Diving Delights & Natural Sights: An Azores Diving Adventure
Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are here to help give you the inside track.
After a true break from your screens? On this five-day diving adventure, explore the best of the Azores' diving delights and natural sights, from underwater treasures to lush forests.
Your trip takes place in Furnas, Sao Miguel Island's largest municipality, known for its beautiful forest and sparkling lakes. Spend two days diving the sites between Vila Franca Marine Reserve and the island, exploring World War II shipwrecks, gliding along coral-coated walls and spotting shoals of shimmering reef fish. Experienced divers can also venture to the Formigas Islets and Dollabarat Reef by boat, where the waters boast everything from huge pelagics to macro critters.
When you're not diving, make the most of the Azores' largely unspoiled nature on whale watching trips, 4x4 tours and canyoning adventures. Evenings here are best spent outdoors, with a glass of the finest Portuguese vinho in hand - and, relax…
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Enjoy four dives exploring wrecks, spotting magical marine life and swimming in volcanic craters
- Spot majestic whales on a sailing trip along Sao Miguel's coastline or enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled canyoning excursion in Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park
- Soak up views of Sao Miguel's lush forests and towering mountains
Why Book with Original Diving?
- 100% Carbon Off-setting
- UK Departure Assistance
- Fast Track UK Check-in
- Fast Track UK Security
- UK Airport Lounge Access
- Pre-booked Airline Seats
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: Travel to Furnas
Rise and shine: your Azores adventure begins today with an early flight to Ponta Delgada, the capital of the archipelago. Breeze through security, enjoy some breakfast in the lounge and settle in for your four-hour flight, which touches down in Portugal around lunchtime.
When you land, pick up your hire car and set off for Furnas, a 45-minute drive away. Along the way, you'll be treated to views over the Azores' green fields and rolling hills before arriving at your hotel, surrounded by lush forest.
The diving starts tomorrow, so spend the rest of the day settling in after your journey. Enjoy a cup of tea in the garden, take a dip in the pool or simply soak in the mountain views - it doesn't come much more peaceful than this.
Day 2: Into the water
The next two days are all about the big blue, with a minimum of two exciting dives each day. Begin your days by meeting your private driver-guide, who'll whisk you away to a coastal dive centre.
Once there, it's time to gear up, dive down and explore. With a number of incredible sites between the Vila Franca Marine Reserve and Sao Miguel Island, you'll be treated to fantastic visibility, colourful coral and an array of magical marine life. You can also opt for a spot of Nitrox diving, which allows you to explore for longer intervals.
Venture to the Dori site, where you'll have the chance to marvel at a World War II Liberty shipwreck surrounded by shimmering shoals and cloaked in coral. Other popular sites are Ilheu de Vila Franca, a volcanic crater boasting abundant marine life, and the more challenging Cabecos do Ilheu, near Vila Franca do Campo Islet, known for its strong currents and beautiful black coral-covered reefs.
When you're all dived out, we suggest taking a trip to nearby Poca da Dona Beija. These thermal hot springs are the perfect way to wind down before a delicious dinner - fresh seafood, anyone?
Day 3: A day of diving
After waking to the sounds of nature and fuelling up with a strong coffee and hearty breakfast, it's time to take to the water again. If you didn't have time to explore all the places you wanted to yesterday, head back to the same dive centre for another session - don't miss Arcos da Caloura for cave diving and macro spotting.
Fancy diving somewhere different? We know just the place. This morning, you'll be picked up and transferred to Vila do Porto Harbour, where you'll board a boat aiming for the Formigas Islets and Dollabarat Reef. The waters surrounding these iconic sites are best suited to experienced divers, thanks to their strong currents, but they boast some of the best dive sites in the Azores: think turtles, sharks and giant mantas weaving between wreck and wall dives.
Come evening, head back to your hotel and watch as the sun sets over the trees - best enjoyed with a glass of vinho, of course.
Day 4: Back on solid ground
Sadly, the diving portion of your trip has come to an end, but don't worry: we've left today free for you to explore the island at your own pace. If you haven't had quite enough of the Azores' sparkling waters, head out on a canoeing trip on a local lake, paddling past lush greenery and volcanic landscapes. Seafarers can enjoy a day of whale and dolphin watching with a trip to Vila Franca do Compo Islet, or head out on a sailing trip along the coast of Sao Miguel, keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales.
Prefer to stay on land? Opt for a day of touring Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo from a comfortable 4x4 (complete with a tasty lunch, of course). Or, for the thrill seekers, venture to Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Natural Park for a spot of canyoning surrounded by lush vegetation, stunning waterfalls and vibrant flowers.
After a jam-packed final day, head back to your hotel in the evening for a final dinner under the stars.
Day 5: Homebound
Time flies when you're having fun, and sadly, your Azores adventure must come to an end. This morning, wave goodbye to Furnas as you make the half-hour drive to Ponta Delgada airport, where you'll drop off your hire car and board the two-and-a-half-hour flight to Lisbon.
After a quick stopover in the Portuguese capital - just enough time to enjoy one last pastel de nata - it's time for your flight back to the UK, which takes just under three hours. You'll arrive home this evening, armed with a newfound love for this underrated diving destination.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, with economy flights, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels.
From
£3,500pp
Bare Necessities
If you would like to pare back the above itinerary by travelling at non-peak times, staying in a standard room and removing some or all of the guided activities.
From
£2,950pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to add business or first class flights, stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
£3,800pp
Rachel, Jamie and Jacqui are our experts for this itinerary and as seasoned travellers they have the inside track on the most memorable adventures.