Liveaboard Diving in The Azores

Liveaboard Diving in The Azores

Welcome to the Azores, Portugal, a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, this archipelago offers a unique blend of underwater wonders, from vibrant marine life to awe-inspiring dive sites. Dive into the azure waters surrounding these picturesque islands and embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure.

Discover the Azores as a diving destination.

Known for their spectacular overwater scenery, the Azores also boast an extraordinary underwater kingdom that attracts divers worldwide. With crystal-clear waters, diverse marine ecosystems, and abundant marine species, the Azores offer an unrivaled diving experience. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned diver, the waters of the Azores have something for everyone. The Azores are a diver's paradise.

When is the best time to dive in the Azores?

Consider the optimum weather and sea conditions when planning your liveaboard diving adventure in the Azores. The best time to explore these underwater wonders is during the summer months, from June to September. You can expect mild temperatures, calm seas, and excellent visibility during this period, creating ideal diving and underwater exploration conditions.

What type of diving is available in the Azores?

The Azores offer a wide range of diving experiences, catering to all levels of expertise. From spectacular wall dives to captivating caverns, the underwater topography is as varied as the marine life that inhabits it. Explore the famous blue hole or venture into the mystical underwater caves around Graciosa. For those keen to encounter pelagic species, deep-sea dives near Pico are a must, where you can spot majestic sharks and schools of pelagic fish.

What marine life can be seen in the Azores?

The Azores are a hotbed of marine biodiversity, making every dive a potential encounter with fascinating underwater creatures. Watch for graceful whale sharks gliding through the water, majestic mantas soaring in the currents, and the impressive presence of various shark species. Lovers of macro-life will be delighted to discover the intricate details of the underwater flora and fauna. The Azores are the place to be for the wonders of the ocean.

Top dive sites in the Azores

• Blue Hole, Santa Maria: Known for its underwater arch and vibrant marine life, this is a must-visit site for divers looking for a unique and captivating experience.
• Cavese Graciosa: Dive into the enchanting underwater caves around Graciosa, where the play of light creates an enchanting atmosphere conducive to exploration.
• Pico open sea dives: To encounter pelagic species, head for the open sea dives near Pico, where sharks and schools of fish roam freely.
• Formigas Islets Marine Park: Explore the biodiversity of the Formigas Islets Marine Park, home to a wide range of marine species, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species. Terceira's underwater volcanic landscape: Dive into the underwater volcanic landscape around Terceira, where submerged craters and unique geological formations create a surreal diving experience.
• Coral Valley, Terceira: this small islet off the island's north coast is the only place in the Azores where you can see soft corals fed by currents from the depths.

Dive Sites and Areas of The Azores

An archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean, it is well-known for its incredible marine diversity and underwater landscapes. São Miguel Island is the main island of this area and hosts the main city, Ponta Delgada.

Santa Maria Island is the southernmost island of the Azores and has become known as a good place in summer to see Whale sharks at Baixa do Ambrósio (Ambrosio Reef).

Princess Alice Bank is located southwest of Pico Island. It is a seamount, approximately 32 meters from the surface, well known for its sightings of schooling Mobula rays and larger pelagics. Due to its remote location, strong currents can be found here, which also draws in marine life such as Tuna, Wahoo, and even Blue Marlin.

Formigas Islets is a group of uninhabited rocky islands southeast of São Miguel Island, also a marine reserve. Apart from having excellent visibility, it’s a great place to spot Mobula rays, Galapagos sharks, Oceanic manta rays & possibly even Hammerhead sharks. It also allows divers to access the popular seamount Dollabarat Bank, which hosts numerous plateaus between 5-40 meters, recommended only for experienced divers. Wreck diving is also possible on the nearby Olympia Wreck.