Explore Azores

Diving in the Azores is a captivating adventure, offering an impressive tapestry of marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. The Azores, divided into the oriental, central, and occidental groups, cater to divers of all levels with their accessible sites and rich biodiversity. In São Miguel, the renowned Dori wreck, a WWII ship part of Operation Overlord, rests just 20 meters/66 feet below the surface, making it an iconic site for history enthusiasts and marine explorers alike. The coastal reefs of Lourenços and Sabrina are teeming with large pelagic fish and groups of graceful devil rays, providing unforgettable encounters. The central islands are particularly famous for manta ray diving from July to October, ranking among the world's best. A standout site is Princess Alice Bank, located 50 miles off Pico Island. Here, divers can drift above a deep-water pinnacle, witnessing breathtaking spectacles like schooling rays and large pelagic fish. Wreck diving aficionados will be drawn to Terceira and Graciosa islands, home to fascinating sites such as the Terceirense, Lidador, and the eerie Anchor Graveyard. Although the occidental group is less developed for diving, it surprises with its seasonal visits from migrating whales and mating mobula and manta rays. Popular dive sites here include the Gamela, Baxia do Buraco, and Caneiro dos Meros, each offering unique experiences. The Azores' varied environments and plentiful marine life make it a top destination for divers seeking both adventure and tranquility beneath the waves.

Courses and Events

Professional Onboarding Scuba Instructor Crossover

The intent of the SSI CROSSOVER program for dive professionals is to provide guidance for SSI's philosophies and procedures to professionals at other recognized dive training agencies. You are given the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct SSI programs equivalent to your current qualifications in a safe and fun way. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be certified as an SSI Dive Professional level according to your prior certification and experience as a dive professional.
EUR 750.00

Specialty Instructor Computer Diving

Get Specialty Instructor Computer Diving!SSI designed the Computer Diving program to help certified divers become familiar with the features and benefits of using a dive computer. By understanding and knowing how to use all the functions of a dive computer, you will not only increase your dive safety but also make planning and executing your dive easier.The SSI Computer Diving program explores the functions and capabilities of different dive computers and explains how to use these functions before, during, and after your dive. Often, divers purchase a computer and only use it for its basic information. Get the most out of your investment by learning to use your dive computer to its full potential.

18 February
EUR 190.00

Freediver

Quando se torna num freediver de Nível 1 da SSI, abre a porta para um mundo de oportunidades de mergulho livre. Aprender como praticar mergulho livre com a SSI é mais fácil do que pensa. Neste programa, a formação online, as sessões em piscina/águas confinadas e os mergulhos em águas abertas são combinados para o ajudar a se tornar um freediver seguro e confiante em todos os momentos. Uma vez certificado, pode praticar mergulho livre com um parceiro em águas aberta até à profundidade de 20 metros e explorar uma variedade deslumbrante de ecossistemas subaquáticos por todo o mundo. Comece online hoje mesmo.
EUR 395.00

Open Water Diver

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

02 March +4 More
EUR 445.00

Assistant Instructor Trainer

Assistant Instructor Trainers prepare Assistant Instructors to teach academics and conduct in-water training. As an Assistant Instructor Trainer, you are also qualified to assist Instructor Trainers, giving you valuable experience along your scuba diving instructor pathway. When ready, you can finish the Instructor Training Seminar, allowing you to become an SSI Instructor Trainer. Start your journey to create scuba diving instructors today.

11 March
EUR 775.00

Assistant Instructor

The Assistant Instructor rating is the next step after becoming a Divemaster along the scuba instructor pathway. It allows you to collect valuable teaching experience, practice briefings, teach academics, and conduct in-water training.If you want to further your career as a dive professional, you can finish the Instructor Training Course, pass the Instructor Evaluation, and become an Open Water Diving Instructor.

13 March
EUR 750.00

Open Water Instructor (Instructor Training Course ITC)

Get started today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to participate in SSI's 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with the combination of Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course, accompanied by Digital Learning. Upon successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC), you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10-day training program entitles you to teach several major SSI programs independently, such as Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Dive Guide. For those who wish to dedicate more time to learning and gain valuable teaching experience between training programs, the 3 parts can also be done as single steps – Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE), one after the other, at your own pace and with a flexible schedule.

