Correio dos Açores – Azores Boat Adventures was born out of an adventure. How did the idea materialize?
Tomás Anselmo (Skipper and owner of Azores Boat Adventures) – In mid-2018, a former colleague and I, while working as lifeguards, used to exchange many ideas, experiences, and passions about the sea. One day, we came to the conclusion that we had to buy a boat so that we could venture out even further. Meanwhile, amid our adventures, we realized that we would like to and could share these same experiences and adventures with other people, and that’s how the idea of creating Azores Boat Adventures came about.

What are the main challenges you face operating all year round?
Seasonality is still a reality in the Azores, although it is no longer as intense as it was 10 years ago, there is still a big gap. With the arrival of winter, the sea conditions, especially on the north coast of the island of São Miguel, make the operation even more challenging. Given the geographical location of the Azores, it is normal for us to receive predominantly northerly winds and swells, which often make it impossible to carry out the operation.

How does Azores Boat Adventures differ from other maritime tourism companies in the region?
Before Azores Boat Adventures came into existence, I had the privilege of having visited practically all the coastal areas of our nine islands by sea. As the north coast of São Miguel Island has been my home since I was a child, I saw a unique opportunity, given that its potential was not being properly exploited in the tourism context. A coast rich in geological contrasts, breathtaking cliffs, deserted beaches, waterfalls, old fishing ports and much more abundant animal life compared to the south coast.

Azores Boat Adventures operates all year round. What is your average number of tourists per day at this time of year?
Fortunately, we have a huge demand, especially at this time of year, and our boat is full day after day. It’s only when the sea doesn’t allow us that we don’t make our trips. The sea on the north coast is always a little unstable and unpredictable.

When it comes to the nationality of the tourists who come to you, is there any country that stands out?
We’ve had dozens of nationalities on board, but the market that stands out the most is undoubtedly the North American market.

Are locals also looking for this type of tour?
Attendance is not as strong as in foreign markets, but there is an exciting demand from locals. We have very thoughtful and affordable packages for locals so that they can also have the opportunity to get to know and appreciate how beautiful their land is.

What feedback do you get from the tourists who take part in your tours?
Our tourists are delighted with the breathtaking views scheduled on our trips. The vast majority make a point of emphasizing in their feedback all the hospitality, care, and attention they receive from the entire crew. More than a service, for us, it’s an experience that we want to leave in the hearts of all those who visit us.

What role do you envision for sustainable tourism in shaping the future of the maritime tourism industry in the Azores?
It’s misleading to talk about sustainable tourism without considering the concepts of environmental, social, economic, and cultural sustainability. According to what I have seen, the overwhelming majority of stakeholders in the maritime tourism industry have taken meticulous care with regard to environmental sustainability, which, in my opinion, is an excellent indicator. Let’s not forget that we are an international benchmark in this area. However, there is still much room for improvement and evolution through new and better-emerging practices.
As for social, cultural, and economic issues, I am convinced that there are still many structural flaws. There is an excess of capitalism, which, in turn, puts the social and cultural component in second or third place. Maritime tourism companies could and should play a more active role in society, contributing to raising awareness, equity, and justice.

Can you share any interesting or funny stories that happened during your tour?
Probably the funniest stories are also the most embarrassing. Some of them, due to professional secrecy, I can’t share. However, I do have one that I can share. I remember one time we had an international celebrity on board, who most people know very well. In the middle of the tour, in an area where the boat was stationary, without any prior warning or request for permission, he took off his clothes and jumped into the sea in front of the entire crew and other passengers. It was hilarious and embarrassing because you could feel the deafening silence on everyone’s faces. We all didn’t know what to think, say, or do.

What customer testimonies or experiences have most impressed you?
The hugs and the exchange of life stories are, in my opinion, the most memorable moments. It’s an honor to be able to enter our passengers’ world and for them to feel comfortable opening up to a “mere stranger” about subjects that are often so intimate and personal during our modest three-hour journey. There are many passengers with whom we still maintain regular contact after so long, and that, for me, is one of the most remarkable experiences because it’s what stays in the heart.

What are the plans for Azores Boat Adventures? Would you consider including new routes?
We’re in the middle of the high season, and there’s little time to think about the future. Of course, we all have dreams, some of which can be realized, others not. For now, it’s too early to put them into practice. We’ll see what the future holds.

How will maritime tourism develop in the Azores over the next few years?
Year after year, we can see that this tourism branch is growing stronger and stronger. All these developments benefit the socio-economic and socio-cultural development of the region, as well as the local communities. However, the legislation needs to be updated, as it is over 20 years old. Today’s reality is completely different from that of the late 1990s, and as such, there is an urgent need for reform, both in the general maritime tourism legislation and in all the subcategories (whale watching, diving, fishing, among others).
There is still a lot of room for growth, more qualitatively than quantitatively, at least on the island of São Miguel. The type of demand is evolving, with the Azores increasingly becoming a preferred destination. As markets with greater purchasing power emerge, it becomes crucial for us to adapt to these changing demands. Diversifying our services and enhancing their quality will be key to our continued success in maritime tourism.


Carlota Pimentel, journalist for the newspaper Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiras, director

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Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.