In the 19th century, three whaling companies were founded in Terceira island. They were headquartered in Angra do Heroísmo and operated in the port of São Mateus and the port of Negrito.
To learn the full story, we begin by visiting the Vigia do Monte Brasil, from where whales were watched and which served as a base for the whalers stationed in the port of São Mateus..
At Monte Brasil—a place with unparalleled biodiversity and views of the surrounding greenery and blue waters—we explore the entire landscape on a circular hiking trail of about 7.5 km. Here, we can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature.
We head down to the port of São Mateus, where the launching ramp stands out—an essential structure for fishing activities and once vital to supporting the whaling industry. This parish, which has gracefully preserved its rural and fishing traditions, played a particularly significant role in whaling until the 1970s. Even today, São Mateus retains important vestiges of this fascinating activity, living testimonies to a deeply rooted maritime past.
After visiting the Boathouse, we suggest heading left towards the Negrito bathing area, another important site for this activity. Here we can find a fort under the same name, which served the purpose of defending this coast, and later, during the whaling era, used as a warehouse and also for housing fishermen from a whaling company. In addition to being able to enjoy this bathing area, you can also occasionally find interesting exhibitions taking place inside and outside the fort.
