Diving in Azores

Explore 58 dive sites in Azores, Portugal. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Azores

The warmest water temperatures in Azores occur in January, averaging 16.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (air: 16.4°C)
  • February: 16.8°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • March: 16.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • April: 16.8°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • May: 16.8°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • June: 16.8°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • July: 16.8°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • August: 16.8°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • September: 16.8°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • October: 16.8°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.8°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • December: 16.8°C (air: 17.1°C)

Marine Life in Azores

Home to 229 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 23 whales & dolphins, 18 sharks & rays, 11 other, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Azores

Azores has 22 beginner, 18 intermediate, 1 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Azores

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Azores

  • Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilheus das Formigas - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Lajes do Pico - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Silveira - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Misterio de S. Joao - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ribeiras - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Zona do Morro - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Cultura da Vinha-Sao Mateus/Sao Caetano - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Cultura da Vinha-Zona Oeste - Protected Landscape (IUCN Category V)
  • Porto das Lajes - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ponta da Ilha - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ilheu da Vila - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Ponta da Barca - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Costa Sudoeste (Ilha de Santa Maria) - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ponta Branca - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilheu de Baixo - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Ilheu da Praia - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Costa Norte (Ilha de Santa Maria) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ponta do Castelo - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Costa Sudeste (Ilha Graciosa) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa Noroeste (Ilha Graciosa) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Pico das Camarinhas-Ponta da Ferraria - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Ponta do Cintrao - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Feteiras - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ponta do Escalvado - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ponta da Bretanha - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ferraria - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Caloura-Ilheu de Vila Franca do Campo - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa Este (Ilha de Sao Miguel) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ponta do Cintrao-Ponta da Maia - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ponta da Ferraria-Ponta da Bretanha - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa Sul (Ilha de Santa Maria) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ilhéu de Baixo - Restinga Ilha Graciosa - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ponta Branca - Ilha Graciosa - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ponta dos Rosais - Ilha de S. Jorge - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Caloura-Ponta da Galera - Ilha de S. Miguel - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Banco D. João de Castro (Canal Terceira - S. Miguel) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ponta da Ilha - Ilha do Pico - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lajes do Pico - Ilha do Pico - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ponta do Castelo - Ilha de Sta. Maria - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéu das Formigas e Recife Dollabarat (Canal S. Miguel - Sta. Maria) - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa das Quatro Ribeiras - Ilha da Terceira - Special Areas of Conservation (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lajes do Pico - Ilha do Pico - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Furnas / Sto.António - Ilha do Pico - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéu de Baixo - Ilha Graciosa - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéu da Praia - Ilha Graciosa - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ponta das Contendas - Ilha Terceira - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéu das Cabras - Ilha Terceira - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéu da Vila e Costa Adjacente - Ilha de Stª. Maria - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Banco D. Joao de Castro - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category Ib)
  • Ponta dos Rosais - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Costa das Quatro Ribeiras - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Costa das Velas - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Costa Sudoeste (Ilha de Sao Jorge) - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Faja das Almas - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilheu do Topo - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ilheus das Cabras - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ponta das Contendas - Habitats or Species Management Protected Area (IUCN Category IV)
  • Baia de S. Lourenco - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Baixa de Vila Nova - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Banco D. Joao de Castro - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Cinco Ribeiras - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa das Contendas - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa das Fajas - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Costa Oeste (Ilha de Sao Jorge) - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Entre Morros - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Ilheus das Cabras - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Monte Brasil - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Quatro Ribeiras - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Topo - Resource Management Protected Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • D. João de Castro seamount - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Formigas Bank - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ilhéus das Formigas e Recife Dollabarat - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Azores - Nearest Airports

  • João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Ponta Delgada - 48 km away, approx 68 min travel time
  • Lajes Airport (TER), Praia da Vitória - 122 km away, approx 148 min travel time
  • Santa Maria Airport (SMA), Vila do Porto - 139 km away, approx 167 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to go scuba diving in the Azores for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
For optimal conditions in the Azores, the best water temperatures are recorded at 16.79°C across three specific months. While the exact month names are not provided, these periods are ideal for experiencing the region's renowned pelagic encounters and exploring its unique seamounts. Divers can find more detailed information about the best time to dive and explore the Azores further.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to see in the Azores, especially the larger pelagic species?
The Azores are renowned for their "pelagic encounters," offering divers the chance to witness larger open-ocean species. As mid-Atlantic volcanic islands, the region's seamounts attract a diverse array of marine life. While specific species are not detailed in this overview, you can explore the DivePlnr wildlife database for more information on what to expect in the Azores.
Which are the top dive sites in the Azores for encountering specific marine life or unique underwater topography?
For unique underwater topography, the Azores offer diverse sites like the "wall" at The Wall, various "caves" such as Arcos Cruzeiro, and "pinnacles" like Santa Clara Arena. The region's mid-Atlantic seamounts are known for attracting significant pelagic encounters, making it a prime location for marine life sightings. Explore all 56 dive sites in the Azores to find your perfect dive.
What are the typical water temperatures and visibility conditions for diving in the Azores throughout the year?
The optimal water temperatures for diving in the Azores are recorded at 16.79°C during three specific months of the year. While comprehensive year-round temperature data and typical visibility conditions are not provided in this overview, these peak months offer comfortable diving. For more detailed information, consider researching specific dive centers in the Azores.
What level of diving experience is recommended for the more challenging or famous dive sites in the Azores?
Many of the more challenging dive sites in the Azores are rated as Intermediate, requiring a good level of experience. Sites like Arcos dal Calhetas, Wreck of Felicity Ace, and The Wall fall into this category, often involving deeper dives or potential currents. Divers should ensure they have the appropriate certification and experience for these exciting explorations in the Azores.
How do I get to the Azores and travel between the islands for a diving trip?
Information regarding specific travel logistics to the Azores and inter-island transport for a diving trip is not provided in this context. Typically, visitors fly into one of the main islands and then use local ferries or inter-island flights to travel between them. We recommend consulting travel guides or local dive operators in the Azores for the most current transportation details.
Are there any specific dive sites in the Azores that are suitable for beginner divers or those with less experience?
Absolutely, the Azores offer numerous dive sites perfectly suited for beginner divers or those with less experience. Sites like AQUÁRIO, O Arco, and the Luso Wreck are rated as Beginner friendly. These locations provide excellent opportunities to explore the underwater world safely and comfortably in the Azores.
What are the general diving conditions like in the Azores, including currents and overall underwater environment?
The Azores, being mid-Atlantic volcanic islands, present a diverse underwater environment featuring reefs, wrecks, caves, walls, and pinnacles. While specific current information isn't detailed, the presence of intermediate-level sites and open ocean "pelagic encounters" suggests varying conditions, including potential currents. Divers can expect a rich and varied experience exploring the unique topography of the Azores.