Sports and leisure activities São Miguel

The island of São Miguel, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, offers two splendid golf courses: the Batalha golf course and the Furnas golf course. Breathtaking scenery motivates us to get the game going! The Batalha course comprises 27 holes, with wide fairways and well-designed bunkers. The 18-hole Furnas golf course is set in a volcanic landscape in one of the most beautiful areas of the island: Furnas, close to the beautiful Lagoa and the Terra Nostra thermal waters. Perfect for testing your skills. Enjoy your game!

A serious company offering a wide range of activities: hiking, horseback riding, 4x4 tours, mountain biking, diving, swimming with dolphins, whale watching, boat trips, rock climbing, canyoning... and much more besides. It's hard not to find what you're looking for! Competent professionals who are happy to share their knowledge. An experienced and dynamic team that strives to provide you with magical moments. You can count on Catia and Tiago to engrave your stay and your experiences in your memory.

If you're a sports fan, you're bound to find something to suit you! Big Blue offers a wide range of outdoor activities: hikes to discover the island's sublime landscapes, boat tours in search of cetaceans or snorkeling with dolphins! You can also become a chef for a day and learn how to cook a local dish. Full-day or half-day, anything is possible, anything is possible! The agency can also organize your transfers to and from Ponta Delgada airport.

Terra Azul, a marine ecotourism operator specializing in cetacean watching since 2001, organizes daily outings from the Vila Franca marina. The archipelago is a unique place to observe marine fauna - 98% chance of seeing cetaceans, 4 resident cetacean species (including sperm whales) and, from March onwards, up to 24 species. The agency offers 2 exclusive tours: Ilhéu da Vila Franca Nature Reserve and Whaling Heritage.

The reference surf school in the Azores! Training courses and introductory courses, but also in bodyboard.

An excellent diving centre, very serious. Possibility of dives for all levels and, above all, we will welcome you and train you in French. A very good place for sea lovers who can discover the volcanic reefs, underwater caves, shipwrecks and above all the great diversity of aquatic life in this Atlantic region. Possibility of a diving cruise or a sailboat trip on another island by luxury catamaran.

Before Lombadas, a path on the right leads you to Monte Escuro (889 metres above sea level), the starting point of a very beautiful hike that will take you to zero level - Vila Franca do Campo -, via the Pico da Vela, then the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Paz. The walk is quite easy, no need to be a great walker to enjoy it. Be sure to wear good shoes, and check before you commit to the weather conditions. A very beautiful hike.

One of the largest marinas in the Azores, though less well known than Horta. In Ponta Delgada, it's rather modern and therefore less charming. Boaters from all walks of life who disembark here have taken to leaving their signatures in the form of paint along the banks (as in Horta). It's a seductive touch! You'll find some good restaurants, bars, kiosks for agencies operating at sea and, of course, all the services for sailors and their ships. French is often heard around here...

In the village, a recognized scuba diving and observation centre. It is kept by a couple, and you can discover the seabed with a monitor or only if you have the required diplomas.

For swimming, diving, sailing, canoeing and jet-skiing. You can also take sailing lessons. The Ponta Delgada Naval Club's maritime vocation is second to none. For over 100 years, its ability to organize events has made it a benchmark. The main objective is always to promote and develop nautical leisure activities, involving hundreds of young people and thousands of active members every year.

The only water park on the island, overlooking the sea. The site is rather small, with 6 slides, a pool and a children's pool. Deckchairs and parasols for hire (€3). Snacks available (picnics not allowed). A nice alternative if you're traveling with toddlers and the day is sunny. On the other hand, there's nothing typical or authentic about it, as you'd expect! It's the kind of water park you'd expect to find in any tourist area. If you don't have children, don't bother. It's still expensive for what you get.

A spectacular golf course in the middle of a powerful volcanic landscape and lush tropical vegetation. Mackenzie Ross established the first nine holes of the course in 1936 and is the first golf course on the island. Developed brilliantly by architects Bob Cameron and Chris Powell in 1992, the course now features 18 British-style holes and a clubhouse. The Furnas golf course is located in one of the most beautiful regions of São Miguel Island, on a plateau at the top of the valley.

Village Yachts offers another way to discover the Azores: on board yacht, you can explore the island or surf off the coast stopping to swim, walking and visiting the most interesting places. You can also go Santa Maria and in Formigas, see the cetaceans and walk yourself. If the stay is 2 days or more, the hotel night, meals and transportation to and from the hotel are available. For other stays, it provides a snack or a meal.

If you're tempted by the unusual experience of a skippered excursion, SailZen's offer should delight you. Aboard their 14-meter sailboat, Irró, André and Ana offer 6 to 10-day cruises around the islands, in the form of private or shared trips. Unforgettable vacations in the Azores, cradled in peace and quiet. There's nothing better than enjoying the ocean when the engine is off, or admiring the sunset from the sea. An adventure not to be missed if you've got your sea legs, to discover the archipelago in a different way.

This agency offers discovery and adventure activities on the island, both on land and at sea: hiking and mountain biking, fishing trips and 4x4 or van tours. Walking tours take you along magnificent paths, through unspoilt vegetation and overlooking unforgettable landscapes! For the more sporty, hop on your mountain bike to climb ridges, traverse hills and unexploited paths and enchanted parishes. Finally, in a 4x4, between main roads and wilderness trails, São Miguel is yours to discover.

Serious agency offering a small range of nautical activities in the marina. Here you can rent kayaks and snorkeling equipment to set off on your own adventure, and why not tour the islet of Vila Franca on your own! For the less adventurous, board a glass-bottomed boat to admire the marine fauna, or go whale watching with a biologist. The team takes great care of its customers, and the equipment provided is of good quality and in good condition, making for an excellent time at sea.

This agency, based in Ponta Delgada marina, organizes sea excursions to see sperm whales and dolphins, as well as kayaking, boating, canyoning and coasteering. Land-based activities include hiking, cycling, jeep and van tours around Sete Citades and Furnas. The staff are passionate about what they do, and don't hesitate to give of their time to ensure you have the best possible, environmentally-friendly experience. Recommended.

A beautiful place to perfect your swing. This course, designed by Cameron Powell in 1986, offers 27 holes of golf on 120 hectares. Its magnificent setting, nestled at the foot of the surrounding hills and offering a breathtaking view of the ocean, offers large, generous greens. Fairways and bunkers with sinuous contours. You can rent all the equipment on site. Also check the website, there are sometimes promotions on green fees. Its clubhouse offers a unique setting. A great option on São Miguel.

This small agency organizes horse-riding tours to discover the fabulous landscapes of Sete Cidades or the coastline and its steep cliffs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, it's an original experience that João's joviality makes unforgettable. Pedagogical, attentive and patient, he welcomes you with a smile and guides you through the ride. The horses are in good health, very well treated and cared for. A great way to discover the island.

What would a trip to São Miguel be without canyoning? The island's waterfalls, gorges, streams and lush vegetation lend themselves perfectly to this type of activity! For those who want to try their hand at adventure, Azorean Active Blueberry offers experiences for all levels, especially in the Ribeira dos Caldeirões park. You're sure to have an unforgettable time thanks to the professionalism and good humor of their guides. As a bonus, you'll leave with photos and videos taken along the way. Highly recommended.