Azores Expedition: 1-7 September 2025
The Azores archipelago, located in the heart of the Atlantic, offers a perfect blend of volcanic landscapes and rich marine biodiversity. This expedition will take you to Faial Island, renowned for its stunning nature and vibrant marina that has welcomed sailors for centuries. Whether hiking volcanic craters, snorkeling with majestic rays, or diving with sharks, this week-long adventure combines fitness, exploration, and the thrill of the natural world.
The Azores
The Azores archipelago, with its nine islands, is a paradise for nature lovers, but the real magic happens beneath the waves. Located at the crossroads of three tectonic plates in the middle of the Atlantic, the Azores boast dramatic volcanic landscapes and an ocean teeming with life. Our expedition will be based on Faial Island, a historic hub for sailors crossing the Atlantic, known for its vibrant marina and the volcanic Capelinhos, a stark reminder of the island’s volcanic past.
Faial Island is a hotspot for marine life, where nutrient-rich waters rise from deep seamounts, attracting whales, dolphins, sharks, and rays. This unique environment has long been a gathering point for sailors, who still dock at Horta’s famous marina today. Our expedition combines adventure with education, bringing you face-to-face with these ocean giants through diving, hiking, and fitness activities across Faial’s stunning landscapes and waters.
Marine Adventures
- Blue Shark Encounters: The Blue Shark Snorkel in the Azores offers a thrilling open-water adventure where you snorkel alongside elegant blue sharks in their natural habitat. Guided by marine experts, this unique experience takes place in the crystal-clear waters off Faial Island, providing up-close encounters with one of the ocean’s most graceful predators. Safe, exhilarating, and unforgettable, it’s a must-do for marine life enthusiasts.
- Mobula Snorkel: Princess Alice Bank is a world-renowned dive site southwest of Faial, famous for its large schools of mobula rays. Snorkeling here offers an incredible chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures in crystal-clear waters, with visibility up to 40 meters. The full-day trip by speedboat promises an unforgettable marine wildlife experience in the heart of the Atlantic.
- Exploration Snorkel: Dive into the depths in search of hammerhead sharks, or explore the waters to observe other marine species. This dive is an adventurous, free-form exploration of the ocean’s wonders.
Land Adventures
- Pico Volcano Hike: Ascend to the summit of Pico Mountain, the highest peak in Portugal, standing at 2,351 meters (7,713 feet). This thrilling trek takes you through volcanic landscapes, offering sweeping views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic Ocean. With challenging terrain and rewarding panoramas, this hike is a must-do for adventure enthusiasts. The feeling of accomplishment as you reach the summit is unlike any other, making it a truly unforgettable part of your expedition.
- Caldera Hike & Swim: Hike the caldera of Faial and, if the weather permits, enjoy a refreshing swim on the coast.
- Fitness Camp & Yoga: Give your fitness a boost on your holidays. The sessions of Active Nature Fitness include a dynamic warmup with yoga or animal flows, a solid workout (moves are explained at different levels) and breath work or a mini yoga nidra as a cool down.
- Shark & Ray Lectures: Learn about the biology, ecology, and conservation of sharks and rays from experts. Engage in discussions on marine conservation and research, led by Kira and Betty Laglbauer (a mobula expert).
Typical Plan (weather dependant)
Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
- Arrive in Horta and meet at the hostel by 5 pm for an introduction to the expedition.
- Evening talk on mobula rays and sharks to prepare for the next day’s activities.
Day 2: Princess Alice Mobula Snorkel
- Full day trip to Princess Alice Bank to snorkel with Pelagic life and hopefully mobula rays.
Day 3: Hike & Fitness
- Caldera Hike: Half-day hike followed by a picnic lunch with stunning views and possible coastal swim depending on the weather.
- Fitness Camp & Yoga Nidra: Recover with a relaxing fitness session and Yoga Nidra in the evening.
- Shark & Ray Lecture: Learn about the ecology and conservation of sharks and rays in the Azores.
Day 4: Shark Encounter
- Blue Shark Encounter: Join a 4-hour boat trip to observe and snorkel with blue sharks. (As they are wild animals, there is no guarantee on seeing Blue Sharks or any marine life.)
- Shark & Ray Lecture: Learn about the ecology and conservation of sharks and rays in the Azores.
Day 5: Pico Volcano Hike
- Full-day hike to the summit of Pico, the highest point in Portugal, with a picnic lunch amidst the volcanic landscapes.
Day 6: Exploration Snorkel
- Exploration Snorkel: Embark on another water day in search of hammerhead sharks or other exciting marine life. (As they are wild animals, there is no guarantee on seeing hammerhead sharks or any marine life.)
- Fitness Camp & Yoga Nidra: Recover with a relaxing fitness session and Yoga Nidra in the evening.
Day 7: Departure
- Guests organise their own transport to the airport after breakfast at the hostel.
What is Included
- 1 Snorkel at Princess Alice
- 1 Blue Shark Snorkel
- 1 Exploration Snorkel
- 1 Pico Hike
- 1 Faial Caldera Hike
- 2 Conservation Talks
- 3 Active Nature Fitness Sessions
- 6 Nights shared accommodation
- 6 Breakfasts
- 5 Vegetarian Lunches
What is not Included
- Flights
- Transport to/from the airport
- Transport to/from the dive center (walking distance)
- Meals except those specified
- Personal travel insurance