Sao Miguel

Influenced by the Gulf Stream, the Azores islands provide a convenient resting place for the world’s largest pelagic species, whilst the underwater arches, tunnels, caves and cliffs provide a haven for sub tropical fish and stunning silhouette photography opportunities.

Read Jo Mattock's article on the Azores published in the August 2012 issue of DIVE magazine

The Green Island, Sao Miguel

Of the nine islands in the Azores, Sao Miguel is known as ‘Ilha Verde’ or the Green Island.  Part of the Eastern group of islands, Sao Miguel provides a fantastic introduction to what is on offer both above and below water in this fascinating Atlantic outpost. Hosting the islands’ largest town, Ponta Delgada, the coastline boasts a number of dive sites.

Vila Franca

Situated a short boat ride from Vila Franca do Campo, this small islet formed from an ancient submerged volcano offers a few choices of sites. Impressive shapes are thrown by the large underwater boulders and the inlets of the walls.  In some places, fissures in the walls reach through to the lagoon in the middle of the islet. Octopus, morays, grouper and grey trigger fish are a common site. The dive site offers generally easy dives of up to 22m depth.

Dori Wreck

In January 1964, a Liberian cargo ship sank 800m from the south coast, close to Sao Roque.  She is situated at a convenient depth of around 20m and surrounded by a sandy bottom. Although not possible to penetrate safely, the wreck provides a striking sight and gives shelter to schools of fish such as Sea Bream and Salemas, wrasse, flounder and mullet.

Praia da Caloura

The sheltered area of Caloura stretching from Caloura beach to Ponta da Galera offers a variety of dive sites. Arches  and gulleys formed from lava flows, all at shallow depths, offers wide variety of species, such as ornate wrasse, canary damsel, puffer fish and dusky grouper.

Underwater mountains

Experienced divers will enjoy challenging sites such as Ilheus das Formigas and Dollabarat Banks. Formed from volcanic mountains rising from the sea bed, pelagic encounters in strong currents are frequent in the summer months; subject to optimum dive conditions for experienced divers only.

Whales, hot springs and gardens

On whale watching excursions which can be booked locally, there is a great opportunity to see beaked whales, sperm whales, fin whales, humpbacks, false killer whales, spotted and bottlenose dolphins, rissos', turtles and more. These can be spotted from the surface from May to October.  Whilst rare to see them when diving, it is not unknown to hear them. On land, enjoy Terra Nostra Gardens, the hot springs village of Furnas and Gorreana Tea estate.

Twin Centres & Tailormade - Sao Miguel, Pico, Terceira

The Azores islands are well suited to twin centre island combinations.  Sao Miguel can be enjoyed as either a 1 or 2 week stay. If staying for 2 weeks, we highly recommend a split stay with either Terceira or Pico, to really enjoy all that this fantastic destination has to offer.

Pico is best visited as part of a 2-week stay, either spending the whole time on the island, with an obligatory night’s stay in Sao Miguel at the beginning and the end, or splitting the stay on Sao Miguel or on Terceira.

Terceira is best visited as part of a 2-week stay, either spending the whole time on the island, with an obligatory night’s stay in Sao Miguel at the beginning, or splitting the stay with Sao Miguel or Pico.

How to get there

Fly to Sao Miguel on the summer direct charter (1x per week), or fly scheduled with a change in Lisbon or Porto - there are several flights per week.

Note that Regaldive do not recommend you travel to the Azores for diving holidays, until mid-June onwards. However, you can still enjoy the whale watching and could take a gamble on the weather for diving if you wish - we are happy to organise your holiday.  Best months for diving are July, August & September. 

Regaldive recommend you travel to the Azores for diving holidays from mid-June onwards. However, should you wish to travel earlier in the year, you can still enjoy the whale watching and could take a gamble on the weather for diving if you wish - we are happy to organise your holiday.  Best months for diving are July, August & September.

Ponta Delgada: Guests who are staying at Hotel Marina Atlantico, Sao Miguel Park Hotel and Hotel Talisman will be diving with Açordiving Dive Centre, Ponta Delgada.