19 March
EUR 750.00

Open Water Instructor

Get started today - You need to be a Divemaster or equivalent to participate in SSI's 3-Step Instructor Training Approach. The training process starts with the combination of Assistant Instructor / Instructor Training Course, accompanied by Digital Learning. Upon successful completion of the Instructor Training Course (ITC), you will enroll in an Instructor Evaluation (IE) to qualify as an SSI Open Water Instructor. This 10-day training program entitles you to teach several major SSI programs independently, such as Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Diver Stress & Rescue, and Dive Guide. For those who wish to dedicate more time to learning and gain valuable teaching experience between training programs, the 3 parts can also be done as single steps – Assistant Instructor, Instructor Training Course (ITC) and Instructor Evaluation (IE), one after the other, at your own pace and with a flexible schedule.

24 March
EUR 550.00

Professional Onboarding Scuba Instructor Crossover

The intent of the SSI CROSSOVER program for dive professionals is to provide guidance for SSI's philosophies and procedures to professionals at other recognized dive training agencies. You are given the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct SSI programs equivalent to your current qualifications in a safe and fun way. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be certified as an SSI Dive Professional level according to your prior certification and experience as a dive professional.

13 April
EUR 750.00

Dive Activity

Diving in Azores

The Azores, an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, offers diverse diving opportunities with its pristine waters and rich marine life. One of the top dive sites is the "Dori" wreck, a WWII Liberty ship located near São Miguel Island. This site is a favorite among wreck divers for its accessible depth and vibrant fish life.

For those who prefer shore diving, the Santa Maria Island offers stunning volcanic rock formations and abundant marine species. Unique experiences include night dives where divers can witness bioluminescent organisms. Both shore and liveaboard options are available, catering to different preferences and providing flexibility for dive travelers to explore these underwater wonders.

Top Wildlife Sightings in Azores

The Azores, a stunning archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, boast a rich marine ecosystem that attracts divers from around the world. The surrounding waters are home to a diverse range of reef fish such as the ornate wrasse, parrotfish, and damselfish, which can be seen year-round exploring the vibrant underwater landscapes. These colorful species thrive in the temperate waters and are common sights on any dive. During certain times of the year, the Azores also become a hotspot for larger marine creatures. Between June and October, divers have the chance to encounter blue sharks and mako sharks, drawn to the region by the nutrient-rich currents. Additionally, loggerhead turtles and various species of rays, including the graceful mobula rays, are often spotted gliding through the waters. These seasonal highlights make the Azores a thrilling diving destination, offering unique wildlife encounters at different times of the year.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
1.8k Sightings
J
8
F
6
M
7
A
64
M
92
J
173
J
378
A
530
S
347
O
147
N
44
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 27

iStock-Global_Pics

Barracuda
1.3k Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
13
A
50
M
77
J
108
J
227
A
370
S
258
O
112
N
37
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
741 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
5
A
22
M
36
J
68
J
120
A
250
S
159
O
63
N
4
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
460 Sightings
J
3
F
8
M
1
A
37
M
46
J
43
J
97
A
121
S
56
O
35
N
9
D
4
iStock-crisod

Reef Manta Ray
228 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
19
J
40
A
65
S
73
O
30
N
0
D
0
iStock/Divepic

Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
209 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
15
J
41
A
71
S
64
O
18
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
1.5k Sightings
J
7
F
12
M
10
A
58
M
84
J
128
J
321
A
434
S
276
O
128
N
24
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
1.1k Sightings
J
1
F
4
M
19
A
58
M
99
J
123
J
268
A
314
S
152
O
57
N
14
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
924 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
10
A
46
M
64
J
110
J
186
A
305
S
120
O
57
N
19
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
714 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
10
A
14
M
76
J
66
J
190
A
192
S
91
O
52
N
21
D
2
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
619 Sightings
J
1
F
6
M
6
A
7
M
8
J
33
J
202
A
165
S
116
O
51
N
18
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.

Flounder
349 Sightings
J
0
F
4
M
1
A
10
M
29
J
33
J
92
A
88
S
45
O
33
N
12
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
291 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
3
M
5
J
34
J
93
A
88
S
45
O
20
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
277 Sightings
J
0
F
3
M
4
A
17
M
39
J
18
J
78
A
74
S
23
O
21
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
223 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
5
M
37
J
16
J
80
A
79
S
5
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
166 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
3
A
9
M
5
J
4
J
34
A
59
S
18
O
14
N
5
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
152 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
0
A
1
M
7
J
13
J
41
A
38
S
27
O
13
N
7
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
141 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
8
J
13
J
47
A
55
S
6
O
6
N
2
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan

Tuna
124 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
3
A
0
M
1
J
1
J
16
A
42
S
49
O
10
N
1
D
0

