Azores Adventures – Futurismo

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Swimming with Dolphins

Submerged in the Atlantic, be part of an authentic mysterious world while safely swimming with dolphins.

Surrender yourself into this joyful cruelty-free interaction with the most social and spontaneous sea creatures.

About Swimming with Dolphins

Join us for the ultimate experience of swimming with wild dolphins in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Encountering free dolphins in their natural environment is an experience unlike any other that will leave you full of emotions and lasting memories.

In the Azores, we can swim with 5 different dolphin species: Bottlenose, Common, Risso’s, Spotted, and Striped dolphins.

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Choose responsibly, Choose Futurismo

At Futurismo, we are dedicated and passionate about marine wildlife. Our main concern is always the safety of our customers and, as a sustainable tour operator, protecting the dolphins while doing this experience.

In order to protect cetaceans, we have teamed up with the world’s largest organization for the preservation of cetacean species: the World Cetacean Alliance.

Futurismo is more than a whale watching and swimming with dolphins company, we take part in scientific investigation to better understand cetaceans’ behaviors. By joining us, you also help us in our quest to save cetaceans!

How we do it

Each swimming tour is preceded by a briefing in which one of our biologists will explain how we swim with wild dolphins while respecting them, as well as how to enter the water and behave around the dolphins, how to use the mask and snorkel and how to get the most out of your swimming experience.

Futurismo provides masks, snorkels, life vests, and wetsuits for this activity, in addition to a waterproof jacket to keep you warm. Each participant will be able to go in the water with the dolphins 2 to 3 times, and only 2 people are allowed in the water at the same time.

Pro tip: don’t forget your underwater camera!

The taste of Freedom

In dolphinariums, the animals are forced to perform acrobatics in exchange for food. Their jumps might be impressive, but at what costs? Those captive animals are not happy. The fact that they are always trapped in a tank leads to aggressiveness and even self-mutilating. There is no better feeling than seeing a free animal enjoy its life in its natural habitat. And what a better show they can do here in the wild!

The bottlenose dolphin is the most commonly held species of cetacean in captivity. With Futurismo, it is possible to see these species in the wild, all year-round. So why choose to go to a theme park and swim with unhappy dolphins when you can witness them free and joyful?

In the ocean, bottlenose dolphins can live up to 50 to 60 years. In captivity, their life span is cut by half, and rarely live for more than 20 years. Contribute to a better world for dolphins, meet them in their real world.

Why Futurismo

  • WCA Certified

    We are certified by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), the world’s largest marine conservation organization

  • Marine Biologist Guides

    All our sea tours are operated by experienced Marine Biologists who also participate in scientific investigations

  • Investigating the Atlantic for 30 Years

    With over 21.000+ sighting records, we collaborate in investigations for 20+ international universities

  • Free Cancellations

    You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours in advance

    • Tours Swimming with Dolphins in Azores

    Top 10 Into the Dolphins Kingdom
  • Swimming with Dolphins
  • Sao Miguel island
  • Ponta Delgada
  • Half day All season Easy
    • Per adult 95€
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    The Basics

    How do you locate the dolphins?

    Futurismo has more lookouts than any other tour operator in the Azores so we always know where the animals are. Lookouts are people on the coast looking for cetaceans with binoculars.
    Apart from this ancestral method, we can locate dolphins based on acoustic data thanks to our directional hydrophone which will allow us to hear and record sounds emitted by cetaceans audible to the human ear.

    What if we don’t see any dolphin?

    In case there is absolutely no sight of dolphins, Futurismo will offer a second trip free of charge.

    What is the best season to Swim with Dolphins in the Azores?

    All year round, we have 3 resident species of dolphins: Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. During the summertime, we also have the migratory Atlantic spotted dolphins, when the sea temperatures are warmer.

    Will the dolphins come to me?

    It depends on the individuals we meet. Some of them are very curious, others will keep their distance

    The Experience

    There are some places in the world that offer swimming with captive dolphins in pools, but be aware that those animals are not happy. They are not meant to be kept in a swimming pool. Contribute to their freedom, come swim with wild animals!

    Unforgettable moments

    For sure, this is a moment you will not forget. Once you are in the Atlantic Ocean surrounded by free dolphins, you will feel a lot of different emotions. It is not something that can be described, so let’s experience it together!

