Advanced Open Water Diver
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July 2, 2026
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.
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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 approx.: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1.8k Sightings
J
8
F
5
M
19
A
67
M
92
J
173
J
380
A
535
S
349
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 approx.: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
1.4k Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
21
A
54
M
77
J
108
J
260
A
391
S
296
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 approx.: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
741 Sightings
J
4
F
4
M
8
A
19
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 approx.: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
456 Sightings
J
3
F
7
M
1
A
34
M
46
J
43
J
97
A
121
S
56
O
35
N
9
D
4
iStock-crisod
Reef Manta Ray
311 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
1
J
19
J
74
A
94
S
93
O
30
N
0
D
0
iStock/Divepic
Giant Oceanic Manta Ray
290 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
16
J
64
A
93
S
99
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 approx.: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
1.5k Sightings
J
7
F
12
M
7
A
58
M
84
J
128
J
334
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 approx.: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
1.1k Sightings
J
1
F
3
M
11
A
53
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 approx.: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
954 Sightings
J
2
F
4
M
14
A
46
M
64
J
110
J
201
A
316
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 approx.: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
713 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
10
A
13
M
76
J
66
J
190
A
192
S
91
O
52
N
21
D
2
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.
