The best holidays and scuba diving programs in the Azores Archipelago
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Azores - Dive in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean
São Miguel Island
Diving The Azores
Dive into the extraordinary underwater world of the Azores Archipelago. Explore breathtaking dive sites, from vibrant reefs to stunning volcanic formations. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters teeming with diverse marine life, including dolphins, whales, and unique species. Discover the best scuba diving experiences on islands like Faial, Pico, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Terceira, and Flores. With certified dive centres, professional guides, and unforgettable underwater adventures, the Azores is a premier destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Plan your extraordinary diving journey in the Azores Archipelago today.
The package
Diving the Azores from São Miguel Island, based in Ponta Delgada, offers a mesmerizing exploration of the Atlantic's hidden depths. Beneath crystalline waters, a vibrant marine ecosystem thrives, adorned with colorful reefs, caverns, and volcanic formations. The island's strategic location in the midst of the Atlantic makes it a hotspot for pelagic species, promising unforgettable encounters with ocean giants. For adventure seekers, the shipwreck dive into the Dori adds a thrilling historical dimension to the experience. And with a hotel less than five minutes from the dive center, comfort and convenience are always at hand, ensuring a seamless and memorable diving getaway.
Day 1
You will arrive at the Sao Miguel International Airport.
From there you'll go to the hotel that will be your base camp for the next eight days.
You are here because you chose to dive the Atlantic Ocean in a location most divers consider one of the best in the world.
Days 2 to 6
During these 5 days, the mornings are dedicated to diving.
You will depart from the Ponta Delgada marina heading towards some of the most beautiful Azorean dive spots. Even if you are used to diving in the Atlantic, this will be nothing like what you know.
The diving here is excellent.
Dori will be for sure one of them. "Dori", a 130mts long ship, participated in the military Operation Overlord. Rests at about 20mts of depth on a sandy bottom and is one of the most popular spots in the Azores.
Here inhabit several species such as Morays, Octopuses and nudibranchs take refuge among the structure of the shipwreck.
We can also see fish strolling near the rudder, propeller, and lookouts, such as Barracudas and Amberjacks.
It is indeed a fantastic dive, not to be missed!
Our second recommendation is the dive spot called Arcos da Caloura because of the many underwater arches and swim throughs. The Caloura Arches are situated in a protected bay and between 5mts and 18mts deep. It is an excellent place for all types of dives, including snorkeling.
The top at 5mts deep descends to 16mts, where we can find one of the 4 entrances for the main attraction of this place: an imposing cave where we can observe shoals of fish, as well as some residents Groupers. The roof of the cave, on the other hand, is regularly filled by dozens of nudibranchs of different species.
Swimming through the underwater lava origin arches at Arcos da Caloura is a surreal journey into the heart of volcanic creation. As sunlight filters through the azure waters, divers glide beneath natural stone arches, marveling at the intricate formations shaped by ancient lava flows, a testament to nature's artistry.
It is said that the natural beauty of the Azores makes them the Switzerland of the Atlantic. For us scuba divers, it is even more providing a spectacular diving destination, a mere 2 hours flight from Lisbon!
Day 7
Mother Nature has created a land full of natural beauty, ready to be explored, in the blue immensity of the Atlantic Ocean: the Azores.
After the morning dives and on the non-diving days visiting the city centre and exploring the island is mandatory! And we can recommend several tours of the island and places to visit so that you get to know Sao Miguel topside as better as you know underwater by now.
This is just one of the nine Azores' islands, nine small worlds that have as many similarities as differences, but where the friendliness of their inhabitants makes your stay truly special.
São Miguel Island boasts numerous lakes nestled within volcanic craters, each offering a unique allure. From the twin lakes of Sete Cidades, where emerald and blue hues merge, to the tranquil waters of Lagoa do Fogo, these natural wonders enchant with their beauty and geological significance, inviting exploration and contemplation.
In São Miguel Island, visitors can immerse themselves in the rejuvenating warmth of the Caldeiras. These natural hot springs, formed within volcanic calderas, offer a unique opportunity to relax and unwind amidst stunning surroundings. From Terra Nostra to Poça da Dona Beija, these thermal waters provide a blissful escape into nature's embrace.
Topside experiences not included but highly recommended
Topside experiences (tour of the island, others) are not included. Please ask the PortugalDive.com team for more information and embark on one final memorable day!
Day 8
Time to say goodbye. It's departure day.
If you want us to take you to the airport remember to call your Portugal Dive Buddy.
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Scuba diving in the Azores Archipelago is a truly remarkable experience that attracts divers from around the world. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores offer a unique and diverse underwater ecosystem. Here are some key aspects of scuba diving in the Azores: 1. Marine Biodiversity: The Azores boast an abundance of marine life, including a wide range of fish species, dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles, and various invertebrates. Divers have the opportunity to encounter these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. 2. Underwater Volcanic Formations: The archipelago is formed by a volcanic hotspot, resulting in spectacular underwater landscapes. Divers can explore breathtaking volcanic formations, lava caves, and submerged cliffs, providing an otherworldly diving experience. 3. Visibility and Water Conditions: The Azores are known for their exceptional visibility, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet). The clear waters offer excellent conditions for underwater exploration, allowing divers to fully appreciate the stunning underwater scenery. 4. Wreck Diving: The Azores are home to several shipwrecks, providing captivating sites for wreck diving enthusiasts. The wrecks serve as artificial reefs, attracting a diverse array of marine life. 5. Dive Sites: Each island in the Azores Archipelago has its own unique dive sites and characteristics. São Miguel, the largest island, offers a variety of diving opportunities, including underwater caves and lava tubes. Pico Island is known for its volcanic landscapes and encounters with large marine species like manta rays and whale sharks. Faial Island is renowned for its vibrant marine life and encounters with dolphins and whales. Other islands like Terceira and Flores also offer fantastic diving experiences. 6. Dive Centers and Safety: The Azores have well-established dive centers with experienced instructors and guides who prioritize safety. They offer a range of services, including dive trips, equipment rentals, and training courses for divers of all levels of experience. It's worth noting that the water temperature in the Azores can vary throughout the year, ranging from 15°C (59°F) in the winter to 23°C (73°F) in the summer. Therefore, a suitable wetsuit or drysuit should be worn depending on the season. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, scuba diving in the Azores Archipelago provides an unforgettable adventure with its captivating marine life, unique volcanic formations, and stunning underwater landscapes.