Diving in the Azores
Want to go far away but still “stay in Europe”? Then we have a great tip for you: visit the Azores! Behold blue sharks, mako sharks and schools of mobula.
- Far away and yet close by
- Volcanic elements
- Ideal for underwater photography
- For divers of any level
- Combine diving with hiking!
Azores; 9 islands in the Atlantic Ocean
Lying in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, 1,500 kilometers west of Portugal, lies the archipelago of the Azores. The Azores consists of an archipelago of nine islands. These islands were created by volcanic activity. This is reflected in the many craters, volcanic lakes and unique mountainous landscape, both below and above water.
Diving Azores
Due to the deep waters around the Azores and the influence of the Gulf Stream, there is a wealth of marine life. Diving Azores is mainly diving for big fish. Anyone who wants to see diverse species of whales, dolphins, sharks and other unique marine life can indulge in diving in the Azores. Besides 20 species of whales and dolphins, manta rays, large groups of mobula, blue sharks and mako sharks also feel at home in the waters around the Azores. In the good season (mid-June – mid-October), all the great marine life is present.
Diving season
What to see when:
- July – October – Princess Alice Island: mobulas, manta rays, tuna and sharks
- July – October – Contador: blue sharks and mako sharks
- April and May: baleen whales, sperm whales, dolphins
- June – September: sperm whales (sometimes calves), dolphins and occasional baleen whales
- September and October: sperm whales, dolphins, baleen whales
For divers of all levels, the Azores is a suitable diving destination. For Princess Alice, the current can be strong. Therefore, this dive site is only suitable for the more experienced diver. For photographers, the Azores are ideally suited due to the variety of marine life (from nudibranchs to large marine life) and volcanic features. The Azores offer interesting opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography.
- Water temperature: April through October 16 to 25 degrees.
- Visibility: 20 to 30+ meters.
- Best travel time: from May to the end of September, you can do beautiful diving in the Azores.
Would you like to dive on Princes Alice or with the sharks? Then go no later than August, in September the sea already gets quite rough and it is not always possible to go far out anymore.
Going on a diving vacation to the Azores yourself?
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