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

Beaked whales, sperm whales, fin whales, humpbacks, false killer whales, spotted and bottlenose dolphins, rissos', turtles and more are spotted from the surface 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. 

Divers staying at the Caloura Hotel will dive with Azores Sub

Divers staying at the Sao Miguel Park, Hotel Marina Atlantico and Hotel Talisman will dive with Nerus

All diving is done from RIBs.

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.

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 also run a range of special trips to the dive sites of Dollabarat, Formigas, Tubaroes and Jamantas (Ambrosio) where there are excellent chances of encounters with Mobula rays, sharks and Manta rays. To pre-book these from the UK, Regaldive require a minimum of 6 divers. Alternatively, you can check with Azores Sub once in resort.

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

Includes: Number of dives as stated, guide, air tanks and weights (weight belt extra charge). Dives are scheduled according to the conditions, currents and tides on the day.

Special Trips

• Formigas & Dollabarat (2 dives)* £186
• Formigas & Tubaroes (2 dives)* £214
• Tubaroes (2 dives)* £146
• Jamantas (Ambrosia) & Tubaroes (2 dives)* £200
• Jamantas (Ambrosia) (2 dives)* £185

Price per person, with a minimum of 6 divers to pre-book these trips prior to travel. Otherwise it can be checked locally.  During high season (July/August/September) it would be usual that 1 trip would run each week.

Dive Courses

* Includes: Equipment, study material and certification. 

** Includes: Study material and certification.

Extras in Resort (payable locally)

• Dive centre transfer: €3 per person per day, if no car hire booked. 6+ divers free
• 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 
• Night dive:  €5 supplement on a pre-paid dive. Minimum 4 divers required locally

Equipment rental per day:

• Full equipment excl. computer and torch:  €10 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
• Tanks:  12l Aluminium. International and DIN valves available

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Nerus, Ponta Delgada

Nerus Dive Centre sits in a lovely central position, overlooking Ponta Delgada's main marina and docks.  Sofiane and Lea, the new owners since 2011, will welcome you to the wonders of the Azores.  Dives are conducted from RIBs and and also a dive boat taking 12 divers (14 is possible if the group know each other), with each boat be used according to the dive sites being visited on the day. 

The dive centre is equipped with a Coltri EANx compressor, and may assist with techincal diver supplies.  The PADI accredited dive centre also offers a range of CMAS and TDI courses.  Nerus Dive centre can advise and organise land based treks and island visits.

Nerus Dive Centre is very close to Marina Atlantico, about 10 minutes from Hotel Talisman, and Sao Miguel Park is a 25 minute easy walk through the centre of Ponta Delgada.  Nerus will pick you up on the first day, and can normally arrange a transfer back to your hotel at the end of the diving day once their jeep is free.

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

Includes: Boat dives (including RIB), air tanks, weights & weight belt.

Dive Courses

Includes: Equipment, certification and study materials.

Extras in Resort

Special trips - Booked locally, subject to minimum numbers*:

• Formigas:  €180, or €110 as supplement to 2 pre-paid dives
• Sabrinas:  €135 or €65 as supplement to 2 pre-paid dives
• Shark Trips - 1 dive:  €115 (without equipment) or €70 as supplement to 1 pre-paid dive
• Shark Trips - 2 dives:  €190 (without equipment) or €120 as supplement to 2 pre-paid dives

*Local conditions & dive experience dependant

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.

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 are July, August, September and October.

Flight Information

Packages are based on the Portuguese owned SATA charter route, Saturday only, during summer months.

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 the summer direct charter (1x per week), or fly scheduled from with a change in Lisbon or Porto - several flights per week.

Santa Maria - How to get there: 

Fly to Sao Miguel on the summer direct charter (1x per week), 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 the summer direct charter (1x per week), 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 the summer direct charter (1x per week), with an overnight stay, before joining a connecting internal flight (daily), or fly scheduled with a change in Lisbon to Terceira - several per week.

Charter schedule summer 2012

7 April to 20 October (last outbound date)

2012: Saturday departure from London Gatwick

S4 541  Gatwick / Ponta Delgada   14:00 / 16:55

S4 540  Ponta Delgada / Gatwick   08:00 / 13:00*

* Check tickets for correct times in case of any changes.

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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