Marine Mammals

Itinerary

Days 1-2:

Arrival in São Miguel

Pack your bags for an overnight flight to Ponta Delgada, where our enthusiastic instructors will be waiting to welcome you to the Azores! After settling into São Miguel, explore the historic streets of Ponta Delgada and get your first taste of Azorean culture, food, and island life. We’ll meet the team, get oriented to the course, and prepare to begin our marine research adventure.

Days 3-5

Explore, Observe, and Become a Marine Scientist

Start your Azores adventure by exploring São Miguel’s spectacular volcanic landscapes, from the waterfalls and lush valleys of Nordeste to the dramatic crater lake of Lagoa do Fogo. Along the way, dive into biological oceanography and begin your study of whales, dolphins, and other marine life with captivating lessons on marine mammals.

Step into the role of a marine biologist as you begin your first fieldwork and learn how scientists OBSERVE marine mammals in the wild. Develop skills in species identification, behavioral observation, and wildlife surveys while building the scientific foundation for the research ahead.

Days 6-7

Measure the Ocean and Study Marine Mammals

Take your research a step further as you MEASURE the environment surrounding the animals you’re studying. Collect field data on ocean conditions and investigate how factors such as temperature, salinity, water clarity, and weather may influence marine habitats and marine mammal sightings.

Continue developing your cetacean research skills as you learn about whale and dolphin anatomy, behavior, communication, social structures, and ecological roles. When you’re ready for a break from science, experience São Miguel’s incredible volcanic scenery at Sete Cidades and watch the sunset from Mosteiros.

Days 8-10

Listen, Investigate, and Explore the Marine Ecosystem

The ocean has a story to tell, you just have to know how to listen. Use acoustic research tools to LISTEN to the underwater world and discover how scientists use marine mammal sounds to study animals and their environment.

Then broaden your investigation beyond whales and dolphins. INVESTIGATE the marine ecosystems that support them through coastal fieldwork, marine wildlife observations, and a hands-on beach cleanup and marine debris survey. From the shoreline to the open ocean, discover how marine life, ecosystems, and human activity are all connected.

Days 11-14

Analyze Your Data and Share Your Discoveries

You’ve observed wildlife, measured ocean conditions, listened to the underwater soundscape, and investigated marine ecosystems. Now it’s time to ANALYZE what you’ve discovered. Work with your field data to identify patterns, explore research questions, and connect your observations to the larger marine environment.

As your research comes together, learn that scientists don’t just collect data—they COMMUNICATE their discoveries. Develop your own research project and present your findings to the group. In between your academic work, hit the waves for a surf lesson and experience São Miguel’s coastline from a whole new perspective.

Days 15-16

Final Marine Mammal Expedition and Farewell

Put everything you’ve learned into practice during a full-day whale-watching expedition around São Miguel and the Princess Ring. Search the waters for whales, dolphins, and other marine life while putting your observation and identification skills to the test one final time.

As the course comes to a close, reflect on two weeks of fieldwork, exploration, science, and adventure. Say goodbye to São Miguel and head home with new research skills, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of the incredible ocean environment you’ve spent the past two weeks exploring.