Expedition to the Azores
Duration
Team level
Activity level
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About the event
- Start
- São Miguel Island, Portugal
- Finish
- Terceira Island, Portugal
The Azores is an archipelago of 9 islands in the very center of the Atlantic Ocean. On the one hand, there is no tourist glamor here, on the other, there are a lot of interesting things: excellent beaches, diving, trekking, rich history, and, of course, whale watching. The Azores are one of the best spots for whale watching - here, there are the main migration routes of several species. There are also caves, volcanoes, and geysers.
If you like gastronomic experience you will be happy to try the most delicious cheese in Portugal (according to the Portuguese themselves); there are also several wineries and an unusual wine museum in a 17th-century church.
The journey will last 8 days, starting at the Ponta Delgada Marina on São Miguel Island and finishing on Terceira Island. In the second week of the trip, there will be the same route in the opposite direction. We have carefully thought out the details of the trip, but the waters of the Azores are very difficult, so the final route is created by the skipper depending on the weather, the state of the crew, and the characteristics of the boat.
Why the Azores?
To enjoy nature
The Azores is an archipelago of islands that are completely different from each other. Some are densely covered with forest, while others, on the contrary, are covered with black volcanic sand. On the yacht, we can easily get to the most interesting places.
To watch whales
The coastal waters of the Azores are home to 23 species of whales. This is the third of all existing whale species in the world. People from different countries come here to watch them. We will also try to find them and see them up close.
To see more
The Azores is an island region, so there are many places that cannot be reached by car. On the yacht we will be able to visit the most interesting locations: we will see deserted rocky shores, quiet coves, small villages and vineyards.
Offers and pricing
One place in the team, accommodation on the yacht
€1,340per person · whole trip
What the price covers
What is included in the price: - Accommodation in double cabins - Professional skipper services - Learning the basics of yachting - Safety briefing - Bed linen - An inflatable boat with a motor - A fresh issue of the "Sila Vetra" magazine What is not included: - Airplane tickets and visa - Sports insurance (optional) - Expenses on a yacht (food and fuel) - about 200-300 euros/person per week - The trip to the marina and back - Excursions to museums, sightseeing, and other activities ashore (for example, renting a car)
Itinerary
- Saturday
DAYS 1 - 3 SAN MIGUEL The day after the check-in on the yacht, meeting the team and buying food, we will rent a car and start exploring one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago. San Miguel has mountains, thermal springs, geysers, lakes, parks, ancient cities with museums, and beautiful architecture. We will drive to Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde - a pair of unusual lakes formed in the crater of a volcano with green and blue water. We can devote another day to a trip to the natural parks with thermal springs - Caldeira Velha and Terra Nostra Park. The latter was founded in the 18th century; it contains a unique collection of plants from all over the world.
DAYS 4 - 5 FAIAL The trip to Faial is the largest yacht crossing on the voyage. We will spend about 30 hours in the ocean and might see whales along the way. There are martian landscapes on the island and the crater of the largest volcano on the island - Caldeira and the Capelinhos volcano in the west. There is a very beautiful lighthouse at its foot. We will continue the day with a walk to the most beautiful beach of the archipelago - Porto Pim. If you want some civilization, you can go to the Scrimshaw Museum. There are hundreds of coins with nautical motives such as ships, mermaids, and whales.
- Thursday
DAY 6 PICO The mountain of the same name is located on Pico - this is the highest point in Portugal (2351 meters). Pico is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the mountain with the largest underwater part. The famous vineyards are located on the slopes. We will try the Verdelho do Pico wine, which has been produced on the island for over 6 centuries. In the coastal waters of the island 23 species of whales live. This is 1/3 of all existing whale species in the world.
DAY 7 - 8 TERCEIRA On Terceira, we will rent a car and set off to explore the local villages, natural parks, and caves. On the island, you should see the volcano, and also take a stroll around the beautiful capital of the island, Angra do Heroísmo, which was founded in 1478 and is literally a "historical open-air museum", it is protected by UNESCO. Check-out from the yacht the next morning.
Location
SAN MIGUEL — FAIAL — PICO — TERCEIRA