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.
You will arrive at the Terceira Lajes Airport.
From there you'll go to the hotel or apartment 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.
During these 5 days, the mornings are dedicated to diving.
Diving around Terceira in the Azores offers a great diversity of dive sites shaped by volcanic geology and rich Atlantic ecosystems. The island combines coastal lava formations, caves, underwater arches and historical wrecks, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. Many sites are close to shore or a short boat ride away, allowing easy access to a wide range of underwater landscapes.
One of the most interesting sites for divers is the offshore seamount Banco Dom João de Castro. This underwater volcanic formation attracts large schools of pelagic fish and offers a unique dive in an area where volcanic activity can still be observed beneath the surface. It is a unique experience where diving takes place around the volcano crater. With very crystal clear waters, as it is located approximately 37 nautical miles from Terceira Island, it is It is common to observe large species during dives, such as groups of Manta rays, schools of barracudas. schools of sawfish, schools of amberjacks, schools of sablefish, Spanish mackerel, Indian, sometimes loggerhead turtles.
Another highlight is the cave at Ilhéu das Cabras, where divers can explore a large underwater cavern accessible even by boat. The area is famous for frequent sightings of stingrays and for its dramatic volcanic scenery, making it ideal for relaxed dives, snorkeling, and photography.
This cave is located on the north side of the Goats island, also called the Eagle Rays Cave due to the fact that we can observe a large number of them in its interior. The entrance of the cave is located at a depth of 15 meters to the surface, where we can see the famous Eagle Rays gliding in the water.
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!
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 Terceira 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.
Going to the hill of Monte Brasil, we are not aware that we are stepping on an old volcano that started in the sea – the largest and best preserved of the Azores – to enjoy one of the most fabulous views over the city and the bay of Angra do Heroísmo.
The second most inhabited island of the Azores, with 56,437 inhabitants (2011 data), the Terceira island has 401.9 sq. Km, with 30.1 km long and 17.6 km at its maximum width. It is the eastern island of the five that form the central group and is the nearest one of São Jorge island, 37.9 km away.
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!
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.
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.