Azores
Mid-Atlantic seamounts where groups of mobula rays circle in blue water.
At a glance
- Best months
- July to September
- Water
- 15–24°CAbout 20–24°C in summer; much colder in winter
- Visibility
- 15–30 m
- Current
- ModerateModerate; offshore seamounts can be strong
- Certification
- AdvancedSome sites possible for Open Water
- How you dive
- Land-based
When to go
July to September; June and October are shoulder months.
Overview
The Azores are a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the North Atlantic, belonging to Portugal. Their reputation in diving comes from offshore seamounts, where groups of giant mobula rays gather in summer in deep, clear blue water.
The best known is Princess Alice Bank, a long boat ride from Pico or Faial. It is an open-ocean dive, and operators usually require Advanced certification and around 50 logged dives. Coastal diving around the islands is easier and features volcanic rock formations and Atlantic marine life.
The season is short. July to September brings the calmest seas and water around 20 to 24°C, and that is when the offshore trips run. Outside summer the water is much colder and the Atlantic weather limits diving.
Who it suits
Open Water for coastal dives. Offshore banks such as Princess Alice usually require Advanced certification and around 50 logged dives.
What you'll see
Know the risks
- Long boat rides to offshore banks
- Open-ocean conditions
- Short season
Sources
Last reviewed 2026-10. Where sources disagree we use the more conservative range.