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.
What you need to know:
- Sail between islands aboard a historic ship, explore the Azores archipelago.
- Visit breathtaking landscapes and unique trails in Santa Maria
- Visit the southernmost and least visited island of the Azores.
- Watch whales and dolphins, share sailing stories by the bar or lose yourself in a good book.
- Full board included: 3 meals per day
- On-board activities and voluntary cooperation in navigation
- Stop in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the largest and most important island of the Azores.
7 nights
From 1610 €/per person
04/08/2025 - 11/08/2025
Boarding harbor: Terceira (Portugal)
Disembarkation harbor: Terceira (Portugal)
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner (44 people + crew)
- Sail between islands aboard a historic ship, explore the Azores archipelago.
- Visit breathtaking landscapes and unique trails in Santa Maria
- Visit the southernmost and least visited island of the Azores.
- Watch whales and dolphins, share sailing stories by the bar or lose yourself in a good book.
- Full board included: 3 meals per day
- On-board activities and voluntary cooperation in navigation
- Stop in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the largest and most important island of the Azores.
7-night cruise on a galleon in the Azores
04/08/2025 - 11/08/2025
7 nights
Boarding harbor: Terceira (Portugal)
Disembarkation harbor: Terceira (Portugal)
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner (44 people + crew)
From 1610 € / p.p
Itinerary
This Azores itinerary starts in Terceira, where you can explore the vibrant World Heritage Site of Angra do Heroísmo and enjoy its beautiful volcanic landscapes. Next, visit Santa Maria, famous for its white sandy beaches and rich biodiversity. Then, in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, the Marina, the gardens and the rich local gastronomy stand out. All in all, this tour offers a unique experience of culture and nature.
- TerceiraKnown for its stunning natural beauty, this enchanting destination in Terceira offers volcanic landscapes, tranquil beaches and a rich history. It is an ideal place for nature and culture lovers.
- Santa Maria (Azores)An ideal place to enjoy breathtaking scenery and tranquillity, this Portuguese island offers golden sandy beaches, hiking trails and a rich biodiversity, perfect for nature lovers.
- Ponta DelgadaKnown for its lush nature and colonial architecture, this city offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Here you'll find beautiful scenery, gastronomic delights and a rich cultural history.
- TerceiraWhere your journey will end
*IMPORTANT: The itinerary is indicative and may vary according to weather conditions and the crew's preferences. The skipper is responsible for safety on board and can modify the itinerary at any time.
Your boat
Santa María Manuela: 4-masted schooner
The Santa Maria Manuela is a 4-masted sailing schooner, built in 1937 initially as a commercial cod fishing vessel. After many years campaigning in the cold north, and following an extensive refit in 2022, she now offers a programme of sailing holiday cruises, scientific expeditions, events and team building programmes.
The unique heritage of the Santa Maria Manuela, with her white hull, beautiful lines, simple navigation systems and open deck make her one of the most sought after in the world for cruising and events. Since its renovation it offers great comfort and makes it one of the most modern and comfortable in the world, while remaining true to its sailing origins.
Your cabin
All staterooms on the Santa Maria Manuela have en-suite bathrooms and private showers. Each stateroom is air-conditioned, has ample storage space, and is highly soundproofed for comfort.
The ship has 10 double cabins, of which two of them are the master cabin and the Atlantic suite with double beds, and the rest with bunk beds with wide berths. The ship has 4 quadruple cabins with bunk beds and one cabin for up to 6 people, also with bunk beds.
Facilities: Shower and shower head (WC) / Wardrobe / Reading light / USB / European two-pin plugs / Privacy curtains / Towels and bed linen / Daily cleaning / Carpeting / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Air-conditioning / Bathrobes and towels / Bathroom linen / Bathroom towels / Bathroom towels and towels
Daily cleaning / Carpeting / Air-conditioning / Soundproofing / Soundproofing
Life on board
Rates & availability
Booking conditions
- All travellers must be between 14 and 80 years of age at the time of departure.
- To complete the booking it is necessary to pay 100% of the amount of the trip.
- In case of individual use of the cabin, an extra charge will be made on top of the normal fare.
Boarding information
- Boarding is usually at 16:00 on the day of departure.
- Disembarkation is at 10:00 a.m. on the last day of the trip, after breakfast.
- The meeting point at the port of embarkation will be communicated by email 15 days before departure.