Water sports and leisure activities The Azores

A Frenchman, Serge Viallelle (sadly deceased in 2019), fell in love with the Azores and settled there in 1987. He was the first to organize outings to observe cetaceans. He was also the very first author of the Petit Futé guide to the Azores! After a 20-minute presentation, you can head out to sea on a 10 m semi-rigid boat and meet the mammal. Arm yourself with a camera and expect a few thrills. You'll need to know how to swim, and approach this adventure in a sporting spirit.

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 diving centre is run by a couple of young marine biologists. Underwater exploration is therefore carried out in an environmentally friendly way and with specialists who can provide you with information about cetaceans. They take pride in providing their clients with a highly personalized and professional service. Environmental responsibility is a top priority and they firmly believe that they must educate, involve and inspire people about the world's marine ecosystems and their incredible inhabitants.

Peter's bar also offers whale watching excursions, by the day or half-day. For these, head for the Peter Zee base. The outings take place aboard comfortable boats (with on-board toilets), but with little privacy. The organization also offers whale-watching picnics from land (in the viagas), diving, hiking, cycling, mountain bike rental and more. For further information, visit the website or go directly to the site, next to the legendary Peter Café Sport.

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.

You can rent diving equipment and practice all the classic nautical activities: jet-ski, deep-sea fishing, sailing... Santa Maria Island is a real paradise for this kind of activities, so don't hesitate. The naval club also has a nice and lively bar. The naval club is therefore a must for your entertainment. Tournaments are organized throughout the year and come to animate the small port of the island and its surroundings.

Specializing in water sports since 2009, Ocean Emotion operates on the island of Terceira, with an office in the Angra do Heroísmo marina. Our aim is to provide you with the best possible experience, with the highest standards of comfort and service, and a responsible commitment to research and the environment. So you can discover cetaceans, swim with dolphins, go snorkeling, enjoy a sunset and aperitif at sea, and much more. A very good address.

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...

This water sports centre has an antenna on Praia da Vitoria beach. Open only during the summer (July and August), it offers you the opportunity to practice many activities. For the more sporty: kayak, canoe or pedal boat. For those who want to try a new experience: water skiing. Finally, for those who want to have fun with friends, get on a towed banana! The team is dynamic. A great opportunity to spend a good time on the water, with family or friends.

This blog in English, made by a surfing hobby, gives you some information about the good spots.

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.

A very small but serious club. A true lover of the sea, Pedro (who speaks French) provides invaluable advice and recommendations. Excursions are carried out in small boats to minimize disturbance to the animals and ensure an intimate atmosphere. In addition to these marine activities, the manager also offers land-based activities. Please note: prices are degressive according to the number of people. We recommend this agency 100% for simple, exceptional moments.

Pioneer for observation of cetaceans in Faial, this is the most recommendable centre in the central group. 1 cabin boats and 3 semi-rigid to observe whales (54 € per person, degressive for groups), swimming with dolphins (65 €, degressive also), diving with bottles (35 € per person) or fishing the wholesale.

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.

Everything that touches water sports by far.

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 serious diving center where you can combine long sea outings with discovering the wonders of Terceira's seabed. Many options are available, from snorkeling to diving. You can also take your first dive in complete confidence. Note: this club organizes night dives. An original and unique experience that we highly recommend. Prices are competitive, and the highly professional team promises a sea adventure to remember.

Specialized in maritime tourism, this agency offers sea trips (whale watching), diving, snorkeling, canoeing... You will be able to do just about anything related to the sea, even take your first dive. Recently, Gracipescas has also been organizing some land excursions and self-catering options in the "Casa das Faias". A complete and local experience that will allow you to discover Graciosa differently, locally and in all its forms.

Atlantiangra offers all kinds of sea trips, especially for the very popular whale watching. But you can also book to swim with dolphins, to do a snorkeling session, etc