The Azores is fast becoming the go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts and offers a myriad of holiday pursuits over the summer months. Just a three-and-a-half hour flight away, this volcanic archipelago is a unique destination, enriched with emerald-green scenery, beautiful rugged landscapes and fascinating geology which makes for an awe-inspiring backdrop to any activity-based escape.
Board Basis: Self Catering
Day 1 - Day of arrival
Saturday - Arrive at Ponta Delgada airport and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel
Day 2 - Whale & Dolphin Watching (Ponta Delgada)
Sunday - Whale & Dolphin Watching - Depart at 08:30 for a whale and dolphin watching trip (3-hours). The Azorean waters attract an impressive number of cetacean activity - 24 of the world’s 80 species have been sighted off the islands’ coast, including pods of Sperm, Pilot, Backed, Fin, Sei, Humpback and Blue whales. The emphasis of these trips is not only to see the mammals in their natural habitat, but also on teaching and conservation. A marine biologist will introduce the cetaceans and discuss their habitat, communication and behavioural patterns.
Free afternoon. Why not explore the delights of Furnas? This spa town is one of the largest thermal water sources in the world, and in addition to its beautiful azalea bordered lake, is home to a 30 acre botanical garden of great international importance. Terra Nostra garden was the brainchild of Thomas Hickling the US Consul General stationed in São Miguel. The park originally opened in 1780 and features thousands of botanical samples from as far as Asia as well as a large swimming pool fed by naturally heated water.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Whale Hunting, Sao Miguel
Day 3 - Coasteering
Monday – Coasteering
Coasteering is a combination of swimming, climbing and jumping in some of the most spectacular scenery of cliffs and waterfalls on the island of São Miguel. The volcanic island coastline hides areas that few ever get to see.
This adventure involves scrambling and traversing the tide line, snorkelling and swimming, climbing or cliff jumping into salty water. Free afternoon.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Lake Fogo, Sao Miguel
Day 4 - Canyoning
Tuesday – Canyoning
Canyoning is an exciting combination of walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling and swimming in some of the most spectacular scenery of cliffs on the island of São Miguel.
It has become a very popular extreme sport with fans all over the world and provides a unique experience in the middle of nature and at the same time moments of pure adrenaline. Free afternoon.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Canyoning
Day 5 - Bike Tour
Wednesday – Bike tour (Sete Cidades) and SPA (Ferraria)
Morning departure from Sete Cidades by mountain bike. Pedal along trails through this volcanic massif and discover beautiful landscapes of dense and verdant vegetation and with lakes and the shimmering blue of the ocean as a backdrop. The trails are selected depending on each person’s fitness level and technique. Lunch stop (included). In the afternoon, enjoy the facilities of the SPA Ferraria, famous for its healing thermal waters. The Spa experience includes use of a sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and thermal indoor and outdoor pools – sea water temperature about 38ºC.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel
Bike tour, Sete Cidades, Sao Miguel
Day 6 - Swimming with Dolphins (Ponta Delgada)
Thursday – OPTIONAL Swimming with Dolphins (Ponta Delgada)
Day at leisure. Book an experience of a lifetime and swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. Water babies should take the plunge and swim alongside Common, Bottlenose, Risso and Atlantic Spotted dolphins in the blue Atlantic waters ten miles off shore. Summer months are the best to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, as this is when the sea is at its calmest and dolphins are most numerous. During the rest of the three-hour trip, those onboard will also be able to spot Sperm, Pilot and Beaked whales, and possibly even sea turtles.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Dolphins, Sao Miguel
Day 7 - Day at leisure
Friday - Day at leisure. Free day to explore the island or sit back and relax by the pool with a good book.
Overnight at Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel.
Furnas Lake Forest Living, Sao Miguel
Day 8 - Day of departure
Saturday - Transfer to Ponta Delgada airport for the return flight home.