Imagine yourself floating in the deep blue of the Atlantic and being able to interact with dolphins in the wild! Watching dolphins in their natural habitat is an opportunity provided by FUTURISMO to a few privileged people. Be amazed by the Azorean dolphins.

The sea around the islands is incredibly rich. It is probably the place in Europe with the most sea diversity, especially in what cetaceans are concerned: whales and dolphins.

The abundance of dolphins often amazes us. They are everywhere, in groups of variable size, travelling from one place to another, feeding or simply playing their never-ending social games.

Our whale watching journeys and passive encounters with the animals inside the water occur with our guide's orientation and rely on a vast experience acquired over the past fifteen years. In the Azores, the trips provided by FUTURISMO often enable us to watch several species of dolphins. On a single trip you can find the Common Dolphin, Atlantic Spotted Dolphin, the Bottlenose Dolphin, Risso´s Dolphins, and Striped Dolphins.

Our goal is to provide our clients with a rare experience, almost a learning experience about the dolphins' world, by fitting them into our research team of animal behavior. The observations allow us to learn how to proceed in order to protect the dolphins in their habitat.

Based on this, FUTURISMO tries to study dolphins' behavior and understand their position in the food chain of the islands´ coasts. This is why, in our journeys, clients are not always allowed to go in the water even in the soft encounters, which demand a passive, observant attitude by those who go in the water - just remain quietly by the boat to watch the dolphins behavior.

FUTURISMO respects animals by avoiding pressure or interference when they are feeding or resting. This voluntary attitude has been praised by many ecological and scientific organizations that consider our work a contribution to the better knowledge of the dolphins surrounding the islands of the Azores.

Some advice for your encounters with the dolphins

For over fifteen years FUTURISMO has been the only company to provide interaction with dolphins. This has enabled our team to have a know how and experience that are unparalleled on the islands of S.Miguel.

Knowledge achieved through observation and systematic practice is very important when there are at stake opportunities to contemplate the animals for only a few brief seconds. In FUTURISMO we use all our knowledge to offer the most exciting moments to all our guests on board.

Knowing what to do in the exact moment means more opportunities to be with the dolphins. In the Azores, we do it better then anyone!

The success of our Encounters with dolphins' program depends on our correct conduct at sea.

Try to get in the water as gently and quietly as possible. Do not chase the dolphins – you could disturb their activities when they are feeding or socializing. FUTURISMO recommends that you remain in the water as an observer, waiting for a reaction from the animals. This way the dolphins' environment is preserved.

If a dolphin approaches you, remain calm, make no sudden moves and do not try to touch the animal. The Azorean dolphins are in the wild, moving freely in the ocean and do not accept to be touched. Beside, it is absolutely forbidden.

Our journeys for encounters with dolphins last around three hours. According to the Azorean legislation for whale watching only two people at a time can be in the water to “swim” with the dolphins.

FUTURISMO cannot guarantee that all journeys provide swimming with dolphins. Our programs rely on weather conditions and mostly on the conditions that the groups of dolphins are in. In order to guarantee this we would have to interfere with the animal behaviour when, for instance, they are socializing or resting. Our company will not take any action that may disturb dolphins. As an alternative we suggest observation from boats or finding whales and turtles.