Azores Adventures – Futurismo

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Van Tours

Relax and enjoy the greatest attractions of nature while in the comfort of wander and convenience.

About Van Tours

Take a seat in the emotion sector, stop wherever you want and where your curiosity demands it. Taste, observe, treasure the entire originality of this Atlantic paradise.

If you want to get to know the island of São Miguel in a more peaceful way, without the worry of renting a car, opt for more comfort, on a pleasant van ride.

Make the most of your vacation and get away from the city. This way, you are guaranteed to know the main points of interest, but also those you will not find in travel guides. This is perhaps the best choice for those looking for convenience and security.

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Clear paths that only locals know

Futurismo Azores Adventures offers half-day or full-day tours showing the most touristic places on the Azores islands, such as Lagoa das Sete Cidades, Lagoa do Fogo, Furnas, and the Pico mountain. But there are places that only a knowledgeable guide can help you discover!

It is more enjoyable when someone leads

Take the opportunity to observe the incredible landscapes between the green of the mountains and the blue of the Atlantic Ocean. Furnas for example is a magical place, full of charm and pleasant surprises, so, look outside, it is well worth it to have someone driving for you!

Nordeste, located in the most eastern part of the island of São Miguel, is known as one of the most beautiful Azorean municipalities. Thanks to its beautiful and well-kept gardens and green areas, it has even been considered several times, one of the most flowery counties in Europe.

Azorean delights always present

It is clear that the gastronomy of the Azores is in the preferences of our travelers! We will taste delicious Azorean food.

Cozido das Furnas is one of the most emblematic dishes. Furnas Volcanic Complex is an area protected by the unique characteristics of its fumaroles and hot springs. And it is in Caldeiras das Furnas, where the famous meal is cooked in a pan buried in the ground. It takes five hours for the Cozido to be ready, cooked only with the steam and heat that the Earth emanates. It is definitely a unique experience.

But São Jorge cheese, bolo lêvedo, pimenta da terra, fresh products at Mercado da Graça and regional steak are also Azorean delicacies that you will have the opportunity to taste.

Moments for life

On our van tours, we will stop at several viewpoints, enjoy lagoons, discover volcanic calderas, explore the Laurissilva forest of this Atlantic paradise, which will surely remain in your memory for a lifetime!

Why Futurismo

  • Leaders in Whale Watching

    1st Whale Watching Company in São Miguel (1990) and largest tour operator in the Azores.

  • 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

  • Best Fleet in Azores

    Comfortable catamaran or fierce zodiac boats, you choose the kind of experience you want.

  • Free Cancellations

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

  • Multicultural Team

    Our guides speak several languages, including English, Spanish, French and German.

  • The Basics

    What is Whale Watching?

    Whale and dolphin watching is the practice of observing whales and dolphins (commonly called cetaceans) in their natural habitat.

    What is the best season to do Whale Watching in the Azores?

    All year-round, we have sperm whales and several dolphin species. If you want to see the biggest whales in the world, the best season for whale and dolphin watching in the Azores is Springtime – March to June.
    During this time of the year, baleen whales are migrating and passing by our waters. Thus, it is possible to see blue whales, fin whales, and sei whales among others.
    The summertime is also ideal to spot pilot whales, beaked whales, or spotted dolphins for example.

    What are the chances of seeing a cetacean?

    98%. Even so, we don’t stop at this rate and offer you a new tour totally for free if you did not see any of these amazing creatures (whale or dolphin) during the tour.

    How do you locate the whales and dolphins in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean?

    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 the whales and 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.

    The Experience

    Futurismo – biggest Whale Watching operator in the Azores

    If you want to try whale watching in the Azores, it has to be with us, the first whale watching company in São Miguel island!

    With over 30 years of experience, we know what we are talking about. We are a family-owned company really passionate about what we do.

    Scientifical approach

    During the trip, you will not only see magnificent animals but also learn everything you need to know about them and about Azorean marine wildlife in general.

    We love providing emotions, but we also want to educate and make this experience interesting with fun facts and more information about the sighted species.

    Not to be missed

    If you simply had just one activity to choose for your holidays in the Azores, it would without any doubt be whale and dolphin watching. The waters around the archipelago are so rich in cetacean species, which turns it into the perfect place for this experience.

    Detailed pre-tour briefing

    Before embarking on this amazing journey on the Atlantic Ocean, one of our qualified marine biologists will explain every detail about the experience you’ll be living and provide important information about safety, rules of observation and respect for the animals as well as an overview of what may be sighted during the tour.

    Marine biologist guides

    Our trips are fully escorted by experienced marine biologists, supported with a backup of years and years of investigation. Our staff knows everything about their area, you will be surprised to learn so many things about the animals. Plus, most of our guides are at least bilingual!

    Illustrated guides & Hands-on Materials

    In order to speak the same language and illustrate the scientific information that our marine biologists will tell you, we have lots of visual resources for you to enjoy. The Azorean waters will not have any more secret for you. Ocean lovers will love it!

    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 Van Tours tour

    I travel with children and elders, is this activity indicated for familes?

    The catamarans are recommended for elders and children under 8 years.

    What to wear on a Whale Watching tour?

    You can wear comfortable light clothes with a vest in the summertime, and a warmer coat and waterproof raincoat for the wintertime.

    What’s included in this Activity?

    Every program has a detailed “What’s Included” section right after the tour description. Please check it out

    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.

    Reviews What people think about

    F.A.Q.s about Van Tours

    Can I cancel my tour reservation and have a full refund?

    Yes, you can check our detailed cancellation and refund policies per tour on each tour page, under “Good to Know” section

    Can I take my camera with me during this activity?

    Yes, but be aware that your material will be under your responsability.

    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)

    Is this an adventure kind of tour?

    It is a great adventure, but not physically demanding.

    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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    • Earlybird Discount :

      Enjoy a 10% discount if booking with 30 days in advance by using the Promo code EARLYBIRD on the checkout of your Whale Watching tour

    • Mix & Save :

      Enjoy a 10% Discount on your Second Tour operated by Futurismo and 15% on the next ones🎉 Contact us via chat (working days only) or the +351 296 628 522