Plongée à Azores — Portugal

The Azores sit in the middle of the Atlantic where volcanic seamounts create oases of life that attract blue sharks, makos, mantas, and even sperm whales. Blue shark diving off Faial Island is among Europe's most thrilling wildlife encounters, with sharks approaching within arm's reach in open blue water. The volcanic topography creates dramatic underwater landscapes of arches, caves, and walls draped in colorful sponges.

Score
69.2
Visibilité
12–37m
Température
17–24°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July, August
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World Class
Intermediate
Azores
PortugalEurope
69.2

SCORE

37.7412°N

-25.6756°E

The Azores sit in the middle of the Atlantic where volcanic seamounts create oases of life that attract blue sharks, makos, mantas, and even sperm whales. Blue shark diving off Faial Island is among Europe's most thrilling wildlife encounters, with sharks approaching within arm's reach in open blue water. The volcanic topography creates dramatic underwater landscapes of arches, caves, and walls draped in colorful sponges.

Blue Sharks and Volcanic Seascapes

Visibility12–37 m
Temperature17–24°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$100
Best MonthsJune, July, August, September
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML78.0CH35.0VIS72.0SV68.0TMP55.0DA72.0OP78.0TS82.0GT65.0VAL75.0CRD85.0SP70.0

Marine Life

78.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
72
Megafauna Encounters
85
Reef Fish Abundance
60
Macro Life
65
Endemic Species
70
Marine Life Diversity
78.0
Coral & Reef Health
35.0
Visibility & Conditions
72.0
Dive Site Variety
68.0
Water Temperature
55.0
Depth & Access
72.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
82.0
Getting There
65.0
Value & Cost
75.0
Crowding
85.0
Social Proof
70.0

Dive Types

blue waterreefvolcanicpelagiccave

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Sete Cidades twin lakes hikewhale & dolphin watchinghot springs at Furnastea plantation tour (Gorreana)canyoning

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Angra do Heroismo historic center (UNESCO)
  • Furnas volcanic valley
  • Gruta do Carvao lava cave

Non-Diver Score

8/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber10 km — Portuguese Navy Hyperbaric Chamber, Ponta Delgada
Nearest Hospital10 km

Hospital and chamber on Sao Miguel; flights to Lisbon (2.5 hrs) for advanced care

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

CW Azores

PADI

4.7
310 reviewsNITROX

Azores Sub Dive Center

PADI

4.5
240 reviewsNITROX

Best Spot Azores

SSI

4.6
180 reviews