The stay

Set out on a unique adventure to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean ; on board the sailboat, you shall discover a spectacular but insular marine world.
This trip shall be a unique opportunity to discover the well known cetacean species including dolphins, sperm whales and bottlenose whales and to further your knowledge about the sea. On board sailboats that are practically transformed into scientific laboratories, you shall use approach techniques suited for each species of cetaceans and shall be trained to observe these mammals. To learn more about their natural habitat, you shall also be taken to study the entire ecosystem in which these species exist (water analysis, obseving microorganisms etc…).

Set out for the The Azores, also a shared human adventure, in the middle of a unique volcanic archipelago, edged with beaches with black sand and rich with luxuriant vegetation.

The marine mammals Marine Mammals Observe marine mammals in the Iroise Sea in Brittany. Watch them develop in their natural habitat. You can do this on ourplakton discovery sailing expeditions. and their habitat shall no longer hold secrets for you, and it is just as well, since during this stay, you would be participating in Objectif Sciences International’s CETIS Research project : know the oceans better, get involved in their study, it is a start towards protecting them for tomorrow.

THE STAY

During this stay, you shall be responsible for the census of the cetacean population crossing The Azores. On board sailboats transformed into scientific laboratories, you shall be able to observe numerous marine species, including dolphins, sperm whales or bottlenose whales.
Our aim? Spot marine mammal groups and identify each one of their members according to type, sex and age.
The study of the ecosystem in which exist these species also constitute an important part of your challenge : by analyzing the physical and chemical parameters of water, and sampling and observing plankton Plankton Plankton makes up the first level of the marine food chain. Discover thier importance and let yourself be fascinated by their beauty by taking part in our nature courses on whales and dolphins. , you shall become experts in the various techniques aimed at better understanding the natural habitat of cetaceans : gear up to discover unsuspected wonders!
While not sailing, you shall explore the islands to discover its steep landscapes flanked by majestic volcanoes and bordered by hydrangeas. By walking along these splendid pathways without losing sight of your adventurer status, you shall be able to observe unique plant and animal species in the world sharing space there.
Along these villages, you shall get to know the rich culture of The Azores with many festivals and traditions happening throughout the year.

THE RESEARCH

During observation missions participants shall collect a lot of data on the physical and behavioral characteristics of cetaceans: count their numbers, photo identification of individuals, follow-up on migrations…These shall then be transferred for processing to the laboratories of the study partners of the project. This shall allow scientists to not just improve the current level of awareness of the manners of these whales but also to take a census of the numbers threatened by fishing. The role of marine mammals Marine Mammals Observe marine mammals in the Iroise Sea in Brittany. Watch them develop in their natural habitat. You can do this on ourplakton discovery sailing expeditions. in regulating the biodiversity of oceans and barometers of the quality of habitat are two core topics.
That is why the ecosystem in which they live has to be taken into account while conducting this observation. With this objective, water samples are analyzed to assess physical and chemical composition: temperature, acidity, salinity…The study of plankton Plankton Plankton makes up the first level of the marine food chain. Discover thier importance and let yourself be fascinated by their beauty by taking part in our nature courses on whales and dolphins. , the first chain in the food web of whales being a key indicator of the equilibrium of the ecosystem and the state of pollution if the region, shall also be included in the missions.
All the observations made at land and sea during this stay shall be delivered to the different laboratory networks that are partners in the project…through their activities, participants shall bring in an active contribution to the development of scientific research Scientific Research Participate in scientific research research programs. Help advance research on oceans to help us understand them better. Do this on our nature courses on dolphins and whales. within collaborative science Collaborative science Collaborative and citizen science is a way to contribute to scientific research. With our nature courses on dolphins and whales in the Azores find out how to have a useful holiday. programs.

THE LOCATION

The Portuguese group of islands of Azores located 1500 km from the Portuguese coast to the north of Morocco is the west most point of the European continent. Given its strategically important maritime location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean near the junction of three tectonic plates, it is known to harbor an exceptional ecosystem. The nine islands that make up the chain are the result of volcanic activity characterized by marine diversity that is rare and diverse geological phenomena. The archipelago constitutes an important place of study for scientists of many disciplines: a volcanic hotspot, the very zone for malacology (study of mollusks) or a first class ornithological observatory. The area is also a sanctuary for large marine mammals. A third of the known species of cetaceans can be observed here; it includes the blue whale Dolphin
Whale Dolphins, whales, plankton... discover the wealth of our oceans by attending one of our nature courses on dolphins and whales. , the largest mammal in the world. The Azores is thus one of the best locations in the planet (alongside Tadoussac in Canada) for whale Dolphin
Whale Dolphins, whales, plankton... discover the wealth of our oceans by attending one of our nature courses on dolphins and whales. watching.

