Porto Pim Aquarium: A Journey into the Marine World of the Azores, on Faial Island

When talking about Faial, it is impossible not to talk about the sea. The city of Horta has always been deeply connected to the Atlantic, navigation, fishing, whaling and, more recently, the conservation and appreciation of the region’s marine natural heritage.

It is in this context that the Porto Pim Aquarium was created, as part of Faial Natural Park. More than simply a place to observe fish, the aquarium brings visitors closer to the Azorean sea and raises awareness of the importance of understanding and protecting its ecosystems.

Where is Porto Pim Aquarium?

Porto Pim Aquarium is located next to Porto Pim Beach, in the Monte da Guia area of the city of Horta, on Faial Island.

Its location makes it easy to combine a visit to the aquarium with other attractions in the area, including the Dabney House, Porto Pim Bay and Monte da Guia.

The aquarium is also located along the Entre Montes hiking trail (PRC08FAI), allowing visitors to discover several interesting places in this part of Faial while enjoying a walk through nature.

A Building with Almost Two Centuries of History

One of the most interesting aspects of Porto Pim Aquarium is the history of the building in which it is housed.

The building dates back to 1836, when the Companhia das Pescarias Lisbonense constructed the facility with the intention of drying cod caught in Newfoundland.

In 1855, the building was acquired by Charles William Dabney, a member of the renowned Dabney family, and converted into a whale-oil extraction factory.

The activity was connected to one of the most important periods in the economic and maritime history of Faial, when whaling played a significant role in the lives of communities throughout the Azores.

After several years of abandonment, the building was restored by the Regional Government of the Azores and given a new purpose as the Live Fish Station – Porto Pim Aquarium.

What Can You See at the Aquarium?

The aquarium showcases some of the most common coastal species found in the Azores, allowing visitors to observe marine animals that are part of the archipelago’s coastal ecosystems.

The facility also provides information about the Azores Marine Park and the importance of protecting the marine environment.

Another part of the experience focuses on the deep sea, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about an environment that remains largely invisible to those who experience the ocean only from the surface.

More Than Just an Aquarium

Porto Pim Aquarium carries out activities that go beyond displaying marine species.

The Live Fish Station is involved in the transfer, acclimatization and temporary holding of fish, contributing to work related to the marine fauna of the Azores.

There is also a partnership with the company Flying Sharks, through which some animals can be prepared and subsequently transported to public aquariums in different parts of the world.

In this way, Porto Pim Aquarium helps showcase the marine biodiversity of the Azores far beyond the islands themselves.

A Space Dedicated to Conservation

Another important aspect of the aquarium is its role in the rehabilitation of marine animals.

Among the animals that have been successfully rehabilitated are loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) found on Porto Pim Beach.

After recovering, these animals can be released back into the ocean and continue their journey through the Atlantic.

Porto Pim: Where History, Nature and the Sea Meet

A visit to Porto Pim Aquarium becomes even more interesting when combined with a walk around the bay itself.

Porto Pim is one of the most iconic areas of Horta, bringing together landscape, historical heritage, maritime culture and nature.

Nearby, visitors can find the Dabney House, associated with the history of this influential family on Faial. Monte da Guia can also be explored, offering beautiful views over the bay, the city of Horta and the Atlantic Ocean.

For those who enjoy walking, the Entre Montes trail provides an opportunity to discover several of these places as part of the same experience.

A Window into the Azorean Sea

The true appeal of Porto Pim Aquarium lies in what it represents: a small window into a much larger marine universe.

The ocean surrounding the Azores is fundamental to the identity of the archipelago and is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life.

Understanding this biodiversity also means understanding the importance of protecting it. By showcasing coastal species, promoting marine heritage and carrying out environmental awareness activities, the aquarium plays an important role in bringing visitors closer to the ocean.

Visiting Porto Pim Aquarium is a way to begin discovering what lies beneath the blue waters surrounding Faial.

Is Porto Pim Aquarium Worth Visiting?

For anyone visiting Faial Island and wanting to understand more about the relationship between the island and the ocean, Porto Pim Aquarium is well worth including in their itinerary.

It is not a large urban aquarium like those found in major cities. Its importance lies precisely in its direct connection to the Azorean sea, the species of the archipelago and the maritime history of Faial.

Its location next to Porto Pim Beach also makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk around the bay, a visit to the Dabney House or a hike through Monte da Guia.

Useful Information

• Location: Porto Pim, Horta, Faial Island
• Island: Faial, Azores
• Area: Monte da Guia
• Operator: Faial Natural Park
• Type of facility: Live Fish Station and aquarium

Note: Opening hours, admission prices and operating conditions may change. Visitors are advised to check the official information before planning their visit.

How to Get to Porto Pim Aquarium

From the centre of Horta, follow the road towards Porto Pim Beach. The aquarium is located beside the bay, close to the Dabney House and the Monte da Guia area.

The visit can easily be combined with a walk through the area, allowing visitors to discover some of the most interesting natural and historical sites in Horta.

Discover Faial Through the Sea

Porto Pim Aquarium is a place where the history and nature of the Azores come together.

From a historic building connected to fishing and the whaling industry, a facility dedicated to knowledge, environmental education and the appreciation of the Azores’ marine heritage has emerged.

If you are visiting Faial, take the opportunity to explore Porto Pim, Monte da Guia and the other attractions in this part of Horta. Because to truly understand Faial, you need to look not only at the island itself, but also at the ocean that surrounds it.