Diving in the Azores

Increasing numbers of divers are discovering the Azores islands are a true underwater paradise. Lucy’s put together her guide to Diving in the Azores, to help you choose the experience that’s perfect for you…

Perfectly positioned along the migratory routes of countless marine species, and bathed in the warm, nutrient-rich currents of the Gulf Stream, these islands offer a vibrant haven for tropical fish and pelagic giants alike. Beneath the waves, dramatic volcanic rock formations create a surreal seascape, teeming with life and colour. Centuries of maritime history have left behind a treasure trove of shipwrecks. These skeletal relics of the Age of Discovery now serve as living reefs. Whether you’re gliding past towering pinnacles or exploring the ghostly remains of ancient vessels, every dive in the Azores is a journey through time and nature.

We’ve arranged lots of dive experiences in the Azores over the years. Those who dive regularly often know about specific dives, like the Princess Alice Bank, or the impressive caves of the Arcos da Caloura Reef. Most of our travellers choose to do one or two guided dives as part of their island-hopping holiday, or a first-time dive experience.

Diving Conditions in the Azores

You can dive in the Azores all year around.The majority of people dive during the peak period from July and September, when there are large aggregations of mobula (devil) rays, and migrating pelagic fish species.

December to February: the lowest temperature in the Azores are 16°C, which is similar to English lakes in summer. Visibility can be lower due to plankton blooms but this period can be ideal for seeing whale sharks.

March to May: water temperatures are around 17 to 18°C. This is a great time to see the migratory whale species, though you still see plankton blooms during this time.

June to September: this is the peak diving season, with water temperatures of up to 24°C and excellent visibility. It’s a great time to see manta and mobula rays, whale sharks, and the larger pelagic fish species. Summer is best if you’re planning an offshore seamounts dive to the Formigas or Dollabarat reef (see more on this below).

October to November: the conditions are similar to summer, with water temperatures at around 22°C. Shore dives suit the autumnal sea conditions better than off-shore dives.

Discover Scuba: Baptism Dives

Believe us when we say that your first dive is likely to become the first of many, because it’s an incredible experience. A full-day dive for beginners usually starts with a morning pool session, getting used to your equipment and becoming familiar with the sensation of breathing under water. In the afternoon, you’ll head out to sea with your instructor for a baptism dive: a shallow dive in the magical underwater world of the Atlantic. All equipment is provided and your instructor will keep full control of most aspects of your dive equipment, staying right by you throughout.

Your PADI qualification in the Azores

An open-water PADI course usually runs over four or five days, and it’s best to complete the online section prior to your arrival in the Azores. There are short and advanced versions of the course, but the most popular is the PADI Open Water Diving certification, which allows you to join guided dive trips worldwide, and the dive centre at Vila Franca on Sao Miguel is our most popular PADI course location, thanks to its beautiful volcanic formations and vibrant marine life.

Coastal and Offshore Guided Dives

If you have your PADI Qualification, then you’re ready to dive in. We work with dive centres on Sao Miguel, Faial, Santa Maria, Terceira and Pico – Sao Miguel and Faial are generally the most popular, and the types of dives available are based on your level of experience and qualification.

From Sao Miguel: If you like wreck diving, the Dori wreck and the wreck of SS Luzo are great spots, with lots of fish hiding amongst the nooks and crannies of the wrecks: sardines, mackerels, congers, octopi, flatfish, and groupers. The Arcos da Caloura Reef is fifteen minutes by boat from Vila Franca, and drops from a depth of five, down to twenty metres. The cave is the main attraction of this spot, and it’s common to see schools of large white trevallie, dusky groupers, moray eels, wrasses and flounders.

From Faial: There are a wide variety of dive locations close to the main harbour town of Horta, including the Lidador steamboat wreck. There are also lots of fascinating geological sites formed by lava flows and extinct underwater vents, and the narrow Faial/Pico channel is one of the most diverse habitats in the Azores.

Diving with Rays

Amongst seasoned divers, thetwo most renowned dives in the Azores are the Dollarabat and Formigas seamount, and the Princess Alice Bank. These are key locations for diving and are particularly popular for the large number of rays which congregate in these migratory channels. The Manta is the largest of the Ray species and can often be seen on dives – often more impressive are the large aggregations of mobula rays wihch gather in summer. The shallow, warm waters and rich density of nutrients make these ocean banks perfect place for the rays to feed and mate between July and September.

Princess Alice Bank: The boat journey to the Princess Alice Bank begins from either Faial or Pico and takes around three hours. The bank first discovered during an oceanigraphic campaign by Prince Albert I of Monaco, sailing on a vessel named Princess Alice. There are strong currents here so you need to be an experienced open water diver – you may be asked to complete a check dive to qualify for the trip.

Formigas Islets and Dollabarat Seamount: you can reach this beautiful marine reserve from Sao Miguel (forty-one miles from Vila Franca) or Santa Maria (twenty miles). It’s one of the best dive sites in the Azores, populated by big groupers, triggerfish, mobula rays, and shoals of pelagic fish hiding in the black coral. Advanced Open Water divers can opt to dive to the Olympia wreck at the Formigas; a depth of between thirty and fifty metres.

We specialise in personalised holidays to the Azores. 

Call our team 01768 721020 to begin planning your own personalised trip.