ACCOMODATION

To fully experience scientific explorations, the participants shall have the opportunity to have a taste of life at sea by sleeping on board the boat every night after the day’s observations at sea.
At the end of a day’s sailing, the boat shall be anchored at port in the evening with every necessary comfort available at the marina: hot showers, electricity, Wi-Fi, beverage dispenser etc.…
At these times it shall be possible to get off on land for several hours to enjoy the local scene.
Some trips shall be longer (crossings between islands) and shall require day and night travel, far from the harbor and the comforts it offers. These voyages could last for a maximum of two days, without touching land.
During these voyages, electricity is limited (only a 12V plug) as is water (cold water in tanks only), but it is more than sufficient to spend many days at sea.
A regular supply of locally available fresh products means that the boats are fully equipped to cook all sorts of meals on board. It shall be possible (and is even recommended!) to put to use your culinary skills on board and share a good hot meal. But discovering another culture also means getting to know the culinary specialties. We shall not miss out on tasting typical dishes during our expedition to the islands.

DAILY LIFE ON THE BOAT

The participants shall collect all the data that shall be sent to the laboratories.
A typical day: “We wake up early in the morning still rocked by the swell and the lapping of the waves. After a heavy breakfast, planning for our marine expedition starts: where do we want to go? Is the weather favorable? Where are we located vis-à-vis the coast? We shall also prepare our observation notes and look at a few photos of whales so as identify them as soon as they appear. It shall soon be the time to cast off…. After an hour of voyage under favorable winds, we shall reach an area conducive to observation when suddenly someone will exclaim: ”Whale spotted!” Armed with binoculars, we shall train our sights on the mammal while we try to respect the regulatory distance while moving closer. It is a group of dolphins! Marveling at the spectacle, we shall gather as much data as possible. After several hours at sea, pleased with the day’s adventures, it is time to get back to port: we have planned to go to an inn in the evening to try a local specialty before participating in the village night life. Back on the boat at midnight, it shall be a good, long night… »
The trip can last several days and you have to stay alert since observation continues even during the trip!
Land expeditions are planned as well, with excellent hikes. Don’t forget your walking shoes!

MATERIALS USED

The entire stay is organized on the boat, which shall also be the observation platform on sea.
Apart from the sails and security equipment, all equipment necessary to observe and analyze data shall be on board.
spotting binoculars with telephoto lens to shoot cetaceans
data sheets and identification booklet
on board underwater video camera
microscope
camera with microscope
sampling equipment
physical measuring device for water (thermometer/conductimeter)

DAILY PROGRAM

The stay shall follow a progression of learning and independence on the ground. Learning and practice sessions follow one another depending on weather conditions.
It promises to be hectic, punctuated by several voyages that could sometimes last for two days (day and night). A lot of learning and practical applications happen directly at sea.
The evening stopovers and dedicated rest days shall be an opportunity to discover the local way of life in this archipelago.

Topics discussed
 Sail:
 Expertise on sailboats and learning basic operations.
 Move the sail forward, adjust the sails and keep the boat’s helm headed right.
 Navigation, locating and choice of route.
 Managing during voyages.
 Sciences:
 Learning about the great cetaceans and their way of life.
 Species identification key for sighting at sea.
 Observation methods (approach protocol, route management and observation methodology).
 Data collection at sea.
 Video and photographic techniques appropriate for cetaceans.
 Life on location (depending on time available):
 Discovering the islands on foot.
 Observing endemic bird species.
 Strolling through the Azores volcano.

Standard program

 Example of program elements subject to modification according to the group and weather conditions.
 Day 1: arrival and getting to know the island
 Day 2: getting to know the sailboat and first trip out to the sea
 Day 3: observation methodology and trip to the sea
 Day 4: getting to know the cetaceans and trip
 Day 5: trips between the islands and observation
 Day 6: trips between the islands and observation
 Day 7: rest- discovering the island
 Day 8: getting to know the cetaceans and trip to the sea
 Day 9: long trip to the sea towards the shoals
 Day 10:long trip to the sea towards the shoals
 Day 11: rest and data processing
 Day 12: return trip to Sao Miguel
 Day 13: return trip to Sao Miguel
 Day 14: compiling and analysis of data and discovering the island
 Day 15: pack up and return

THE CETIS PROGRAM