Best Time to Dive in the Azores

Conditions during the peak diving season can still be challenging, however. Diving at the Azores' offshore sites is generally recommended for more experienced divers with good buoyancy control, as currents are often strong and depths can reach up to 40m. Even in the summer months, the weather can change quickly, so be prepared for dive schedules to change at the last minute.

From May to October, local dive sites offer enjoyable conditions for divers of all abilities. Divers can look out for a variety of marine species around the local sites, from colourful nudibranch to moray eels and octopuses. It's worth noting that if you want to dive at both offshore and local sites, only the local sites are accessible in the early part of the season (in May and June).

For divers hoping to see blue sharks - one of the biggest draws of diving in the Azores - you'll have the best chance of spotting them at offshore sites between July and early October. This is also the prime time to see majestic mobula rays in the central islands. Need we say more?

If you want to learn more about the best time to dive in the Azores, see below for our specific regional advice.