Why the Azores is Considered the Best Scuba Diving Destination in Europe
Dive into Paradise: The Best Time to Explore Azores' Thriving Marine Life
The Azores is known as one of the best diving destinations in Europe, offering an abundance of marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The island's location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean attracts a variety of pelagic species, including several species of sharks, whales, and dolphins. In addition to the captivating marine life, diving in the Azores also offers a chance to explore underwater volcanic formations, caves, and tunnels.
The best time to dive in the Azores is from mid-July to mid-October, when the water is warmer and calmer, visibility is at its best and chances of pelagic sightings such as mantas, mobulas, and whale sharks are highest. However, diving is possible all year round with varying conditions depending on the season.
Dive into Adventure: Exploring the Underwater Beauty of Graciosa Island in the Azores
Graciosa, aptly named for its charm, is a small island paradise with around 4,000 inhabitants, known as Graciosians. This serene and picturesque island is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve, offering not only superb diving experiences but also a taste of its renowned Queijadas da Graciosa, a delightful local pastry. Visitors should also explore the island's unique geological features, including the impressive Furna do Enxofre lava cave and the quaint Furna da Maria Encantada lava tube, adding to the rich experience of this Azorean gem. Wherever you dive on Graciosa Island, also called the White Island of the Azores, you are sure to be amazed by the structural complexity of the environment: its rocky tips that alternate with pebble clusters and caves, and its sandy bottom marked by reefs and casualties. Also, the marine macroalgae found here display vibrant shapes and colors, covering the rocks almost entirely. And even more, excitement follows by the way of numerous species of invertebrates that reside here, such as starfish. In the lowlands, even more, amazing marine magic may be found in the form of manta rays, turtles, and sharks!
Baixa da Senhora da Guia is an excellent choice for divers of all experience levels. Located only 200 meters from Vila da Praia and 50 meters from the famous and picturesque Ilhéu da Praia, the depth at this hot spot varies between 3 and 32 meters. Next, with depths between 14-15 meters at the top of the low, Baixa do Farol is also a good choice for all types of divers. Next, we have Baixa do Pesqueiro Longo, which boasts depths varying between 6 and 96 meters, and at 20 meters, there is even a mystical platform that invites you to pause to observe the pelagic species that are known to swim there.
The great news is that the Carapacho Cave can be explored from the surface and without any specification in terms of experience level. Next, in the crevice of the largest islet of Carapacho, is found Gruta do Ilhéu do Carapacho – also among the Azores dive sites that are well worth a visit. More diving excitement awaits at Naufrágio Terceirense, which is a shipwreck of a vessel launched from Terceira that sank at the entrance of Porto da Praia in 1968. It now lies here at a depth of 21 meters deep, just awaiting your discovery!
Other choices the Azores dive sites not to be missed include: Baixa do Ferreiro de Dentro, Baixa do Ferreiro de Fora, Baixa do Terceirense, Ilhéu da Gaivota and Restinga do Freire.
Uncovering the Hidden Gems Underwater: Scuba Diving in Terceira Island, Azores
Now, let's talk about how Terceira fits into your ideal Azores diving holidays! It is in front of the island's Ilhéus das Cabras, located in Arcadas do Judeu, that you will find a place with unique characteristics due to its rock formations, with low depths and accessible to divers with or without experience. In Calheta do Lagador, you can practice coastal diving which is accessible to all types of divers. This locale is also ideal for those who enjoy night diving, underwater photography, diving baptisms, and snorkeling. Access to this area is via the Biscoitos bathing area, which happens to be one of the most famous areas on the entire island. Next on the must-visit Azores dive sites in Terceira is Quatro Ribeiras, which is also a great spot for coastal and cave diving, boasting average depths that vary between 12 and 16 meters. It should be noted that exploring this site's underwater cave complex is only recommended for divers with a higher level of experience.
