We offer all our guests the possibility of participating in our research projects. For those that share our passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, and desire to increase their knowledge on marine life identification and research, this programmes give you the opportunity to get involved with conservation and many aspects of field work, while you enjoy your whale watching or/and diving holidays.
-Cetacea Project
This project is suitable for everyone and swimming/scuba diving skills are NOT required.
As a participant you will:
- Enrol in an orientation session by our biologists
- Assist in the collection of environmental data with the completion of our survey forms
- Learn how to identify different species of cetaceans at sea
- Learn about the habitat and biology of Azores whales and dolphins
- Collect photo-ID data (particularly of sperm whales, Risso’s and bottlenose dolphins)
- Assist the crew while operating the hydrophone
- Help to capture, when possible, loggerhead turtles for tagging and release
- Gain experience as a naturalist on board PAIKEA
- Assist the skipper as a lookout on board
- Learn some important sea skills
- Help us collecting litter (plastics, fishing nets, etc.) from the sea
- Increase your understanding of marine mammals, threats they face and what you can do to help them in a global scale
- Earn a participation diploma and a Responsible Whale Watching T-shirt!
What to bring:
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher is recommended
- Polarizing sunglasses
- Digital camera with zoom lens (preferably around 75-300mm, with UV filter)
- Notebook and pencil
- Warm clothing, waterproof jacket/pants
- Hat (for warmth and/or sun protection)
- Rubber-soled shoes (flip-flops are a good option in summer)
- Waterproof bag for the camera and other personal objects
- Seasickness tablets (in case you suffer from seasickness)
A minimum of 4 whale watching trips and 6 days is required for enrolling in this program. Training and orientation is not possible in less trips/time. The program has to be booked in advance and guests should download and fill the required application form.
Join us and make a difference!
-UW Marine Life Project
To participate in this project you have to be a certified diver with 25 logged dives and valid dive insurance. Your diving skills will be accessed on your first dive with us and good buoyancy control is essential.
As a participant you will:
- Enrol in an orientation session by our biologists
- Learn how to identify the most common coastal species of the Azores
- Learn about the habitat and biology of different fishes and invertebrates
- Collect environmental data from the visited dive sites (sea water temperature, visibility, currents, etc.)
- Conduct research surveys on observed species
- Take photo’s of the observed species (only if you have your own UW camera)
- Help us keeping the dive sites clean (by collecting plastics, metals, fishing hooks and lines, etc.)
- Increase your understanding of marine wildlife and ocean conservation issues
- Earn a participation diploma and a Dive Azores T-shirt
What to bring:
- Dive equipment (the use of a dive computer is mandatory)
- Certification card(s), logbook and dive insurance
- UW camera (optional)
A minimum of 6 dives is required for enrolling in this program. Training and orientation is not possible in less time. The program has to be booked in advance and guests should download and fill the required application form.
Dive in to action with Dive Azores! Together we can make a difference!