Azores

The Azores emerge majestically from the Atlantic Ocean more or less between Lisbon and New York, and are characterised by lush, green volcanic cliffs and picturesque Mediterranean style buildings.

The Archipelago of the Azores is made up of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1300 km west of Portugal and 3900 km from the North American coast.  The Azores is self governed as an Autonomous Region, with the Regional Government located in the city of Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel.  The population of the nine islands totals 237,000 people.

The islands are divided into three groups; the Eastern group including Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the Central group including Terceira, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the Western group including Flores and Corvo. The minimum distance between two islands is 6 km (Pico and Faial) and the maximum distance is about 600 km (Santa Maria and Corvo).

Influenced by the Gulf Stream, the islands provide a convenient resting place for the world’s largest pelagic species, whilst the underwater arches, tunnels, caves and cliffs provide a haven for sub tropical fish and stunning silhouette photography opportunities.

Beaked whales, sperm whales, fin whales, humpbacks, false killer whales, spotted, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, turtles and more are spotted from the surface May to October.  Whilst rare to see them when diving, it is not unknown to hear them.

Experienced divers will enjoy challenging sites such as Ilheus das Formigas and Dollabarat Banks (Available from Sao Miguel & Santa Maria on RIB day trips). Formed from volcanic mountains rising from the sea bed or deep narrow channels between the islands, pelagic encounters in strong currents are frequent in the summer months. Divers staying on Pico can experience similar exciting dive condition at Princess Alice Bank and San Jorge. Please note trips to these sites and the Blue Shark ‘season’ are best served during the time of July to early October.

Note that Regaldive do not recommend you travel to the Azores for diving holidays until mid-June onwards. However, you can still enjoy the whale watching and could take a gamble on the weather for diving if you wish - we are happy to organise your holiday as the islands have so much to offer.  Best months are July, August, September and October.

Read Jo Mattock's article on the Azores published in the August 2012 issue of DIVE magazine

The Green Island - Sao Miguel

Of the nine islands in the Azores, Sao Miguel is known as ‘Ilha Verde’ or the Green Island.  Part of the Eastern group of islands, Sao Miguel provides a fantastic introduction to what is on offer both above and below water in this fascinating Atlantic outpost. Hosting the islands’ largest town, Ponta Delgada, the coastline boasts a number of dive sites.

Close to shore, the shallow sites of Vila Franca form channels and canyons where octopus, gray triggerfish and sardine lurk.  On land, enjoy Terra Nostra Gardens, the hot springs village of Furnas and the Gorreana Tea estate.

The Island of the Sun - Santa Maria

Laying claim as the oldest, flattest, warmest and sunniest island, Santa Maria offers the closest proximity to the dive sites of Ilheus das Formigas and Dollabarat Banks.

The Grey Island - Pico

Rising dramatically from sea level to peak, Pico’s volcanic tip at 2351m dominates the beautiful land and seascape of the central island group. The island’s steep slopes continue underwater, and it is these deep waters close to the island’s shores that make Pico the diving, whale and dolphin spotting destination that it is.

Twin Centres & Tailormade - Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Pico

The Azores islands are well suited to twin centre island combinations, which we recommend for stays of 10 nights or more.

If using the direct summer charter flight to Sao Miguel, stays of 7 and 14 nights are possible, with inter island flights. Flights are also available using TAP, via Lisbon. A tailormade booking is necessary to work out the best itinerary based on the island flight connections, as all islands do not connect daily from Lisbon and the UK daily - please enquire.

Sao Miguel twins well with Santa Maria or Pico.