Azores Diving Holiday Santa Maria – 7 nights
The Azores Archipelago is a special location for the dive enthusiast. The warm Gulf Stream and its deep inshore waters have helped create a rich, spectacular marine life and provide superb locations for exploring the deep.
Here you'll find around 70 recognised dive locations including 15 caves and 12 offshore sites. One of the main highlights is diving with impressive Manta Rays, the largest of all rays. 24 miles offshore lies the Formigas Rocks, a North Atlantic hotspot, and a further 3 miles you'll find Dollabarat, a seamount whose depth rises from several hundred metres up to just 4 metres! Visibility off Santa Maria ranges from 20-40m average to 60m in very good conditions.
Itinerary
All itineraries can be tailored to suit your interests.| > Day 1 | Fly Manchester or Gatwick to Sao Miguel. Private transfer to your accommodation. Overnight Ponta Delgada |
| > Day 2 | Fly Sao Miguel to Santa Maria. Private transfer to your accommodation. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 3 | 2 x dives. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 4 | 2 x dives. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 5 | 2 x dives. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 6 | 2 x dives. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 7 | Free day. Overnight Sao Pedro |
| > Day 8 | Fly Santa Maria to Manchester or Gatwick via Sao Miguel |
| Please note : To maximise the safety of visitors, our boats do not go out in adverse conditions, so days and times of outings will naturally be dependent on prevailing weather conditions. | |
Dates & Prices
| All prices are per person (£) based on twin sharing but we can also quote for single supplements. Prices are inclusive of flights from Manchester or Gatwick based on standard economy fares/seats which are subject to limited availability. Prices may increase based on availability when booking. | |||||||||||
2011 Prices with direct flights |
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Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
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Dec |
1020 |
1020 |
1020 |
1020 |
1020 |
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Flights also available via Lisbon |
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Price includes:
Accommodation on B&B sharing basis, airport transfers, 8 dives (including weights and tanks), flights and airport taxes, pre-departure information booklet.
Price excludes:
Meals (other than breakfast), excursions on free days, other dive equipment (eg wetsuits, flippers, mask), travel insurance.
Useful Information
What to take:Dive equipment (excluding tanks and weights), waterproof, plastic bag for your camera, sun block etc, polarising filter (suggested).
Minimum requirements:
Open Water diver.
Duration:
7 nights
No. of dives:
8
Accommodation:
Hotel Camoes and Hotel Praia dos Lobos
Operates:
Direct flights - Saturdays (Manchester/Gatwick) April to October
Also, daily scheduled services via Lisbon
Max. number per dive:
6
Dive operator :
Guides have minimum divemaster qualification
Species List
Coastal
Grouper, amberjacks, barracudas, sardines, morays, octopus, stingrays, snails, black and soft corals.
Caves
Shrimp, crayfish, octopus, snails, sponges, mullet, yellow jacks, morays and stingrays.
Offshore
Large schools of amberjacks, shark, tuna, dolphins, eagle rays, manta rays, pelagic stingrays and turtles.
