Diving trip to the Azores

Whales, sperm whales, dolphins, rays, sharks
Explore Atlantis by diving into the heart of volcanoes

If you’ve never been on a diving trip to the Azores, you’ve never seen this!

Cetaceans, fish and marine megafauna in the Azores

From July to September, the Azores become the undisputed meeting place for marine megafauna.

This archipelago has been practiced for a long time by professional photographers. Be among the privileged and enjoy this still virgin destination.

You will discover the famous Azores blue, an azure blue of incredible clarity with a visibility of up to 60 meters.

My underwater guide in the Azores

The pioneer of diving in the Azores opened the first diving centre in the archipelago. He is also known worldwide for his collaboration with marine biologists to mark the fauna or in the commercial diving world when it comes to installing the cables that link Europe or the United States.

He knows the fauna perfectly and like a safari guide, he will know how to go to the right place at the right time to share this show with you on the big screen. This is why the greatest photographers call on him to guide them to the image they are looking for.

In Faial, the island nicknamed “The blue island”, your underwater epic will be punctuated by two very special types of encounters: the blue shark and the mako shark on the one hand and the mobula ray on the other.

Your host will do everything possible to meet our expectations.

Sharks in the Azores

To meet the sharks, you will sail about an hours to reach the Condor bank or Azores bank then we will launch a tuna head and scented bait (feeding is not practiced).

This mode of diving is similar to what is practiced in South Africa to observe the tiger shark or great white shark. This dive has been practiced for a very long time and without the slightest incident, you just have to respect the few safety rules which are the subject of a specific briefing.

Mobula rays in the Azores

To observe the schools of mobula rays, we will sail between 2 and 3 hours with adapted logistics. We have indeed Physeter (large sperm whale), a 40 feet (12 meters) habitable catamaran to reach the site.

This one is much more comfortable than the semi-rigid ones for big navigations.

If the conditions make you wait, there is no lack of sites, they are very varied and diving in sunken volcanoes does not lack originality. The underwater caves that surround the island are also fabulous.

Whales and dolphins in the Azores

Since the end of whaling in 1985, knowledge of cetaceans has not been lost. The old lookouts that guided hunters now guide admirers of these giants from the same observation posts perched on the island.

Skippers in contact with the lookouts by radio will commonly find sperm whales, fin whales, sei whales, pilot whales and false killer whales.

The use of hydrophones to steer the boat towards the characteristic clatter of sperm whales allows the skipper to be as close as possible to them when they surface.

A marine biologist will be present during the observations to provide you with pertinent explanations in French.

You will also be able to observe loggerhead turtles, tuna in the middle of a hunt, propelling themselves out of the water or the feeding frenzy of shearwaters diving into sardine balls in the same way as during the South African sardin run.

In the same way, for a closer contact, it is also possible to go in search of dolphins and get into the water. The interaction is not guaranteed but we can have very good surprises.

In the Azores, it is possible to encounter more than 20 different species of whales and dolphins. It is a world-class site recognised by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (a British non-governmental organisation founded in 1987) as the leading destination in Europe for encounters with these cetaceans.

I learn freediving during my diving trip to the Azores.

You will be among the privileged few to learn freediving in private lessons with Frédéric BUYLE, world champion. Beyond the pure technique, he will teach you the right way to approach the fauna in order to see and eventually photograph it as closely as possible.

His experience in the marking of marine species makes him a very relevant speaker. You will then become a fish among fishes, you will experience much more intense interactions.

For beginners or more experienced, he will also be able to train you in underwater photography and his specialty: shooting in natural light.

The equipment for my diving trip in the Azores

A recurring concern for divers with equipment, the weight of luggage in the hold can quickly limit our claims. The companies allow 23 kg in the hold and 8 kg in the cabin, it is possible to buy an additional baggage item.

Your advantage when diving in the Azores

In a philosophy of snorkeling, diving or freediving (seafari) safari, we first of all went diving on the spot to evaluate the probability of actually meeting these creatures.

Our local guide never went to Princess Alice bank without finding mobula rays and encounters with sharks are frequent.

We propose you to see only what we are able to offer you.

With more than 30 years of experience behind you, by staying 10 days in Faial, you will fill up your logbook by thinking about all the wonders the ocean has offered you.

The exploration of Faial during my diving trip to the Azores

Faial is lined with sumptuous natural pools dug into the volcanic rock. Their black colour attracts heat and makes the water very pleasant.

A horseback ride allows a discovery at a pleasant pace. Your mount will be very docile, so beginners can enjoy the joys of horseback riding in an enchanting setting.

You will be able to admire the sunsets from the corner of a terrace in the heart of the bay of Porto Pim. The place will inspire you the tales of pirates or freebooters.

For unique viewpoints, you can follow a guide and hike to the bottom of the central crater, it is of course extinct.

It is also possible to go on your own from one volcano to another along the marked trails.

The departure is from the top of the central caldera to finally reach the Capelinhos lighthouse by crossing 10 volcanoes and as many totally different landscapes.

During your stay, both on land and sea, you will be captivated by Mount Pico, which rises to 2351 metres on the island of the same name. You will then face the roof of Portugal. It is possible to climb it in a rather sporty day.

The Horta marina has one of the most mythical café bars in the world: the Peter Café Sport, the meeting point for transatlantic sailors, has been run for three generations by the AZEVEDO family. “If you sail to Horta and don’t go to the Peter café sport, you haven’t really been to Horta.

Gastronomy on a diving trip to the Azores

This hidden archipelago has no shortage of delicious products, the freshly caught fish is finely prepared. Seafood, octopus, cold cuts, cheeses and island pineapples are also worth the trip.

Accommodation for my diving trip in the Azores

We have selected for you guesthouses with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Here you will have a very special feeling, that of being in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it is a breathtaking view.

“At only 4 hours flight from Paris, the Azores are a well-kept secret. A single visit is better than 1000 stories, we have other surprises in store for you, they are waiting for you in this enchanted archipelago. »

The Azores archipelago: volcano trekking and snorkeling safari

Seafari in the Azores learn freediving with Fred BUYLE world champion

Diving World Tour via the Azores

The Azores Tourist Office