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Azores: mid-Atlantic Maritime Whale watching

The spouts first appeared half an hour ago, towering white against the volcanic contours of Pico island. Now your 12-seater RIB rocks in the swell as you sit and wait, hoping. Suddenly there’s a cavernous blow just off your bow. She’s up! A vast, mottled grey back glides through the water like a submarine, then signs off with a wave of her flukes. It’s a blue whale: the largest animal ever – and so close you can even smell its breath.

Once famous for its whaling, this Portuguese archipelago is now one of the planet’s whale-watching hotspots. Sperm whales gather year round in the deep offshore canyons, while April-June sees mighty blue and fin whales pass through on their migration north. Other marine life includes dolphins, sea turtles and seabirds, while back on shore the fascinating culture and geology invite exploration – with birdwatching, mountain climbing and wine-tasting all on the agenda. Top tip Take waterproof bags for camera and binoculars How to book Archipelago Choice (01768 721020; azoreschoice.com) offers a seven-night whale-watching holiday to Pico island. From £864 per person, including five half-days of whale watching, optional bike hire, and excursions to cheese and wine factories and the Lajes whaling museum. You could even climb Mount Pico. Departing April 2018.