Operation

Sea Colors operates in a sustainable method beneficial to the animals, their habitat and the people involved. Many different elements are therefore included in our expeditions: general marine wildlife observation and scientific study; passive acoustics; data collection; in-water encounters procedure; photo identification and cataloging on cetaceans, turtles and fish; marine biology; research; education and environmental awareness. All research methods carried out are non-invasive.

For everyone to get the most out of the journey, we start off with an explicative and informative lecture, were you get introduced to the team, our working procedures, rules and guidelines, our research work, marine wildlife, the cetaceans, safety and past whale hunting in the islands. We get to know your expectations and we talk about the present conditions and what we might expect to encounter.

Support our research work by joining our experiences such as Sea expeditions, Coastal Snorkeling, Sailing and Lounging onboard. We also mix and customize. To book your expedition, reach out through our Contacts.

Sea Expeditions

As the animals move about freely and unmarked in the sea, their current location has to be determined. That is why our lookouts on land are vital helping the team to find the cetaceans. They spot the cetaceans and communicate their present location to the vessel.

In order to operate in a sustainable way it is extremely important to be aware of and respect rules as well as the activity and disposition of the animals encountered. Whales, dolphins, turtles, mantas, sharks, whale sharks, Sunfish, flying fish and other creatures can be found and you get to know interesting information about them and ongoing research.

Whales and Dolphins Approach:

Dolphins can be interactive and playful, seeking the company of the boat and enjoying swimming by.

In-water encounters with dolphins for observation and study is performed when the dolphins are curious and receptive to our presence in the water. If they are with other behavior or busy with other activities that don’t allow us to observe them properly, or if they simply are not in the mood we do not force ourselves on them. This is why we do not perform exclusive in-water encounters with dolphins, but rather keep the option open to the times they show us that they permit a connection being playful and curious allowing us to do a good observation and collect information. This is a way to attain better understanding of their world and behaviors and it is also emotional and wonderful. The same for whale sharks, mantas or turtles.

Whales are often located on their spout that sometimes can be detected from a long distance. Observations of whales are made keeping a safety distance from the animals as well as the best position to observe and collect data.

Collecting data and taking pictures for photo-ID is of big importance in order to get to know more about the animals we encounter. At sea we make sure that we have sufficient data before we leave a group of cetaceans, something that might take both time and determination. Your involvement is welcome and helpful.

Coastal Snorkeling Expeditions

The coast around São Miguel is very good for snorkelling with a huge variety of species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and turtles.

Snorkelling through the varied coastline you are in a set of green blue water. Some fish will be out in the open, like the bright colored parrot fish or schools of breems or damselfish. The rock formations and crevecis that at first glance seem only clad with vegitation, will at a closer look come to live as you discover the fauna within, from lovely colored sea stars to small fish, crustaceans and nudibrancs. The crevicis hiding octopuses, groupers or  moray eels. The sandy bottom with their ilusive rays and flunders and at times a turtle swimming through it all. Visiting these habitats and connecting with these creatures is exhiting and fullfilling.

The Coastal Snorkelling Expeditions make part of our Coastal Survey Project which is a long-term project studying and mapping the coastal flora and fauna around São Miguel island. The project is and effort to attain necessary knowledge as to the coastl waters habitat and to efficiently protect thesse species and their environment.

On a coastal snorkelling expedition we explore a defined area and participants contribute directly to the survey documenting the species encountered. Special focus is put on certain key species (ex. Octopuses, nudibrancs, turtles, slipper lobsters, sea horses). Specie composition and environmental parameters are recorded as well as distribution, abundance and when relevant also behavior.

Joining our Costal Snorkelling Expediton is a great way to safely enjoy the adventure and beauty that the coastline offer. To attain marine biology knowledge and local cognition while at the same time contributing to marine wildlife conservation.

Participants are briefed on marine biology relevant for the area, methodology and saftey practices.

 Sailing and Lounging at Sea

If you’re looking to relax out at sea, joining us onboard our comfortabley equiped sailing yath Embrace, a beautiful 15m wooden ketch, is a perfect ambience for this.

We often anchor her in a bay or close to the islet of Vila Franca. This allows us to visit her as a luxurious sanctuary, away from the crowd and surrounded by beauty and tranquility. We are carefull to maintain the seclusion onboard and therefore devide the boat in a front and an aft area, where you can have the area to your self while you relax after a refreshing swim, sipping a drink and engage in eachothers  company.

Lounging at Sea is perfectly romantic for couples as well as it is entertaining for families or groups.