Next on our local guide for your Azores diving holidays itinerary is the Gruta dos Ilhéus das Cabras, a cave that has water depths that vary in depth between 15 and 24 meters. We also suggest you add a stop at Angra do Heroísmo Bay Archaeological Park to your itinerary—a visit that must include a stop by the Lidador, a 78-meter ship that sunk back in 1878 and now lies at rest at 8 meters deep and 50 meters from the coast. This jaunt is a perfect beginning dive for less experienced divers, as well as those seeking diving baptisms and snorkeling opportunities! Also on Terceira Island and well worth a visit is the Santa Catarina dive site. A favorite spot for surfing and located just 5 minutes by boat from the Porto da Praia da Vitória, this gem is characterized by its weak current, making it an ideal option for night diving.
To round out our list of amazing Azores dive sites that can be found on the island of Terceira, we must mention: Baixa da Vila Nova, Cemitério das Âncoras, Fradinhos, Mina Islet, and Pedra Perdida.
Azores Islands Diving: Discovering the Stunning Underwater World of Flores
When it comes to the best Azores dive sites in Flores, let's start by highlighting Baixa do Amigo, located 15 minutes by boat from the Port of Santa Cruz, with depths between 18 and 40 meters. Although the more shallow areas are suitable for inexperienced divers, it is recommended that only the most experienced divers explore the deeper areas, which reach 40 meters. Also only recommended for more experienced divers is diving in Baixa Rasa, a site that is a 10-minute boat ride from the Port of Fajã Grande, which is accessed via an islet on the northwest coast of Flores Island (depths here vary between 27 and 30 meters). One site that is suitable for divers of all experience levels is Gruta do Galo, characterized by its type of coastal and cave diving, and known to be an ideal locale for experiences such as underwater photography and diving in open waters (depth here varies between 18 and 25 meters). Next, we have Ilhéu do Garajau, an ideal site for coastal diving that is suitable for divers with all types of experience (depths here vary between 16 and 30 meters).
Our Flores Island itinerary list for the best Azores dive sites simply wouldn't be complete without listing these remaining gems: Baixa do Morro, Catedral, Gruta dos Enxaréus, and Ponta da Caveira.
Explore Santa Maria Island: A Premier Diving Haven in the Azores
Santa Maria Island, the "mother island" of the Azores and São Miguel's closest neighbor, is renowned for its unique charm. It's the oldest of the nine islands, home to about 5,000 residents, and the only one with stunning white-sand beaches, giving it a Caribbean-like feel. The island is flatter compared to others in the Azores, enhancing its beachy ambiance. A highlight is its warm, crystal-clear waters suitable for year-round swimming.
Historically, Christopher Columbus visited this quaint island on his return from discovering America. Today, Santa Maria is a top European diving destination, particularly at the Dollabarat Bank and Formigas Nature Reserve, known for encounters with jamantas (manta rays). The island's diving popularity is skyrocketing, with tourists flocking for its underwater marvels.
Just 3 miles off its coast lies Ambrósio Reef, a protected area accessible without long boat trips. Here, divers can see devil rays, large pelagic fish, and even the whale shark during summer, making for an unforgettable experience. Santa Maria is a hub for both giant and reef manta rays, showcasing the diversity of oceanic life.
While commercial fishing poses a threat to these creatures, the growing popularity of scuba diving and adventure tourism in Santa Maria helps in conservation efforts. However, vigilance is still necessary to protect these species from overfishing and exploitation of traditional medicines.
Discover the Underwater Wonders: Diving in Faial Island
Faial Island’s central location amid the Azores archipelago makes it easy to get to a spot that is excellent for diving. With stunning landscapes that have been shaped by the iconic volcanic eruption of Capelinhos, this natural phenomenon has left behind wondrous remnants making for a stellar seascape of discovery.
The underwater architecture alone is worth a trip to Faial to experience an Azores Island sea dive. Also worthy of note, are the most popular and beloved dive sites that can be accessed from Pico Island nearby — shipwrecks of the Condor and Princesa Alice, as well as Boca das Caldeirinhas, Baia Entre Montes, Canhões de Entre Montes, or Esplamaca Norte — can also be discovered from the shores of Faial.
Are you already in love with the Azores? Take a look at our stress-free packages that allow you to book your ultimate island adventure. All our packages are carefully curated by our team of local Azorean Experts so that you don’t need to worry about any details – just enjoy your trip!