Scuba Diving in the Azores
- vagabondmermaidpt
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
Diving in the Azores offers a unique experience, combining unique volcanic underwater landscapes with a rich diversity of marine life. Having completed my Dive Master training here in 2023, starting in São Miguel and concluding in Faial, I've gained firsthand insight into the archipelago's diving allure. In this blog post, I'll share with you a bit about what I've learned and experienced in my limited time diving in the Azores!
Prior to diving in the Azores, I primarily dove in warm water places with calm waters and incredible visibility... such as Australia, Belize, Thailand, Colombia and Mexico... The Azores is a bit more challenging!! My first day diving, the waves were quite rough and I ended up "feeding the fishies" off the back of the zodiac... how embarrassing!!! So, be prepared for a challenge if you're a spoiled diver like I was.
That being said, there are many dive sites suitable for beginners, and most days are much calmer than my first day out at sea here. Also, if you learn to dive here in less than perfect conditions, you'll be able to dive anywhere!
Best Time to Dive in the Azores
While you can enjoy diving nearly all year round, the optimal diving season in the Azores spans from mid-July to mid-October. During this period, water temperatures are warmer, ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and the seas are calmer, enhancing visibility and increasing the likelihood of pelagic encounters at offshore sites. For those focusing on local dive sites, conditions remain favourable from May to October, though early in this period, only nearby sites may be accessible.
Water Temperatures and Conditions
Water temperatures in the Azores vary throughout the year. In the winter months, temperatures can drop to around 16°C (60.8°F), while in the summer, they rise to approximately 24°C (75.2°F). Visibility is generally best during the summer months, often reaching up to 30 meters (98 feet), providing excellent conditions for underwater exploration. Currents can be moderate to strong, particularly at offshore dive sites, so divers should have some experience in these conditions.
Marine Life in the Azores
The Azores archipelago is a haven for divers seeking encounters with a diverse array of marine life. The nutrient-rich waters, influenced by the Gulf Stream, support a vibrant ecosystem. Divers can expect to see various species of groupers, such as the dusky grouper, and different types of eels, including the moray eel. Octopuses are also commonly encountered, often seen camouflaged among the rocky reefs. The region is renowned for its pelagic species; schools of barracudas, jacks, and bluefish are frequent sights. Additionally, the Azores are a hotspot for cetaceans, with up to 28 species of whales and dolphins documented in the area. This rich biodiversity makes the Azores a premier destination for underwater enthusiasts.
Check out this link for some diagrams detailing the marine life you can expect to encounter.
Diving Highlights by Island: My Personal Experience
Faial
In my experience, Faial offers richer marine life compared to São Miguel, with frequent sightings of schools of barracudas, jacks, and bluefish during shore dives... Once, I even saw a Mobula Ray on a shore dive! It is home to the first marine protected area of the Azores, Monte de Guia, which has been protected from fishing since the 1980s! Offshore sites like Princess Alice Bank are renowned for encounters with mobula rays and, occasionally, whale sharks. Shark dives are also conducted, primarily featuring blue sharks and, less commonly, mako sharks. The underwater landscapes here are stunning, with volcanic rock formations creating dramatic drop-offs and swim-throughs.
São Miguel
While marine life can be more dispersed compared to Faial, São Miguel boasts unique dive sites, including the Dory shipwreck—a World War II cargo ship intentionally sunk near the shore, resting at depths between 18 to 23 meters (59 to 75 feet). The island also offers offshore trips to sites like Formigas, where divers can encounter mobula rays. Additionally, the underwater volcanic landscapes provide stunning features such as swim-through caves and dramatic rock formations shaped by ancient lava flows. In my opinion, you'll see all the same marine life, but maybe it will be slightly less abundant in São Miguel when compared to Faial.
A major pro to choosing the biggest island for your dive trip, is the abundance of land-based activities. São Miguel’s land-based activities, such as hiking through lush trails and exploring hot springs, make it an excellent choice for divers who want to balance their underwater adventures with time on land.
Dive Centers
For those planning a dive trip, I dive with Dive Azores in Faial, where I completed my Dive Master training. They own two accommodation houses suitable for dive groups, and can help you organize your entire trip.
In São Miguel, I dive with Azores Sub Dive Center. They are located in Vila Franco do Campo, and regularly dive around the protected area of Ilheu de Vila Franca.
There are many other dive centres to choose from... google it and pick one that suits your vibe :)
If you prefer a liveaboard diving experience , Water and Winds offers several route options to help you explore the islands.
Accommodation
In São Miguel, we LOVE hosting divers at our guesthouse. As you might be able to tell, I love talking about everything to do with diving and can happily assist you to plan all aspects of your dive trip. I collaborate with local dive centers to organize your diving. Additionally, I can arrange tours with local guides to enhance your experience on the islands. I can also assist with booking your transportation... Anything you need - I'm here to help so you can relax and make the most of your vacation.
Conclusion
Diving in the Azores during the summer months offers optimal conditions, with warm waters, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life. Whether exploring the rich waters of Faial or the unique sites of São Miguel, divers are in for an unforgettable experience. The combination of underwater volcanic landscapes, diverse marine life, and world-class pelagic encounters sets the Azores apart as a top diving destination. Proper planning and choosing the right time to visit will ensure you make the most of what this remarkable archipelago has to offer.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience diving in the Azores, and that it might help you with planning your trip.
Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any specific questions, or just want to chat more about diving!!
~Vanessa 🫶🧜♀️
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