The Azores are a perfect destination for diving in the Atlantic Ocean. However, it is complicated to choose the right destination since the Azores are a set of 9 islands. Each island has its own particularity. However, it is possible to dive on the majority of the islands. If you are still unsure of which island to visit, I advise you to consult my articles on " the Azores: which island to choose "Or my article" or dive in the Azores? ».
The island of Sao Miguel is a excellent choice for diving in the Azores because you can easily alternate between diving and discovery of the island with all other activities available on Sao Miguel.
When to dive in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
Sao Miguel is themost visited and most famous island in the Azores. There is a large number of diving spots accessible for all levels. Indeed, whether you are snorkeling or you want to do a first dive or you are an experienced diver, you will find your happiness around this island.
Sao Miguel offers a pleasant climate all year round to dive. However, the best season for diving is between June and October.
On the island, the air temperature fluctuates between 14 ° C and 26 ° C and water temperature between 16 ° C and 20 ° C.
What is the price of a dive in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
The price of a dive in Sao Miguel varies according to several criteria:
- The spot chosen for diving
- The chosen diving club
- Whether or not you need to rent scuba diving equipment
As a rule, dive centers located in the same location will have similar prices.
In Sao Miguel, count approximately:
- An excursion in snorkeling: 30 € / 40 €
- Simple dive: 40 € / 60 €
- Double dive: between € 75 and € 100
- Equipment: 20 € / 30 €
- PADI certificate Open Water: around € 470 / € 550
This is average, you will be able to find cheaper prices and others more expensive. I recommend that you do not just rely on prices when choosing your dive center. Remember that there are other essential elements to properly select your dive center.
How to choose your dive club in Sao Miguel?
Le choice of a diving club should not be taken lightly since it depends on your security et the experience you will have in the water.
You will find a large number of different diving clubs in tourist areas so I advise you to choose your club well.
When choosing your dive center, it is advisable to:
- Choose an approved diving club: opt for a structure approved or labeled by a known federation (FFESSM, PADI, SSI, etc.)
- Find out about the club: you can, among other things, visit the website, contact the club or even read the opinions and comments posted on the net.
What are the diving clubs in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
Sao Miguel Island is probably the island of the Azores which offers the largest selection of diving clubs. Indeed, we find around 6 diving clubs on the island.
However, be aware that all these diving clubs are mainly located at the marina in Ponta Delgada. Most sea expeditions leave here.
Here are the main dive clubs on the island of Sao Miguel:
- Acordiving
- Best Spot
- Azores Sub Dive Center
- Espirito Azul Dive Center : located in Vila Franca do Campo
- Scubafish
- Season Challenge
The conditions to respect when diving in Sao Miguel
In order to dive safely, it is recommended that you follow certain guidelines. Respecting these rules will benefit both you and the conservation of the seabed:
- Respect and follow the advice of your instructor
- Do not throw anything in the ocean: be it bottles, plastic, cigarette ends etc ...
- Do not touch anything underwater (both corals and fish)
What to see while diving in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
The seabed of Sao Miguel is very rich.
We find in particular:
- Manta rays, mobula
- Reef sharks
- Whales, sperm whales, orcas
- dolphins
- Wrecks
- Caves
- Nudibranchs
Where to dive in Sao Miguel in the Azores?
Sao Miguel offers many diving spots for all levels. I assure you that you will find your happiness according to your level.
Where to dive in Sao Miguel in the Azores for beginners / all levels?
The spots presented here concern people in snorkeling, those wishing to make a first dive or even more experienced divers.
| Diving spot | Interest | Depth | Ranking |
| Dori | Wreck from 1964 / one of the best spots in Sao Miguel / abundance of species | 9m-21m | 5/5 |
| Ilhéu from Vila Franca | Island with large bay / crater of a volcano / slots, canyons / protected area, peacock, parrot, moray eels, octopus, barracudas etc. | 12m-22m | 4/5 |
| Arcos da Caloura | One of the most beautiful dives / arch / many nudibranchs, royal wreaths etc | 5m-18m | 4/5 |
| Hidrotermais Fonts | located in a seismic and volcanic area | Max 10m | 3/5 |
| Baixo do Espelho | Colorful fish, moray eels, triggerfish, black coral, barber barracudas etc. | 6m-23m | 3/5 |
| Baixa do Frade | Small colorful fish, black coral, stingrays, toothed jacks, barracudas etc. | 7m-25m | 3/5 |
| Amora | Blackback swine, groupers, parrots, serrans, moray eels, saupes, liches, barracudas etc. | 15m-28m | 4/5 |
Where to dive in Sao Miguel in the Azores for intermediate divers?
Here the diving spots cited are aimed at divers holding an Open Water certificate or Advanced depending on what is specified on each dive spot.
| Diving spot | Interest | Depth | Ranking | Levels |
| Dori | Wreck from 1964 / one of the best spots in Sao Miguel / abundance of species | 16m-21m | All levels | |
| Lourencos | Technical diving / observation of pelagic mobula fish, barracudas, amberjack, toothed jacks | 20m-60m | 5/5 | Advanced |
| Ancoras do Ilheus | Many anchors at the bottom / interesting fauna | 14m-22m | 4/5 | Open Water |
| Cabeços do ilheu | Major currents / black coral, great groupers, blackback swine, barracudas, amberjack, jamantas | 25m-45m | 4/5 | Advanced |
| Baixa das Castanhetas | Underwater maze (caves, tunnels, etc.) / toothed trevally, groupers, pelagic fish, etc. | 12m-44m | 4/5 | Open Water |
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