Vila Franca do Campo: Guests who are staying at Caloura Hotel will be diving with Azores Sub Dive Centre, Vila Franca do Campo.

Açordiving Dive Centre

Located in Ponta Delgada, Açordiving Dive Centre offers easy access to all of the top diving sites in São Miguel, as well as a range of PADI courses. Established in 2000, Açordiving Dive Centre has a highly qualified, experienced team and modern equipment to ensure an enjoyable experience.

NB: Although departures are available from the beginning of April, diving conditions are more settled from the end of May onwards. For this reason we recommend trips from late Spring.

Dive Packs

Options available include 4, 6, 8 and 10 dive packages. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Special Trips (payable locally)

A number of special trips may be available in resort depending on weather and diving conditions.  

• Villa Franca do Campo Islet: €47
• Sabrina / Lourecos (2 dives):  €100
• Formigas e Dollabarat: €220

During high season (July/August/September) it would be usual that one trip would run each week. 

Extras in Resort (payable locally) 

• Full equipment per day:  €15
• 15 Litre tank per dive: €5
• Personal dive guide:  €50
• Night dive (minimum 5 divers):  €8
• Nitrox per fill:  €10
• Dives over 6 nautical milles:  €6

Equipment rental per day:

• Refill:  €6
• BCD:  €6
• Regulator:  €6
• Wetsuit:  €6
• Fins:  €3
• Mask / snorkel:  €3
• Torch:  €8
• Dive computer:  €10

Note: Local prices listed above are an indication only, and subject to change.

Azores Sub, Vila Franca Do Campo

Located a short transfer from the Caloura hotel at Vila Franca do Campo port, PADI accredited Azores Sub run their dive centre from a warehouse style base, right on the port. The centre has lockers, warm water showers and ample space to store kit bags. An upstairs classroom and filling station are also located on site.

Azores Sub base at Vila Franca do Campo gives excellent access to many of the best dive sites in Sao Miguel. Diving is typically run on a two tank morning programme at 08.30 and a single tank afternoon dive at 14.30. Azores Sub also run special trips to the dive sites of Dollabarat, Formigas and Tubaroes where there are excellent chances of encounters with mobula and manta rays. All diving is done from RIBs.

NB: Although departures are available from the beginning of April, diving conditions are more settled from the end of May onwards. For this reason we recommend trips from late Spring.

View a presentation from Azores Sub dive centre

Dive Packs

Options available include 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 dive packages. Dives are scheduled according to the conditions, currents and tides on the day. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.Number of dives as stated, guide, transfers to / from your hotel, air tanks and weights (weight belt extra charge). 

Dive Courses

A range of diving courses is available for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.Equipment, study material and certification. 

Special Trips (payable locally)

A number of special trips may be available in resort depending on weather and diving conditions.

• Formigas & Dollabarat (2 dives): €215pp, based on six divers

During high season (July/August/September) it would be usual that one trip would run each week.

Extras in Resort (payable locally)

• 15L cylinder subject to availability:  €5 
• Nitrox 32% - 12L & 15L:   €10 /  €17 per fill 
• Nitrox 36% - 12L & 15L:   €11  / €18 per fill 
• Dive sites further than 6 miles from base (except those listed under special trips):  €5
• MV Dori Wreck:  €5 supplement
• Hydrothermal Vents Diving:  €5 supplement
• Night dive:  €5 supplement on a pre-paid dive. Minimum 4 divers required locally

Equipment rental per day:

• Full equipment excl. computer and torch:  €20 per day
• Weight belt:  €2
• Dive computer:  €7.50
• Fins:  €3
• Booties:  €3
• Mask & Snorkel:  €3
• Wetsuit: 2-piece 5mm:  €7.50
• BCD:  €5
• Regulator:  €5
• Dive light:  €7.50 per dive
• 12l Tanks: €10

Note: Local prices listed above are an indication only, and subject to change.

Back to Top

Sao Miguel, located on the eastern side of the archipelago, is by far the largest and greenest of the nine islands. It is made up of six volcanic complexes and municipalities.  A most beautiful and varied island, ideal for longer stays and two centre holidays. 

