PORTUGAL DIVING HOLIDAYS

The stunning Archipelago of the Azores consists of nine volcanic islands found in the North Atlantic Ocean, situated around 1,300 km west of Portugal and 3,900 km from North America. The islands in the Azores archipelago are separated into three groups. The Eastern group includes Santa Maria and Sao Miguel, the Central group is made up of Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial, and the Western group includes Flores and Corvo. The distance between Pico and Faial is a mere 6km, whereas the maximum distance between two islands is from Santa Maria to Corvo, measuring 600km.

The Archipelago is influenced by the Gulf Stream, providing the islands with ideal conditions for a resting place to some of the world's largest pelagic species. Featuring a rich and unique marine biodiversity, the Azorean waters host five species of sea turtles, over 20 different species of cetaceans, and about 600 species of fish, including large schools of pelagic fish, several species of sharks, graceful manta and devil rays, and friendly dusky groupers. Along with the abundance of fascinating marine life, an Azores diving holiday offers numerous underwater arches, tunnels, caves, and cliffs, providing a haven for subtropical fish and stunning silhouette photography opportunities.

Sao Miguel is the island in the Azores with the most variety to offer visitors. The cosmopolitan town of Ponta Delgada offers the visitor a mixture of contemporary lifestyle with a historic flavour. Sao Miguel's monuments, turn of the century architecture, parks and cobblestone streets are interlaced with a modern marina, nice restaurants, shopping, bars, night-clubs, and ocean-front cafes.