Terceira (PT) – Santa Maria (PT) – Sao Miguel (PT)

26 august (16h00) – 31 august (10h00)

We start our island hopping adventure from Terceira, docked in UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroísmo, the Azores’ oldest city, with its 16th-century fortress and Renaissance town.

Before embarking consider visiting Algar do Carvão with its 90m-deep volcanic chimney, and the island’s small vineyards and lava-rock bathing pools in Biscoitos are popular tourist sites.

As we sail southeast to Santa Maria Island keep an eye open for sperm whales hunting in the deep channels for giant squid, and there’s always a chance to sight blue, fin and sei whales. Bottlenose, Atlantic spotted and common dolphins are also found here at this time of the year.

We dock on the serene island of Santa Maria in Vila do Porto, characterized by old-world architecture and pretty churches which overlook a breath-taking view over the crystal clear  waters to the south, and Praia Formosa, the only white sand beach of the Azores.

Further south east is Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse surrounded by the most iconic landscapes on the entire island.  The nearby Fábrica da Baleia do Castelo reminds us of the past banned whaling industry, with other sights including Aveiro Waterfall, Maia’s Vineyards which produce “vinho de cheiro”, only for domestic consumption, and the astonishing Barreiro da Faneca, nicknamed the “Red Desert of the Azores”, created by 4 million years Lava flows and volcanic ash.

If you’re drawn more to the ocean, consider booking a dive boat to the hunting grounds of one of the oceans most gentle giants.  Snorkeling or diving alongside a whale shark, the world’s largest fish species, is arguably one of the most breathtaking marine experiences on the planet. Surrounded by several large tunas and countless other species of fish, these giants of the sea pass close to Santa Maria as they make their way across the Atlantic.  Santa Maria is the island most visited by this colossus of the sea.  It is possible to spot them during a coastal dive, but you are more likely to swim with one further off the coast.

Too soon we must sail north for Sao Miguel, but the mid-Atlantic cosmopolitan city of Ponta Delgada waits, complemented by an island lush in greenery, geothermal wonders, and charming villages.

We disembark after a sumptuous deck BBQ and an evening of celebrations with fellow shipmates.

Consider exploring the natural hot springs, volcanic craters, and breathtaking vistas that offer a fitting conclusion to your unforgettable tall ship voyage.  To the west lie Sete Cidades volcanic lakes, a testament to the island’s fiery past, and the Azores’ most recognized natural monument.

Weather:

August graces the Azores with pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F), providing an ideal climate for both sailing and exploring the islands.

• When preparing for your voyage please bear in mind:-
• Your passport must have at least 6 months validity at the time of travel
• The SMM is granted no flexibility for the embarkation and disembarkation times from the customs authorities
• All guests must be between the age of 14 and 80 yrs at the time of travel

For this product Portuguese taxation will be applied. If you require an invoice it is necessary to request it to Santa Manuel Manuela S.A. with tax code PT-515 755 028.