To the west, Ponta Delgada, the main town and port has preserved its historical beauty. It is a delight to explore the narrow cobbled streets bordered by very well preserved period houses. Within this municipality are the Sete Cidades, an extinct volcano crater of 40 sq. km, within which are two magnificent lakes, one deep blue colour and the other emerald green.

Getting Around

Public transport can be unreliable and slow.  Travelling between the main towns on Sao Miguel can be done by bus, although taxis offer a much faster option.  Fares are more than taking the bus, but most drivers speak a modicum of English and taxis are generally in good condition and are cheap when compared with the likes of the UK.

A good way to get about the larger islands of the Azores is to hire a car. The Portuguese drive on the right and special care should be taken when negotiating mountain and coastal roads, although main roads are fairly good.

Taxis and car hire can be arranged from your hotel.

Car Hire

Includes:

1. Unlimited mileage.

2. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). In the event of an accident this insurance covers the full value of the vehicle. However you remain liable for the excess amount of:

• 1. 875.10 Euros (Group A)
• 1,051.10 Euros (Group B)
• 1,167.10 Euros (Groups C & I)
• 1,268.90 Euros (Group F)
• 2,043.20 Euros (Group H) 

Please note that this insurance does not cover damage to the vehicle’s tyres, undercarriage or windscreen.

3. All local taxes and airport surcharges.

4. Third party Liability Insurance. This covers any third party in the event of an accident.

5. Additional drivers at no extra cost.

6. Theft Protection (TP) Insurance.

Not included (payable locally):

1. Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW). This extra charge, if paid, will reduce the maximum excess payable to 58.50 Euros in the event that the vehicle is damaged or stolen. This insurance does not cover damage to the windscreen, tyres or wheel rims. The price of the Super CDW per day is:

• 10.20 Euros (Group A)
• 11.20 Euros (Group B)
• 12.25 Euros (Groups C & I)
• 14.25 Euros (Group F)
• 20.35 Euros (Group H)

2. Windscreen Damage Waiver (WDW). The price of the Windscreen Damage Waiver is:

• 1.25 Euros per day (Groups A, B, C, F & I)
• Please note that this is not available for Group H vehicles.

3. Rim or Tyre Damage Waiver (CPJ). The price of the Rim or Tyre Damage Waiver is:

• 5.80 Euros per day (Groups A, B, C, F & I)
• Please note that this is not available for Group H vehicles.

4. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) will cover the cost of any personal medical costs incurred in the event of an accident. This insurance is optional and payable locally at 3.55 Euros per day. 

5. An out of hours charge of 31.10 Euros is payable:

• After 24:00 at Ponta Delgada Airport and 18:30 for hotels in Ponta Delgada.
• After 19:00 from the car hire office in Ponta Delgada.
• After 19:00 on the islands of Terceira, Santa Maria, Pico and Faial.

Please note that you do not have to purchase these extras.  However, should you decide to do so, these will be noted on your car rental agreement and are payable locally.

Climate

The Azores have a maritime climate with mild temperatures ranging from 16°C (60°F) in winter to a comfortable 26°C (79°F) in summer.  On average there are about three to four hours of sunshine a day in winter and seven to eight in summer. Rainfall is distributed around the year, but is heavier and more frequent in winter.

Characteristic for the Azores is the wide variety of weather conditions within a short period; a single day can produce wind and calm, hot sun and showers in any combination.  A typical and true remark is that if you don’t like the weather, you just have to wait 10 minutes for it to change!

Water Temperature 

The waters of the Atlantic and the Gulf Stream meet at the Azores.  The sea is warmed by the Gulf Stream and sea water temperature varies a mild 17ºC (62ºF) in Winter to 24ºC (75ºF) where sub-tropical and Atlantic marine life live side by side.

We recommend a double layer 5mm long suit with 5 mm shortie over, or 7mm semi-dry or similar, plus hood and light gloves. If your luggage allows, dry suit divers may want to carry their suit.

