Azores: for spectacular marine encounters

Where in Europe can you swim with wild dolphins or look a mesmerising blue shark in the eye? Divers looking for spectacular marine encounters no longer need to travel halfway around the world with the discovery of the breathtaking Azores archipelago. These nine unique islands, virtually untouched by tourism but this week voted No.1 Global Sustainable Destination of 2014, offer world class diving opportunities in less than four hours flying time from the UK.

Unique Biodiversity

The archipelago’s remote mid-Atlantic location, perfectly positioned between the nutrient-rich currents from the north and the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream, allows for a unique biodiversity. Divers visiting the Azores can hope to encounter a vast range of oceanic species including rare blue and mako sharks, spotted, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, manta and devil rays and occasional whale sharks, as well as five kinds of turtle.

Coastal dive sites offer the chance to discover friendly dusky groupers, octopus and morays lurking under rocks and tiny, colourful nudibranch. Beaked whales, sperm whales, blue whales, humpbacks and false killer whales can all be spotted from the surface making any boat ride to a dive site an exhilarating adventure.

Volcanic Geological Wonders

Over the centuries, the landscape of the Azores has been etched and carved out by volcanic lava streams resulting in a unique backdrop to the incredible nature above and below water. Divers have the chance to explore labyrinthine tunnels, bubbling hydrothermal vents, canyons, caves and arches, which provide ideal photo opportunities in the clear waters. Several impressive wrecks and a ship graveyard at the Underwater Archaeological Park on Terceira encourage further discovery.

Blue Sharks and Other Highlights

It is the chance to dive with one of the ocean’s fastest fish, the captivating blue shark, which first entices most divers to the Azores. A stay on the mountainous island of Pico offers the best chance to meet small groups of these naturally inquisitive sharks at the renowned Condor Seamount. Manta rays, morays, stingrays, groupers, wrasse, parrotfish, triggerfish and damselfish are also encountered here.

Pico also affords divers easy access to Princess Alice Bank, the most famous seamount of the Azores. A lengthy boat ride is rewarded with a majestic underwater mountain falling to some 500m whose 35m tip is packed with groups of devil rays, barracuda and schools of thousands of tuna swirling in the strong currents.

Diving and More!

Equally spectacular on land, divers can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and wide diversity of the Azorean islands. With each island having its own unique charm, non-diving days can be spent hiking through picturesque landscapes, climbing to waterfalls and towering volcanoes, exploring the islands’ maritime history, or simply relaxing in hot springs.

When and where to go…

Diving is at its best in the Azores during the main Summer season from May to October and Regaldive recommend that you book as early as possible to ensure availability. With flexible scheduled and charter flights, the archipelago is particularly well suited to twin centre combinations. Regaldive will plan your itinerary for the optimum experience of this exciting destination.

Choose a combination from:

The Green Island - Sao Miguel

Part of the Eastern group of islands, Sao Miguel is a fantastic introduction to the Azores. Explore the islet of Vila Franca, swim across bubbling hydrothermal vents and discover the wreck of the 100m cargo ship MV Dori. On land, enjoy Terra Nostra Gardens, hot springs, and the cosmopolitan marina of Ponta Delgada.

The Island of the Sun - Santa Maria

Laying claim as the oldest, flattest, warmest and sunniest island, Santa Maria offers the closest proximity to the challenging dive sites of Ilheus das Formigas and Dollabarat Banks. These sea mounts guarantee exhilarating dives and pelagic encounters. Dwell on history and follow in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus on land.

The Grey Island - Pico

Pico’s volcanic tip at 2351m dominates the beautiful land and seascape of the central island group. Pico’s deep waters and proximity to the mid-Atlantic ridge offer the best sightings of blue sharks, as well as the famed Princess Alice Bank. The island’s UNESCO protected 15th century vineyards offer a distraction above water.

The Lilac Island - Terceira

Terceira’s unique underwater rock formations, walls and an intriguing anchor graveyard offers divers a choice of shore dive sites and RIB diving. The island’s main town, the World Heritage site of Angra do Heroismo, holds an important place in maritime history and there is plenty to explore topside.

Azores holidays start from just £699pp for a seven night package including return flights, bed and breakfast accommodation (twin share) and transfers. Diving starts from £125pp for a four dive pack.

Experience the Azores.... Contact the Regaldive team on 01353 659 999