collecting data as part of ongoing research. Evenings will consist of group activities designed to nurture leadership, comradery, and fun. One dive will be at the Princess Alice Seamount, one of the most biodiverse spots in the entire Atlantic, where crystal clear waters consistently afford more than 100ft of visibility.
Day 6 After several activity packed days, the morning is yours to explore the island, head to Praia do Norte Beach to surf or boogie board or snorkel, or just have a slow-paced relaxing morning with friends. After lunch, we head to Myrica Faial Permaculture Farm. Following a tour and orientation, we’ll enjoy a fresh organic dinner before heading to bed amidst the verdant flora of the “blue island”.
Day 7-8 At Myrica you will learn about and engage in permaculture farming and landscape techniques. Based in understanding natural processes, promoting soil strength, efficient water use, and avoiding environmental disturbance, the permaculture practices learned here are sure to bring lifelong benefits.
Day 9-10 With over twenty whale species found in the Azores, there is scant a better place to get up close with these giants of the seas. Since the long overdue whaling bans took effect in the 1980’s, the Azores are now a hub of whale research and conservation efforts. You will engage directly in some of these projects while getting to new all about individual species, their habits, and their continuing struggle to survive.
Day 11-12 After hanging with the whales, you’ll head a few miles across the sea to Pico Island. After climbing to the highest point in Portugal we’ll camp atop Pico Peak and take in a sunset you’ll never forget, and wake to a sunrise over an endless ocean horizon.
Day 12 Our time on Faial Island comes to a close and we head back to Sao Miguel for our last night on the Azores. With an evening of reflections and sharing together about the trip, you’ll begin the preparations to head home.
Day 13 Famous for its thermal mineral laden hot springs, you’ll spend a few morning hours soaking in the revitalizing warm natural pools of Sao Miguel. After a lunch of your choice in the ancient city of Ponta Delgada, you’ll head to the airport to fly back home.
Day 14 Arrive home with more stories than your family can keep up with, and memories, experiences, and an education to last a lifetime.
Medical Considerations
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Portugal and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on the Azores. Below is a link to the CDC's Azores Island vaccine information:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/azores
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Medical staff are part of every trip. Based on the medical forms submitted as part of each trip member's application, a Padma medical staff member will contact every participant who may require an individualized medical plan. Each student is provided travelers medical, emergency, and evacuation insurance. Any medical, psychological or physical conditions that might impact a student's trip participation must be communicated to your Padma trip leadership before your trip. Prescription medications must be brought with you as availability is not guaranteed during trips. If you wish to purchase international medical insurance to cover any additional costs in the event of an emergency, contact your Padma trip leader for recommendations. Here are a few:
- World Nomads
- Allianz
- AIG Travel Guard
Vaccinations:
There are currently no required vaccines to travel to Portugal and it is up to parents and students to decide what vaccines to get. We recommend consulting the CDC website for suggestions on vaccines and details on additional travel information on the Azores. Below is a link to the CDC's Azores Island vaccine information:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/azores
Recommended for all trip members:
To be up-to-date on COVID vaccinations and routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Trip members can cancel for any reason up to sixty (60) days before their trip, and receive a 50% refund of all paid tuition, less the $200 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the trip cannot be guaranteed a refund. In case trip members are unable to join a trip due to medical or emergency related reasons, a full refund may be considered at the discretion of Padma staff. If trips must be canceled due to unexpected travel restrictions, or for any reason such as a natural disaster, social unrest, etc., full refunds will be offered, pending refunds from trip partner companies and organizations, contractors, and third party vendors.
Water Safety:
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and surf in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Azores Island Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying large or heavy equipment. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.
During your trip, there may be opportunities to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and surf in the ocean, or swim in rivers and lakes. Currents, sudden depth changes, riptides, large waves, sharp reefs, stings and bites are some of the inherent risks we will face. Trip participants are never to swim alone and careful consideration of individual swimming ability and experience must always be considered.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria:
Padma’s Azores Island Expedition includes outdoor and/or physically strenuous activities in various environments such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and carrying large or heavy equipment. Following instruction, trip members must also be able to work independently for up to four hours a day and be capable of completing or participating in the specific activities of this trip.