Currents and Visibility

The average visibility is 15 - 30 metres, although certain days can offer more.

There are plenty of sites sheltered from currents, although some swell and tidal surge may be encountered. Certain dives sites, such as Formigas and Dollabarat Banks are open ocean dives and as such will only be open to experienced divers in optimum  weather conditions.

Passports

All passports must be valid for six months and have two clear pages free.  A visa is not required.

Time

The Azores are -1 hours behind GMT.

Currency

The Euro.

Tipping

Service charges are usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, otherwise it is customary to leave a 10% tip. Bar staff and taxi drivers also expect tips, which usually entails rounding up of the bill to the nearest Euro.

Food

The cuisine of the Azores is rich and varied. The fish dishes, the seafood, meat and cheeses, the famous wine from Pico island (once the table wines of the Czars of Russia) and the pineapple form an enviable basis for regional cooking. Don't miss the unique meals at Furnas where the cooking pots are buried in the ground and the food is slowly cooked by steam from the hot springs.

Activities

The pineapple plantation in Faja de Baixo is worth a visit to taste the delicious pineapple liquer and boiled sweets.

Sample 'Cozido a Caldeiras' at the Furnas and Terra Nostra Garden, which is a traditional meal, slow-cooked by underground vapours at the Furnas hotsprings.  The meal, consisting of a variety of meats and vegetables, is served daily at the Hotel Terra Nostra Garden. Not suitable for vegetarians!

There are many festivals in The Azores.  The festivals of the Holy Ghost, with roots in the Middle Ages, are common to all islands. The Festivals of Christ Lord (Senhor Santo Cristo) at Ponta Delgada, on the island of Sao Miguel, are truly colorful and entertaining events and bring in visitors and pilgrims from around the world.

Also, enjoy whale and dolphin watching trips, visit botanical gardens and tea plantations, go bird watching or partake in a jeep safari tour of the island.

Regaldive do not recommend you travel to the Azores for diving holidays, until mid-June onwards. However, you can still enjoy the whale watching and could take a gamble on the weather for diving if you wish - we are happy to organise your holiday.  Best months are July, August, September and October.

Flight Information

Packages are based on the Portuguese owned SATA airline charter route which operates on a Saturday.

Quotes may be provided tailormade for travel on TAP, via Lisbon, on different days of the week.

Sao Miguel - How to get there:
Fly to Sao Miguel on Saturday, or fly scheduled from Heathrow with a change in Lisbon or Porto - several flights per week.

Santa Maria - How to get there: 
Fly to Sao Miguel on Saturday, with an overnight stay, before joining a connecting internal flight (daily), or fly scheduled with a change in Lisbon (connections currently 1x per week on Thursday).

Pico - How to get there:
Fly to Sao Miguel on Saturday with an overnight stay, before joining a connecting internal flight (daily to Pico or Horta which is a short hop across the water by boat), or fly scheduled with a change in Lisbon to Horta or Pico. Horta offers the most connections.

Terceira - How to get there:
Fly to Sao Miguel on Saturday, with an overnight stay, before joining a connecting internal flight (daily), or fly scheduled with a change in Lisbon to Terceira - several per week.

Flight duration - charter:
London - Ponta Delgada: 4 hours

Departure tax: None

Passports & Visas

Passengers travelling to the Azores should have minimum six months valid on their passport from the date of return to the UK. Valid passport photo ID required for travel.

Normal rules for entry to EU territory apply for British passport holders.  It is your responsibility to check that your passport complies. No visa required.

Vaccinations

There are no compulsory vaccinations for travel to the Azores. However, despite being EU territory, for anyone travelling we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and polio. Vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure with your GP or local travel clinic.

Local health care standards are good and there are 2 hyperbaric chambers: 1 located on Sao Miguel and 1 located on Faial.

Further information regarding vaccinations for travel to this country can be found at www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk and from your local healthcare provider.

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Hotel Caloura - Aqua de Pau

Hotel Marina Atlantico - Ponta Delgada

Sao Miguel

Hotel Caloura - Aqua de Pau