Kayaks, SUPs and Surfing

The Azores offer a thrilling range of water sports to suit every adventurer’s tastes.

It’s often said that surfing is more than a sport – it’s a way of life. That’s certainly true for Josephine and Ricardo who run the Azores Surf Centre on the main island of Sao Miguel. Their mission is a simple one: they love to surf and they want to share that passion with visitors to their island, and their philosophy is one of respect for the ocean and the oceanic environment around the Azores.

Their HQ is Santa Barbara beach on the north coast of the island. Azorean surfing has a long and illustrious history, and Santa Barbara has been a featured stage of the WSL World Tour Championships for many years, thanks to its consistent, year-around swells and a vibrant surf culture. It’s a great beach for both beginners and experienced surfers – all abilities can be catered for and all the equipment you’ll need is provided.

Heading down to Sao Miguel’s south coast, the old capital of Vila Franca do Campo is the island’s new sea kayaking capital. The extinct Ilhue d’ Vila volcano is your destination – lying 1.5km offshore, this now-extinct volcano is a protected nature reserve and home to shearwaters, grey herons, eagle rays, loggerhead turtles and occasionally common dolphins.

Not to be outdone, island of Terceira also has a thriving sea kayaking and SUP scene, centred around the second city of Praia da Vitoria, where you can picnic on the beach or sample the best, seasonal fish in Praia’s renowned café bars and restaurants.

For a more sedate experience, the calm waters of the Sete Cidades crater are an ideal. Kayaking on the naturally-sheltered twin lakes of Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde is perfect for families and beginners alike, and for anyone looking for a more laid-back day on the water.