In the Azores archipelago, the "whale-watching" (encounter whales) began in Lajes do Pico by a French, Serge Viallelle to enable tourists to see whales in their natural environment.
Its centre is the BOCA (Base of Observation of Cetaceans in the Azores), and was created in 1993.
Whale-watching has helped meet cetaceans in a natural environment (and not in captivity), to sensitize the poorly informed public about the richness of the oceans.
The season lasts 5 months from mid May to mid October.

The Azores archipelago is located in the middle of the North Atlantic, where man's relationship with the sea is very strong and constant.
With temperatures ranging between 17 º and 24 º degrees Celsius, the Azores are home to marine fauna including the great whales (blue whale, sperm whale, among others) and large groups of various species of dolphins.

Under the water, wildlife is astounding. The Azores have been characterized recently as "one of the last underwater paradises of in the Atlantic Ocean" by the press and media worldwide
During a dive, it is common to encounter large groups of rays, tuna and other rare species such as grouper oflarge sizes.
The Azores are undoubtedly one of the best spots of the Atlantic to practice diving.