The Azores are very suitable for action, the possibilities for hiking, climbing, cycling, snorkeling, diving and swimming are endlessly varied. Hiking and biking trails are readily available on all islands. There is a large variety of these and the views are often breathtaking, wherever and in whatever season you are there.
“The Azores are very suitable for action. At São Miguel you can swim in the sea around hot springs, an experience in itself. “
Furthermore, there are snorkeling and diving spots at all levels, for beginners to advanced. The waters around the Azores are rich in a wide range of iconic marine life, from fish swimming in schools, octopuses, moray eels, dolphins and whales, as well as various species of rays, (whale) sharks and tuna. In particular, Sao Miguel, Santa Maria, Faial and Pico are good places to do this. In addition to marine life, there are several shipwrecks and reefs to visit. The uninhabited islands of Formigas islets and the Dollabarat Seamount are known for excellent underwater visibility.
At Sao Miguel you can swim in the sea around hot springs, an experience in itself.
On Pico, there are also several beautiful swimming spots in the sea, between the cliffs.
And then you can go diving at the Princess Alice seamount, perhaps the most important diving site of the entire archipelago. In total, this particular area alone covers almost 100 km², though almost everything is too deep to dive. Except then, for this seamount, the tip of which lies at a depth of 35 meters. A fairly remote location, 90 km southwest of Pico, about 2.5 – 3 hours by boat, where you can dive to decent depths and under challenging conditions. There you do have a really good chance to encounter special marine life. Despite its (commercial) fishing potential, the area is now completely protected because of precisely that enormous biodiversity.
