The Vigia das Balias Observation Deck is located in the center of the village of Algarvea on the island of São Miguel, and was used as a whale watching site during the years when whaling was popular in the Azores and one of the main economic activities in the Azores. In order to "conjure up the Virgin", it overlooks the northern coast, and around it there is a picnic area, barbecue stoves, toilets and a children's playground.