The best Months to dive in Azores

The Azores offers year-round diving opportunities, characterized by diverse marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The islands enjoy mild maritime weather, ensuring diving is possible throughout the year. Water temperatures range from 16°C–22°C/61°F–72°F, with the warmest conditions occurring between July and September. During these months, divers can experience pleasant underwater environments ideal for exploration. Visibility in the Azores varies, typically ranging from 15 to 30 meters/49 to 98 feet, depending on weather conditions. Autumn and winter can bring stronger winds and currents, slightly reducing visibility and making some dive spots less accessible. However, these conditions also attract larger pelagic species, offering a different diving experience. While diving is viable year-round, planning trips during the summer months may provide the most favorable conditions for divers seeking calm seas and warmer waters.

Dive Centers

BEST SPOT AZORES DIVE CENTER

Marina Pêro de Teive - Kiosk B, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada, PO23 - PRT

AZZURRO - Dive Academy, Not Only Diving...

Clube Naval de Rabo de Peixe, 9600-118 Rabo de Peixe, PO23 - PRT

AZORES SUB - DIVE CENTER, Centro Escola e Loja de Mergulho

Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, loja 6, 9680-909 Vila Franca do Campo, PO23 - PRT

Azoresdiving/Açordiving SSI/Mares Dive Center, AZORESDIVING

Av. Joáo Bosco Mota Amaral, Marina Pêro de Teive, Kiosk A, 9500-771 Ponta Delgada, PO23 - PRT

Octopus diving center

Avenida Beira Mar nº27, 9760-997 Praia da Vitória, PO23 - PRT

Sea Riders Dive Center

Cais de Santa Cruz, Marina da Horta, Loja A6, 9900-018 Horta, PO23 - PRT

DEEP BLUE Azores diving Center

LUGAR PORTO DAS PIPAS S/N, 9700-154 ANGRA DO HEROISMO, PO23 - PRT

Scubazores Divers, ScubAzores Divers

Estrada Regional N 1 Silveira- Angra do Heroísmo, 9700-193 Angra do Heroísmo, PO23 - PRT

Espírito Azul Dive Center, Espirito Azul Dive Center

Marina de Vila Franca do Campo, 9680-024 Vila Franca do Campo, PO23 - PRT

7 Mares

Centro de Empresas da Horta - Edificio Adeliaçor Gab 2, 9900-069 Horta, PO23 - PRT

Dive Azores

HORTA MARINA, FAIAL ISLAND, 9900-117 Horta, PO23 - PRT

Mantamaria Dive Center Azores

Marina de Vila do Porto, 9580-541 Vila Do Porto, PO23 - PRT

Terceira Adventures, TERCEIRA ADVENTURES

Edificio Polivalente AHR 40 - Porto das Pipas, 9700-154 Angra do Heroismo, PO23 - PRT

Dive Sites

Octopus diving center, 9760-997 Praia da Vitória

Dom João de Castro (★4.1)

The Dom João de Castro Bank is an underwater volcanic seamount in the Azores, Portugal, renowned for its vibrant marine life and unique geothermal activity. Rising to just 13m below the surface, it features stunning coral gardens, hydrothermal vents, and abundant fish species, perfect for advanced divers.
AZORES SCUBA DIVING & FREEDIVING ACADEMY, 9500-711 Ponta Delgada

Formigas (★4.6)

This location offers a wide variety of dive sites including the ’Olympia’ shipwreck located on the southwest side of the islets (between 30 and 50 metres deep), a small reef that is only 8 metres deep, many dives along the wall of the islets and also several reefs to the north.
Hans-Dieter W. (#3638149)

Princesa Alice (★4.8)

Located about 85 km offshore from Pico Island, Princess Alice Bank is a world-renowned mid-Atlantic seamount that rises dramatically from over 1,000 metres deep to just 35 metres below the surface. Accessible by boat from Horta or Madalena (approx. 3 hours).
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Banco Dollabarat (★4.4)

A huge seamount located on the protected offshore area of São Miguel and Santa Maria Islands. With water coming from deeps more than 200 m to the surface (Dollabarat for instance is a dive point that can start just of around 5 meters from the surface). All this create an upwelling flow of the nutrients.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Ambrósio (★4.6)

Imagine a dive site you can reach by daily trips from Santa Maria Island where, when the water temperature is, more or less above 22 ºC (between July and October), on more than 90% of the dives there, you can have many big mantas (mobulas) around you all the time – sometimes with more than 30 mobulas.