Faial – Guide to The Azores

Diving Snorkellinkg with sharks

Norberto Serpa — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:14:46 +0000

Join us on this most exciting excursion! These trips take place from July to September, and we go to the dive site in semi-rigid boats, so it’s a half-day trip. On this trip, you’ll have the opportunity to see one of the fastest fish in the ocean, the blue shark (Prionace glauca). It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where you have the chance to be in the world of this incredible predator.

Diving with Sharks: this dive is not considered a deep dive. The divers will stay between the surface and 10 metres deep, where the bait box is placed. The boat will be drifting and the divers and snorkellers will be close to the boat. There will be a safety cable tied to the boat in case there is a strong current and for less experienced divers.

If you want to do this dive, we advise you to have several days available, as this activity is only confirmed one or two days in advance, as we are always dependent on the weather conditions and the minimum number of clients required.

Our aim is to promote the safety and sustainability of this activity, so you should follow some rules and a code of conduct when diving with sharks in the Azores:

1.- Checking the validity of your diving certificate, medical examination and number of dives logged.

2 – This activity requires a “check dive” before diving with sharks. This is a normal coastal dive with the aim of checking the diver’s experience and comfort in the water.

Filling in a Risk Assumption document is required

Snorkelling with Sharks: explanation of the activity and safety rules
Boat with skipper
Snorkelling equipment
*All equipment is included in the price

Princess Alice Bank (Diving with Mantas)

Norberto Serpa — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:48:27 +0000

Diving with manta rays (Mobula tarapacana) is considered one of the best dives in the Azores. It takes place on an underwater bank known as “Princesa Alice”, around 45 nautical miles south of the island of Faial. On this dive, you will have the opportunity to dive into the heart of the ocean with these majestic creatures. Large schools of skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana) are also occasionally spotted.

These trips take place from July to September, usually from 7.30 am to 7.00 pm. The trip lasts 3 hours each way; upon arrival, we carry out the first dive, return to the boat for an hour’s surface interval whilst having a light lunch, and then do the second dive.

Diving with manta rays is also an excellent opportunity for non-certified divers, as the manta rays and other pelagic species come to the surface. The boat is anchored and divers and freedivers stay close to the boat; safety lines will be attached to the boat for days with strong currents and for less experienced divers.

Includes

Explanation of the activity and safety rules
Boat with skipper
Dive guide
Tanks and weight belt
Snack between dives (sandwiches, water, tea, coffee, fruit and biscuits)
Excludes

Equipment is not included in the price. A charge of €20 per day applies for the hire of a full set of equipment.

Full-Day Private Tour of Faial

Andreas from Visitfaial — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 13:49:20 +0000

Highlights of the tour:

Monte da Guia
Miradouro da Lajinha
Morro de Castelo Branco
Varadouro
Capelinhos
Praia da Fajã
Caldeira
Farol da Ribeirinha
Praia do Almoxarife
Miradouro da Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Meeting point / pick up:

This full day tour starts normally at 9:00. We pick you up directly at your place of accommodation or any place of your choice in Faial. Alternatively we can meet in the city of Horta at the Largo Dr. Manuel de Arriaga on the square in front of Hotel do Canal. Please let us know your preference!

Important information:

Do not forget your camera and charge it fully
Wear adequate clothing, the weather can change quickly
Wear good and comfortable shoes
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Private guided tour for up to 6 participants
Please contact us directly for larger groups and for children’s rates

Included in the tour:

Lots of stories
Rich lunch picnic with drinks
Snacks and drinks
Personal accident insurance
Liability insurance

Faial Full-Day Tour

Matteo Carosi Cordeiro — Sat, 09 May 2026 07:36:36 +0000

Activity details

Embark on a full day tour exploring the dramatic landscapes of Faial Island. Witness the raw power of nature at the Capelinhos Volcano and the iconic Caldeira do Faial. Admire breathtaking coastal views from scenic belvederes and immerse yourself in the island’s lush greenery, giant ferns, and black sand beaches. A perfect adventure for those seeking nature’s beauty in its most striking form.

What’s included

Guide and transportation
Restaurant lunch
Museum entrance fees
Personal Accident Insurance

What’s not included

Ferry Tickets

Highlights

Capelinhos Volcano
Caldeira do Faial
Horta Marina
Secret Spots

Haven Hill Villa

Azores Properties — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 13:58:24 +0000

Haven Hill its a modernly renovated Villa by Azores Properties. Located in Horta on a 23,000 m2 private estate. The land has 5 horses on it so for people with horse allergies this might be an issue. It has several bedrooms, a pool, Airconditioning, privacy and a two terraces with a unique view over Horta bay and towards Pico island and São Jorge. The house has a spacious living room with an open kitchen. There is a table outside for dinner that seats 8 people as well in the house for 8 dining guests. There are two bathrooms one with toilet and bidet, one with toilet plus an extra toilet in the hallway. Travelling to Horta city will surely be more enjoyable than ever. This accommodation its ideal if you are travelling with a family or like more space and quiet alone or as a couple. The house is fully furnished and equipped with everything you might need for an exclusive vacation time on Faial island.

