Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully, as well as all relevant information, before taking the tour. OceanEmotion is not responsible for any lack of knowledge of our rules or for incorrect information provided by third parties. By participating in the activity, it is assumed that you have read, understood, and fully accept our Terms and Conditions.

1. BOOKINGS AND CONDITIONS

 

Boarding Restrictions: For the safety and comfort of all passengers, we do not accept reservations in the following cases: Pregnant women over 24 weeks pregnant are not permitted to board. Pregnant women up to 24 weeks pregnant, recent surgeries (undertaken within the last 6 months), back problems, or other sensitive health conditions may deny boarding depending on weather conditions or the type of vessel, even if the tour is operating normally. These restrictions also apply to similar situations, even if not specifically listed.

 

Notify Us: We ask that you inform us in advance of any health conditions or special needs so that we can ensure your safety and comfort during the tour. If applicable, please notify us in particular if you are pregnant, have children under 2 years of age, have reduced mobility, have heart or mental health conditions, have had surgery within the last 6 months, or have other serious health conditions. Failure to provide this information in advance may jeopardize your safety and the safety of others, and we cannot be held liable for any consequences. These guidelines also apply to similar situations, even if not explicitly mentioned above.

 

Get Informed: We recommend that you make your reservation in advance to guarantee your participation in the tour and clarify any doubts in advance and timely manner.

 

Booking Fee: This fee guarantees your reservation and is non-refundable. In case of cancellation due to bad weather or sighting guarantee, we will issue a full refund.

 

Meeting Point: The meeting point is at our OceanEmotion office in the Marina of Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira Island, Azores.

 

Don’t be Late: Organize yourself in advance for the scheduled meeting time and location. Consider the time needed to reach our office or to park your vehicle properly. Please remember that check-in is mandatory on the day of the activity. Delays over 15 minutes may result in the loss of the opportunity to participate, and no refund will be given, even if you notify us about the delay. Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are not included in the fees, please contact us directly if you require such a service.

 

Estimated Duration of Activities: Our tours last from the start of safety procedures and the introduction of the activity until the return to the marina dock. However, our activities are heavily influenced by external factors, such as weather conditions and/or unpredictable wildlife behavior. Therefore, occasional delays in departure or return may occur. We therefore recommend that you reserve at least half a day for the activity. If you have other commitments close to the scheduled times, please contact our team in advance. The company is not responsible for any losses resulting from delays caused by circumstances beyond our control.

 

Boat Selection: OceanEmotion has six vessels of different types. Large rigid inflatable boats, cabin cruisers, and small rigid inflatable boats, with capacities ranging from 10 to 30 passengers. Boat selection is carefully considered, taking into account various factors such as specific client needs, type of activity, and sea conditions. Whenever possible, we accommodate specific requests for booking a particular vessel. However, in exceptional situations or due to force majeure, we may choose to replace the vessel with another more suitable for the activity, at no additional cost to the client.

 

•    Large Rigid Inflatable Boat: Modern and versatile vessels, recognized as the most suitable for the Azores Sea, and for us the most used for our main activity, Whale and Dolphin Watching.

​

•    Cabin Cruiser: Offers free movement on board and a sunshade, making it ideal for coastal tours or private events.

​

•    Small Rigid Inflatable Boat: Ideal for small groups or water activities such as Swimming with Dolphins or Snorkeling.

 

Water Safety: For activities such as, Swimming with Dolphins, Snorkeling, Ilhéus das Cabras Tour, and other activities that involve entering the water, participants must be able to swim well and feel comfortable in open water. Water entry is not recommended for those who do not have good swimming ability, feel insecure in the water, children under 10 years old, pregnant women, people with reduced mobility, back problems, or sensitive health conditions. The company reserves the right to prohibit entry into the water whenever there is a risk to participants, such as adverse weather conditions, the presence of stinging organisms (such as jellyfish or Portuguese man-of-war), or other situations that compromise safety, even if not previously specified.

 

Get Ready: We operate in various weather conditions, so it is important for you to be prepared. We recommend to bring water, a hat, sunscreen, a windbreaker jacket, comfortable clothing for varying temperatures, and suitable footwear for the activity. For those prone to motion sickness, we suggest taking an anti-nausea tablet before departure.

 

Group Price (4+ people): The group price applies to reservations with a minimum of 4 people, and the discount is valid only for adults (+13 years older). This discount cannot be combined with promotional packages or custom quotes.

 

Minors: During activities, each minor, 0 till 17 years old, must be accompanied by an adult, who is the person responsible on board.

 

Private Tours: The prices shown for private tours refer to standard activities or activity packages. The number of people indicated represents the minimum amount required for the private tour. Since our vessels have capacities ranging from 10 to 30 passengers, a minimum price corresponding to the base cost of the tour always applies. If the number of participants exceeds the stipulated minimum, the final price will be calculated based on the private price per person × total number of passengers booked.

 

Snorkeling Area Selection: For snorkeling activities, we prefer to conduct the experience in the protected areas of Monte Brasil or Ilhéus das Cabras. However, due to weather conditions, the presence of stinging organisms (such as jellyfish or Portuguese Man-of-War), or other situations that may compromise safety, the final decision regarding the location will always be made by the skipper on board. Only on private tours is it possible for the client to select the desired area. However, for the same reasons mentioned above, this choice may not be possible, and the skipper may choose an alternative area that guarantees the safety and quality of the experience.

