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Diving the Azores
Nine volcanic islands in the mid-Atlantic, where blue water brings mobula rays, blue sharks and huge schools of fish.
38.7° N · 27.2° W
Portugal: culture & experiences
The Azores are Portugal at its wildest: green crater lakes, hot springs, tea plantations and whitewashed villages, with a slow island rhythm and a strong seafaring culture.
Between dives we walk the crater rim at Sete Cidades, taste cozido cooked underground in the volcanic soil of Furnas, and visit the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Pico. Whale watching here is among the best in Europe.
Off the beaten track
- Hike the crater lakes of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo
- Furnas hot springs and cozido cooked in volcanic ground
- Whale and dolphin watching from Pico or Faial
- Tea plantation visit at Gorreana, Europe's oldest
Best-known dive spots
Princess Alice Bank
An offshore seamount south of Pico where dozens of mobula rays gather in summer. A highlight for experienced divers.
Formigas & Dollabarat
A remote reef between São Miguel and Santa Maria with groupers, barracuda, rays and occasional whale sharks.
Blue shark dives, Pico & Faial
Offshore blue-water dives with blue and mako sharks, run with experienced local operators.
Santa Maria & São Miguel coast
Volcanic arches, caves and reefs close to shore, good for all levels.
Marine life & encounters by season
Conditions and sightings vary year to year. We plan each trip around the best window for what you want to see.
- Jun – JulWater warms up, visibility excellent, first mobula rays at the banks.
- Aug – SepPeak season: mobula rays, blue sharks and, with luck, whale sharks around Santa Maria.
- OctStill warm water and quieter boats; weather becomes less predictable.
- Nov – MayAtlantic winter swells; diving limited, but whale watching is excellent in spring.
Offshore banks have current and open-ocean conditions and are for Advanced divers with recent experience.
Plan your dive trip to Portugal
Tell us your dates, group and level, and we’ll design a trip combining the best diving in Portugal with local culture and experiences.