Private Half-Day Hike Around the Caldeira

Andreas from Visitfaial — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 22:19:38 +0000

Highlights of the tour:

Stunning views of Faial and the neighbouring islands
Caldeira do Faial
Cabeço Gordo

Meeting point / pick up:

This half day tour starts either at 9:00 or at 14:00, please let us know which time suits you. We pick you up directly at your place of accommodation or any place of your choice in Faial. Alternatively we can meet in the city of Horta at the Largo Dr. Manuel de Arriaga on the square in front of Hotel do Canal. Please let us know your preference!

Important information:

Do not forget your camera and charge it fully
Wear adequate clothing, the weather can change quickly
Wear good and comfortable shoes
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
Not recommended for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Only recommended in good weather conditions
Private guided tour for up to 6 participants
Please contact us directly for larger groups and for children’s rates

Included in the tour:

Lots of stories
Snacks and drinks
Personal accident insurance
Liability insurance

Triple room with private bathroom and kitchen

Daniela Hilário — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 17:07:01 +0000

Triple room with a double bed and a single bed in the adjoining room. This room also has a private bathroom with an Italian shower, as well as a kitchen in the courtyard opposite the room

10 Volcanoes Trail – Private Tour Faial

Rita Cartageno — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 10:18:22 +0000

The 10 Volcanoes Trail is a full-day activity with 21km, and it’s the most immersive hike on Faial. During the activity, we will see a lot of the island. The hike includes the two most famous points of interest in Faial: Caldeira, and Capelinhos Volcano.

Since we’ll cross various types of landscapes in between, we will have the opportunity to learn about the Azores native forest and its endemic species. We will start near the island’s highest point and finish at sea level.

The geological interpretation of the island marks the experience. The 10 Volcanoes Trail travels west along Faial’s youngest volcanic system.

Coastal Snorkelling

Norberto Serpa — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:52:20 +0000

The Azores are undoubtedly one of the best diving and snorkelling destinations in the Atlantic. Our diving-snorkelling season runs from April to October. Our sites are very diverse and can cater for all preferences and levels of experience, with more than 20 sites between the islands of Faial and Pico.

The most common dive-snorkellink sites are in the “Monte da Guia” marine reserve on the island of Faial. To get to the site we always use a semi-rigid boat, as it’s approximately 5 minutes from our base. The temperature of our waters varies between 20-24ºC in the summer months, so a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is usually enough.

The marine life on the islands of Faial and Pico is fantastic! You’ll have the chance to spot curious hogfish (Balistes carolinensis), groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), seals (Sparisoma cretense), octopuses and moray eels among the rocks, as well as small species such as colourful nudibranchs, among others.

Whale watching around Faial

Norberto Serpa — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 15:20:51 +0000

During this activity, you will have the opportunity to observe whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in their natural habitat. The season for this activity on the island of Faial runs from April to October. You can take part in this trip regardless of your age or fitness level – everyone is welcome! If you have a disability that requires special assistance, please let us know in advance.

We work with traditional lookouts (from the whaling era), based on the islands of Faial and Pico. Every day they search for whales to ensure you have a trip where cetacean sightings are guaranteed. What we cannot guarantee are the weather conditions, which sometimes make it impossible to go ahead with the trip. We therefore advise booking well in advance so that we can choose the best day.

Half-day
Takes place from March to October, twice a day, at 8.30 am and 2.30 pm. We usually use RIBs, though if requested in advance we can also use a catamaran. Each trip lasts three to four hours, depending on the location of the animals and the weather conditions.

Includes:

Explanation of the cetaceans that may be sighted
Waterproof trousers and jackets
Life jackets
Marine biologist or nature guide on board
Sunscreen

Full day
We always use a catamaran for these trips. It is equipped with on-board toilets, is spacious and features a comfortable bow deck. These trips allow you to spend more time with the wildlife.

Includes:

Explanation of the cetaceans that may be sighted
Waterproof trousers and jackets
Life jackets on board
Marine biologist or nature guide on board
Sandwiches, snacks, water, coffee/tea, fruit and biscuits
Sunscreen