Water sports in a volcanic island wonderland

Professional divers and sailors around the world already know about the hidden secret paradise of the Azores due to the beautiful waters surrounding the nine-island archipelago. For the American leisure traveler, this destination remains a quiet destination. Considering that SATA Azores Airlines provides nonstop 5-hour flights from New York or Boston, this hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is something more Americans should be considering.

The islands of the Azores are not a fly-and-flop destination, nor are they known for evenings filled with glitzy, star-studded nightclub action. They are known as “Europe’s leading adventure destination” and that says a great deal about what the islands have to offer visitors.

The mild, year-round weather plus abundance of marine mammals and pelagic fish, makes the Azores a year-round destination for watersports. Sailors and divers are both attracted to the island’s spectacular nature and unique coastlines. Regarded as one of, if not the best diving location in the Atlantic, divers love to explore the rock formations, submerged caves, swim-throughs, and reefs along the coastline. Visibility reaches to nearly 100 feet (30 meters) and there are endless exhilarating encounters with manta rays, various species of sharks and other pelagic fish in the surrounding ocean waters. The Atlantic also supplies the islands with surf breaks for all levels of surfers from seasoned pros to beginners trying to catch their first wave. The Azores host surf competitions, sailing regattas and offer professional dive guides to keep adventurous water experiences safe and memorable.

For those looking for a calmer water adventure, whale watching is a huge attraction particularly since the Azores is located in one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Or, one can paddle with kayak (guided tour or alone) along the astounding coastline to discover hidden coves, view the dramatic cliffs and enjoy close-up encounters with sea turtles and friendly dolphins. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular as another way to explore caves, hidden lagoons, bays and to simply enjoy the nature that surrounds you. The island’s many waterfalls are a further source of water adventure that allows the islands to offer world-class canyoneering, again for all levels – from the little drops for beginners to the heart-dropping descents for the pros.

Every one of the nine islands has it special attractions and hopping from one to the other is made possible with inter-island flights, ferries and water taxis. On Pico island, calm, crystalline natural pools are ideal for nature lovers. On Terceira island, holes formed by lava and ringed by huge black rocks offer a unique swim experience that shelters swimmers from the ocean. The island of Graciosa offers sulfurous waters that are therapeutically good for skin disorders and rheumatism. São Miguel island is nicknamed “the Hawaii of Europe” thanks to its lush vegetation, heavenly beaches and the added attraction of geothermal springs. There’s also windsurfing, boating, fishing, coasteering and that’s only the water sports.

The adventure continues on the shore with special experiences like walking into the center of a volcano, enjoying the local stew cooked by volcanic heat or soaking in a hot spring. Over 80 trails are available for trekking, biking or horseback riding adventures that lead to dramatic views over the islands. Golf, yoga and wellness retreats, street festivals with music, historical museums, picturesque villages, and a local, organic cuisine that is nourished by nutrient-rich volcanic soil top off the adventure experiences.

The Azoreans realize that what they have is very special and are passionate about maintaining their islands’ natural splendor. Their efforts have paid off as they are recognized as the most “sustainable tourist destination” in Europe. An adventure vacation in a sustainable natural paradise is a wonderful combination. To make things better, the islands are recognized as one of the “safest destinations in Europe.”

The choice for adventure is so wide in the Azores, the hardest part of the vacation will be to decide what to do and where in this thrilling world of water sports.