7-night cruise on a galleon in the Azores

Sail through the Azores archipelago, from Terceira to Santa Maria, the island of the sun. Along the way, you're likely to see dolphins, whales and other marine life. August is the ideal month for diving in Santa Maria. The water is warm, visibility is optimal and pelagic fauna is more likely to be found at the dive sites around the island. This is where much of The Island of Giants, a documentary by BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Nuno Sá, was filmed. A regular guest aboard the Santa Maria Manuela during our scientific expeditions, he captures the behaviour of the whale sharks, pelagic rays and blue sharks that visit these waters. The film was edited by Pepe Brix, photographer and editor from the Azores. We will spend a few days in Santa Maria, which will give us time to explore the island. Local dive centres and experienced guides offer opportunities both underwater and on land, from diving excursions to hiking along scenic trails. On the way back to Terceira, we will stop at Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the largest and most important island of the Azores. This stop offers the opportunity to get to know the island a little, where you can explore on your own or book a guided tour for the day.