 

Safety First: In the event of adverse weather conditions, the company reserves the right to cancel the tour or determine that the activity is not suitable for certain groups for safety reasons, such as small children (0-2 years), pregnant women, people with reduced mobility, those with back problems, or individuals with weakened health conditions, even if the activity still takes place on the day. This decision may be made without prior notice.

 

Trust Our Approach: Over the years, we have developed strict methods to ensure the highest level of safety during our tours, so you can make the most of your experience. However, by not following the conduct rules established by our team, you are assuming full responsibility for your own safety and well-being.

 

You are protected with us: All of our activities are covered by liability insurance.

 

Unexpected Events: Due to unforeseen situations that are beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical breakdowns, or other issues, OceanEmotion reserves the right to cancel any tour, including during the activity, without prior notice, or substitute any vessel, even if previously confirmed. If this happens, the activity will be rescheduled for another day, or if this is not possible, a refund will be issued.

 

Overlaps: We are not responsible for activities unrelated to those conducted by OceanEmotion, such as flight schedules, cruises, airport transfers, inter-island tours, personal itineraries, or other external activities.

 

Not Included: Our activities do not include drinks or meals. Additionally, smoking (includes electronic cigarettes) and the use of glass cups are not allowed on board.

 

Lost and Found: We are not responsible for any material losses or damages during the activities.

2. CANCELATIONS

 

Refunds: A full refund for the tour is available if requested, at least 48 hours in advance of the activity date.

 

No Show: Delays over 15 minutes at the meeting point for the activity, or failure to show up, will result in the total amount being charged, and boarding may be refused, even if you inform us about your delay.

​

Adverse Conditions: Activities depend on specific weather conditions. If canceled due to unfavorable conditions, the client may choose a new date, or if this is not possible, will receive a full refund.

 

Minimum Number of Participants: Activities require a minimum number of participants to take place. If this number is not reached and the activity is canceled, the client may choose a new date, or if this is not possible, will receive a full refund.

 

Packages: If only one activity of a selected package is carried out and the other cannot take place, the full amount for the activity completed will be charged according to the price list, and the remaining value of the package will be refunded. If two activities are carried out and the third cannot take place, the price will be adjusted to reflect the package for the two activities, and the remaining amount will be refunded. The same procedure will apply for packages with four or more activities.

3. SIGHTING GUARANTEES

 

OceanEmotion Sighting Guarantee: During our Whale and Dolphin Watching and Swimming with Dolphins activities, we cannot guarantee sightings of specific species, such as only whales, only dolphins, or both, on the same tour. This is because we are dealing with wild animals in their natural habitat, whose behavior is naturally unpredictable. However, we guarantee the sighting of at least one species of whale or dolphin present in the waters of the Azores. If no sightings occur during the tour, the client will have the right to reschedule a new departure free of charge or, if this is not possible, will receive a full refund.

 

No Sighting During Dolphin Snorkeling: During the Dolphin Swim activity, our goal is to provide a snorkeling experience with these animals. However, because these are wild animals whose behavior is naturally unpredictable, dolphin sightings cannot be guaranteed during the time participants are in the water. If at least one species of dolphin or whale is sighted from the vessel, but cannot be seen during the snorkeling session, the client may schedule a new tour free of charge. If the tour is unavailable, the corresponding No Swimmer fee will be applied. 

 

Note: Swimming with whales is prohibited in the Azores, except for specific exceptions for conservation purposes and properly authorized by the Regional Government of the Azores.

No Swimmer: A person who participates as a companion in Swimming with Dolphins or Snorkeling activities but chooses not to enter the water at the time of booking, or who is classified as such due to the application of the Sighting Guarantee during the Swimming with Dolphins activity. Participants who are Swimmers but, at the time of the activity, do not demonstrate good swimming ability, experience discomfort in open water, or are unable to correctly use the necessary equipment, will not be considered "No Swimmers." In these cases, the Swimmer rate applies.

 

4. DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS

 

Collection of Personal Data: Personal data will be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes, and will not be processed in a manner incompatible with those purposes.

 

Protection of Personal Data: Personal data will be processed in a way that ensures its adequate protection, including protection against unauthorized or illegal processing, as well as against accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

 

Fair and Transparent Processing: Personal data will be processed in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner concerning the data subjects.

 

Data Relevance: Personal data will be adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for the purposes for which it is processed.

 

Accuracy and Updating of Data: Personal data will be kept accurate and, when necessary, updated. When personal data is found to be inaccurate, we will take the necessary steps to delete or correct the information, whenever it is relevant for the purposes for which it was processed.

 

Retention of Personal Data: Personal data will be retained only for the period necessary for the purposes for which it was collected and processed, in a way that allows the identification of the data subjects.

5. PRIVACY POLICY

The website www.oceanemotion.pt is owned by PASSEIO OBRIGATÓRIO, LDA. (Maritime-Tourism License 19/2009 RAA). Any text files, images, videos, audio, or animations on this site are for private use only. Any other use without prior approval from the responsible party, author, or proper reference is strictly prohibited.

Citation Format: OceanEmotion | The Whale Watching in Terceira. Available at www.oceanemotion.pt on dd-mm-yyyy.

Photographic Credits: All photos are ©copyrighted. For the correct use of photos found on the website, please contact us directly.