Operation 

Support our mission by joining us onboard our expeditions such as Whale Watch and Marine Wildlife, Coastal Snorkeling, Sailing and exploring the Princess Ring Islet.

 

Sea Colors Expedition operates in a sustainable method beneficial to the animals, their habitat and the people involved. Many different elements are therefore included in our expeditions: 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.

 

 

 

Whale Watch and Marine Wildlife 

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.

 

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 

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

 

Snorkeling 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 Breams or Damselfish. The rock formations and crevices that at first glance seem only clad with vegetation, will at a closer look come to live as you discover the fauna within, from lovely colored sea stars to small fish, crustaceans and Nudibranchs. The crevices hiding Octopuses, Groupers or  Moray eels. The sandy bottom with their illusive rays and flounders and at times a turtle swimming through it all. Visiting these habitats and connecting with these creatures is exciting and fulfilling.

 

The Coastal Snorkeling 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 these species and their environment.

 

On a coastal snorkeling 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, Nudibranchs, Turtles, Slipper lobsters, Sea horses). Specie composition and environmental parameters are recorded as well as distribution, abundance and when relevant also behavior.

 

Joining our Coastal Snorkeling Expedition 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 safety practices.

 

 

 

 Sailing 

If you’re looking to relax out at sea, joining us onboard our comfortably equipped sailing vessel “Embrace“, a beautiful 15m 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 careful to maintain the seclusion onboard and therefore divide 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 each others  company.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Princess Ring Islet 

Princess Ring or Vila Franca Islet is a vegetated uninhabited islet located off the south of of São Miguel island. The entire islet and surrounding waters constitute a protected nature reserve.

 

In our expeditions to the islet, we bring maximum 6 person plus 2 crew members onboard, with a mission to explore and survey the coastal areas and its marine life and marine birds, for scientific data purposes.

The islet is a volcanic cone eroded by the sea and seismic forces over time, containing a few underwater caves and beautiful underwater scenarios while you join us on board or in the water for snorkeling exploration.