Whaler Lookout from the Ship's Side

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Açores > Horta > Capelo > Capelinhos

Location

Situated in the Capelinhos area, Capelo parish, in the municipality of Horta, the Costado da Nau Whale Lookout is in a privileged position along the coast. Its location provides a comprehensive view over the Atlantic Ocean, framed by the unique landscape of Faial, where nature reveals itself in all its grandeur.

From this elevated point, the perspective reaches the infinite horizon, inviting the observation of the marine vastness and the natural surroundings that characterize this part of the island.

Memory of a Whaling Past

This lookout is a striking vestige of the historic whaling industry in the Azores. Its primary function was to serve as an observation post, from where lookouts scrutinized the sea in search of cetaceans. The existence of structures like this highlights the importance whaling had for the economy and social life of the island communities.

Visiting the lookout is like traveling back in time, allowing a direct connection to an era when man's relationship with the ocean was shaped by this practice. The structure remains a symbol of a legacy that, although ended, continues to be part of the local identity.

Landscape and Marine Observation

Currently, the Costado da Nau Whale Lookout is an exceptional spot for contemplating the coastal landscape and observing marine life. From atop this structure, one's gaze can get lost in the blue immensity where, today, interaction with large marine mammals occurs through admiration and conservation.

The panoramic view invites a moment of tranquility, offering the possibility of spotting dolphins or whales navigating the Azorean waters. It is a place that allows one to appreciate the marine biodiversity and natural beauty of Faial's coast, keeping alive the symbolic link between man and the sea.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt