Experience

Sailing an

Azorean

Whaleboat

in Pico!

Photo Credit: Sabina Mollart Rogerson


Set Sail on an Unforgettable Azorean Adventure – April 19-26, 2026


If you’ve ever longed to step inside a story—one filled with wind, sea, memory, and the unmistakable magic of a place that time never quite tamed—then this journey to Pico is the one you’ve been waiting for.


This April, Hotel Papel and Whaleboat Tales invite you to the soulful island of Pico, the Azores’ volcanic giant, where a dramatic black landscape meets the endless Atlantic. Here, history isn’t something preserved behind glass. It lives in the rhythm of the waves, in the stone walls that weave across old vineyards, in the stories of those who carved a life from sea and lava.


And you won’t just observe it—you’ll feel it...


For one unforgettable week, you’ll sail daily out of Lajes do Pico, the historic whaling port where generations of Açorianos pushed their boats into open water guided by bravery, instinct, and community. These whaleboats—sleek, elegant, and fast—are a living symbol of Azorean resilience, craftsmanship, and pride. Few places in the world still build and sail them. Fewer still invite you to take part.


Throughout the week, you’ll:

  • Sail with experienced whaleboat crews who keep this maritime tradition alive
  • Meet the master boat builder and learn how these vessels are shaped from forest to sea
  • Explore the old whaling station and museum, walking the same coastline where lookouts once scanned the horizon
  • Wander through Pico’s UNESCO vineyard landscapes and its timeless villages
  • Experience the island’s remoteness—where clouds spill over the volcano, streets grow quiet at dusk, and the sea is your constant companion


But the true gift of this trip is the feeling it stirs: nostalgia for a heritage that may not be yours, yet feels instantly familiar.
A sense of belonging to something older, deeper, and beautifully simple.
A reminder that there are still places where culture is held in the hands of those who live it.

In Pico, you don’t just travel—you return to something.

If you’re ready for a journey unlike any other, one that blends adventure with history, craftsmanship with community, and the remoteness of the Azores with the warmth of its people, we invite you to join us from April 19–26, 2026.


Space is extremely limited.
The whaleboats are waiting.
Let the Atlantic carry you back to where stories begin.



Reserve your place now and set sail for Pico*

*Please make sure to read the expectations / agreement below

Join us!

Here’s what’s to expect from your Pico experience:


Itinerary Overview:

  • Day 1: Arrive + settle in / Island tour + visit with a traditional boat builder / Welcome dinner with the group
  • Days 2-5: Morning sails / Afternoon island adventures (museums, swimming, hiking, and more)
  • Day 6: Free day to relax or explore / Farewell dinner with Pico friends
  • Day 7: Departure day


What’s Included:

  • Daily morning sails on a restored Azorean whaleboat
  • Guided excursions to volcanic caves, natural pools, and coastal trails
  • Visits with local historians, naturalists, and a master boat builder
  • A deep dive into Azorean island life, past and present
  • Comfortable accommodations at Casa dos Caldeiras (2 to a room)
  • Group meals (including two celebratory dinners)

Why Join?
This is more than a vacation—it's a hands-on cultural experience, designed to spark curiosity, strengthen connections, and leave you with salty hair, new skills, and stories you'll tell for years.


For Who?
Anyone ready for an adventure! (If under 18, your guardian must join you). No sailing experience necessary—just a sense of adventure. Rooms will be shared between 2 people, so we encourage you to sign up with a friend!


Spots are very limited!
Join us from April 19-26, 2026, for a voyage that connects generations, cultures, and coastlines.


Accommodations

6 nights lodging in Lajes do Pico in locally-owned guesthouse

Shared rooms (2 people per room)


Meals

Daily breakfast

Daily lunches (picnic-style or at the Casa)

Welcome dinner (Day 1)

Farewell dinner (Day 7)


Activities + Excursions

Daily morning sails aboard a traditional Azorean whaleboat

Meet-and-greet with a local master boat builder

Guided island adventures: museums, caves, hikes, and swimming spots

All entrance fees for included excursions


Transportation

Group transport to and from Logan Airport (Boston)

All ground transportation on Pico Island


Support + Coordination

Bilingual trip leaders and guides

Pre-trip orientation and packing list

On-island coordination by Hotel Papel and friends


✈️What’s Not Included

Flights (we will provide recommendations)

Travel insurance (required)

Optional spending money (souvenirs, snacks, dinner, etc.)


Total Cost: $2,600 per person
A meaningful, all-inclusive cultural adventure designed for you—just bring your passport, your curiosity, and your sea legs.


*Please make sure to read the expectations / agreement below

Expectations / Agreement


Please understand that if you join us, there will be the following program expectations of every participant:

  • You agree to pictures and videos being taken of you and your work process to be shared publicly through Hotel Papel LLC's marketing channels.
  • You will need to provide an emergency contact.
  • You will be expected to participate in all group activities. These include but are not limited to: meals, excursions, and events.
  • Payment will be required in full by January 31, 2026.
  • Travel insurance is required.
  • You will need to arrange your own flight details. We will provide details for which flight to book as well as transportation to the airport.
  • We are not currently able to accommodate wheelchairs.
  • We will be very limited on being able to accommodate food allergies.