Wildlife Conservation and Sustainability in the Azores

Spend a fantastic week learning about marine biodiversity, species conservancy, geothermal energy and much more as you explore this awe-inspiring archipelago. Nicknamed the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, this European island chain offers incredible sites and breathtaking scenery.

Exploring marine conservation, geothermal energy, bird conservation and geological sites, the Azores offers it all. Geographers, ecologists, biologists, hikers and outdoor adventures - there is something for everyone! Plus, you’ll further your knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals that align with this project, as well as gain a deeper understanding of your own social and environmental impact.

Sete Cidades

Explore the Sete Cidades hydrological basin, venturing to the highest point of the volcanic crater.
Cetacean Watching

Look out for Blue, Fin and Sei whales, as well as turtles, dolphins, sperm whales and sea birds.
Volcano Centre

Discover the creation of the Azores and how geological activity influences life on the islands.
Bullfinch Project

Get some hands-on conservation experience as you learn about efforts to preserve the Azores bullfinch.

“It has been on our list for so long! Finally we can give you... the Azores”

— ★★★★★ Floogle Founders

This once-in-a-lifetime experience will open your eyes to the importance of ocean conservation and how nature can be used sustainably.

You will learn important life skills and gain a deeper understanding of how your personal actions impact the planet and its inhabitants. You will gain invaluable, hands-on experience of conservation in action, looking at cetacean and Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina) projects.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW:

Day 1: Arrive in Ponta Delgada and explore the city
Days 2: Hike and discover Sete Cidades
Day 3: Whale & dolphin watching, marine biodiversity lecture
Day 4: Coal Cave, Centre for Volcanology and Geothermal Energy, Lagoa do Fogo
Day 5: Furnas
Day 6: Nordeste Bullfinch project
Day 7: Depart

Full itinerary ⟶

Have a question? See our FAQ ⟶

About your adventure

This is not just a conservation project. You will get the chance to discover all the beauty the Azores has to offer by hiking, kayaking and cycling around the island.
A jam-packed schedule will see you venture around calderas, lakes, cities, ocean and mountains. Starting in Ponta Delgada, your first full day involves a hike in the hydrographic basin of Sete Cidades volcano. Continuing your exploration of this beautiful archipelago, you will kayak and cycle your way around Sao Miguel.

You’ll then move on to the marine biodiversity and conservation section, with whale and dolphin watching, as well as some biodiversity workshops. Explore lava tubes and visit the science centre to reinforce the knowledge you gained during your hike.

Your Azores adventure will continue with a volcano tour, swimming in a natural hot spring, walking to a waterfall and visiting botanical gardens. There is a multitude of terrain to explore!
The final activity provides first-hand experience of Bullfinch conservation at Planalto dos Graminhais - a species of great conservation importance. After an action-packed week, you’ll head home with some wonderful memories.

Our trips are designed to help you develop a wide range of life skills and a deeper understanding of how you can help us work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Learn more ⟶

Conservation and Sustainability Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Ponta Delgada and explore the city

After landing in Ponta Delgada, spend time exploring the city and surrounding area before getting settled in your accommodation ready for the adventure ahead!
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 2

Hike and discover Sete Cidades

Today is all about understanding the sites and formations that comprise the Azores. Starting with a hike to the Sete Cidades volcano crater, the stunning landscape will unfold as you make your way to the summit. You will learn about the Caldera of Sete Cidades as well as the lagoons found within, whilst enjoying some awesome views.
Learn about the hydrology and vegetation of the Azores by kayaking and cycling around the west side of Sao Miguel, passing one of the most beautiful lakes on the island - Sete Cidades Lake.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 3

Whale & dolphin watching, marine biodiversity lecture

This day offers the chance to see some incredible species - keep your eyes peeled for Blue, Fin and Sei whales, as well as dolphins, sperm whales, turtles and sea birds! This offshore adventure from the Ponta Delgada harbour will allow you to broaden your knowledge of cetaceans and other aquatic life.
After, a biodiversity workshop will help you to ID some of the species you saw on the boat trip, as well as gain a deeper insight into the island’s marine life.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 4

Coal Cave, Centre for Volcanology and Geothermal Energy, Lagoa do Fogo

Explore a lava tunnel that extends 5 kilometres under Ponta Delgada before visiting Lagoa and the Monitoring Centre for Volcanology and Geothermal Energy of the Azores (OVGA). Here, you will learn about volcanology, seismology and geothermal energy, as well as the formation of the Azores archipelago.
Afterwards, enjoy some stunning views of Fogo Lake and relax in a thermal pool with a waterfall, surrounded by endemic flora and fauna. The final visit of the day will be to the waterfall of Salto do Cabrito.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 5

Furnas

Carrying on your jam-packed adventure, you will visit a tea factory before going to Furnas, a magical place of geothermal activity dotted with thermal pools, hot springs and steam holes. Here, you will see fumaroles and taste mineral waters from different springs. Next up is lunch at a local restaurant that uses this geothermal power to cook the food!
After lunch, take a visit to the Terra Nostra botanical garden and end the day with a swim in the natural hot water swimming pool. You will discover native plants and iron-rich pools, and learn all about the history of the Azores.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 6

Nordeste Bullfinch project

Your final activity day is all about experiential, hands-on learning as you aid efforts to conserve the Azores Bullfinch, found in peat bogs near Planalto dos Graminhais. Learn about the natural water cycle, local nesting birds and other fauna species in the area, and how they are threatened by the introduction of invasive species. The work you do helps to restore the area and build resilience to increase the survival of endemic species.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

Day 7

Depart

After an amazing week of conservation, geography, biodiversity, adventure and fun, you will head back home with some amazing memories to take with you.
**Accommodation:** Hotel

What’s included

NOTE:
Flights will be secured once final numbers have been confirmed. Personal insurance, visas, vaccinations, personal expenditure, tips for leaders, guides and drivers and any other services not listed above are not included.

Important notes

Once you’ve booked your place, you will be sent a kit list specifically for your trip. You will also receive further information about the adventure itself and the daily activities as well as further detail around what you can expect to learn. This includes your pre-departure conservation and sustainability workshops, as well as your impact surveys and reports. If you have any questions about the trip please get in touch. If you have any questions about all Flooglebinder educational adventures please take a look at our FAQs page.

VACCINATIONS

For this particular trip, please see details below.

Please check with your local GP to find out which vaccinations you require for any adventure that you decide to book. These are a guide; a full consultation is necessary to establish individual risk and suitability of vaccines. There may be instances where more than one appointment is required to assess whether a vaccine can be offered.

Recommended vaccinations:
• None for this destination

Vaccinations to be considered:
• Hepatitis B, Tetanus

INSURANCE

Please check if your school/college provides insurance and if not we will require your policy number and details 8 weeks before departure.

Flooglebinder has public liability cover of £5million but participants must arrange their own travel insurance for all other levels of cover (e.g. cancellation, curtailment, loss of personal belongings etc.). Please feel free to contact us for any advice or recommendations.

Your safety is our number one priority on all of our educational adventures. All of your finances are protected through our Financial Failure Insurance and each programme adheres to British Standards (BS8848). If you have any questions about our safety and security measures, please do get in touch.