    Need more?

    Check our detailed list of arguments on the right side of this page (“Why Us”) that will help you understand our path and what we do differently, all to make your experience the most fulfilling possible.

    Safety first

    Before jumping on the boat toward the deep ocean, our staff will give a complete briefing of what species we can see, how to safely swim with wild dolphins, and how we respect the animals. You will have all the necessary information to enjoy your trip.

    Fun ride

    On our zodiac boats, you will have a bouncy and splashy trip. But don’t worry about being cold, we provide a wetsuit and a raincoat! The ride is fun, enjoy the views over the beautiful São Miguel island and keep your eyes open for dolphins!

    Knowledgeable staff on board

    Let’s learn more about the animals you see. Curious ones will be satisfied by the extensive knowledge of our marine biologists and guides accompanying you during the trip. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.

    Into the blue

    Once you found the dolphins, our skipper will give the signal to get into the water. With your mask, all you are going to see at first is blue. Indeed, you are now in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, you will not see the bottom, nor the coast inside the water. This is an incredible feeling, worth the trip.

    And all of a sudden…

    Boom! Your first wild dolphin will appear in front of you. Look around, there will be more! You will have the opportunity to go into the water 2 to 3 times to make sure you had a good look at those majestic animals.

    1. Find the perfect tour for you and book it

    Choose between our 60+ spectacular activities on the amazing Azores and book it online or in any of our stores.

    2. Email confirmation

    Receive a confirmation email with the reservation details.

    3. “The Day”

    Enjoy your experience with us. We will be pleased to welcome you and to make your tour the most fullfilling and memorable to you.

    Note: Unexpected limitations

    Keep calm. You can cancel absolutely for free your bookings until 48h before the activity date*and, if the weather conditions don’t allow us to do the activity safely, we’ll cancel it and contact you suggesting an alternative date or provide a full refund.

    * Check the Cancelations Policy within every tour page for additional info

    Plan your Swimming with Dolphins tour

    I have lower back problems but I would like to do this tour. Is it recommended for me?

    We don’t recommend this activity for people with back problems.

    Can I take my camera with me during this activity?

    Yes, but be aware your material will be under your responsibility. Waterproof cameras are also interesting for underwater shootings.

    Is there anything I need to bring with me for this tour?

    Please check the “What to bring” section on each tour program. There you’ll find all the recommendations we have for you, specifically for that program.

    I travel with children and/or seniors. Is this activity indicated for families with kids?

    For Seniors, it depends on their physical capabilities. Swimming with dolphins is, by default, an active adventure that requires some swimming skills and physical preparation so we would recommend only for a senior if being in top physical conditions
    Kids: The minimum age is 8 years old. They can participate accompanied by a responsible adult and as long as they feel comfortable swimming in the open ocean and knowing how to use a mask and snorkel.

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    F.A.Q.s about Swimming with Dolphins

    Are the Azores a good destination to swim with dolphins?

    Yes, we have several resident species all year round in addition to migratory species during the summertime. Moreover, the sea temperatures are always acceptable.

    Can I hear the dolphins?

    Yes. It is very common to hear their whistles underwater.

    Can I touch the dolphins?

    No. Our responsible swim with dolphin guidelines forbid touching these inquisitive but wild animals. Just breathe, relax and enjoy this unforgettable moment

    Can I use fins to swim faster?

    No, in order to respect the ethic practices for this activity, using fins or any equipment other than the snorkeling mask and tube, and the swim suit, are strictly prohibited.

    Do I have to wear the life jacket even if I know how to swim?

    Yes, life jackets are mandatory for everyone for safety reasons.

    Do I need to be in a good physical condition for this tour?

    You need to know how to swim and feel comfortable with being in the open ocean.

    How can I book this activity?

    You can select any tour within our website and get your booking confirmation on your email immediately. Alternativelly, you can visit us on our shops or get in touch with us by phone, email or send us a message on social media (Instagram and Facebook)

    I am pregnant but I would like to do this activity. Is it possible?

    We don’t recommend this tour for pregnant women.

    What if the weather isn’t ok?

    If the weather doesn’t allow to do this activity safely, we will cancel it and suggest na alternative date.

    What is the minimum number of participants?

    Please check the minimum number of participant for each tour inside the program’s page.

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