Sailing in the Azores aboard the Santa Maria Manuela
Sailing in the Azores aboard the Santa Maria Manuela
Embark on an unforgettable voyage aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, a historic sailing ship that sails the waters of the Azores archipelago for six nights of pure Atlantic adventure. This sailing departs from the island of Terceira on 28 August 2026 and concludes in Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, on 3 September 2026, travelling through some of the most spectacular and least visited islands of this natural paradise in the middle of the Atlantic.
During the inter-island crossing, you'll have a real chance to spot dolphins, whales, blue sharks and pelagic rays that inhabit these deep, crystal-clear waters. August is one of the best months for sailing in the Atlantic, with air temperatures between 20°C and 26°C, waters around 22-24°C and moderate prevailing winds from the northwest or north creating ideal sailing conditions.
One of the highlights of the trip is a visit to Santa Maria, the southernmost island of the Azores and one of the least frequented by tourists. Known as the island of the sun, Santa Maria offers spectacular scenery, golden sandy beaches unique to the archipelago, dramatic cliffs and trails through lush valleys. Santa Maria's waters are world famous for diving: its volcanic reefs and marine ecosystem are home to whale sharks, pelagic rays and blue sharks, the fauna featured in the documentary 'The Island of the Giants' by BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Nuno Sá, who is a frequent guest of the Santa Maria Manuela during his scientific expeditions. You'll spend almost two full days in Santa Maria, with time to explore both land and sea, including dives with local dive centres and hikes along scenic coastal trails.
The voyage concludes with an arrival in Ponta Delgada, in São Miguel, the largest and most important island of the Azores. Its vibrant historic centre, with the impressive São Sebastião Church and the City Gates, invites you to stroll through its colonial architecture. The António Borges Garden and local markets such as the Mercado da Graça offer a full immersion in Azorean culture and gastronomy.
On board the Santa Maria Manuela you will enjoy full board with three meals a day, plus coffee, tea, water, juices, fruit and snacks available throughout the day. You will be able to actively participate in the sailing manoeuvres under the instruction of a qualified and experienced crew, experiencing the magic of hoisting the sails on a ship with history. The atmosphere on board is one of camaraderie, learning and deep connection with the ocean. This experience is ideal for lovers of nature, traditional sailing, marine life and for those looking to disconnect from the daily rhythm and immerse themselves in the authenticity of the Atlantic.
Itinerary
This six-night cruise takes in three islands of the Azores archipelago, departing from Terceira and sailing south to Santa Maria, the archipelago's southernmost and least visited island, known as the island of the sun. During the inter-island sailings, the deep waters of the Atlantic offer frequent sightings of marine wildlife, including dolphins, whales and blue sharks. Almost two full days are spent exploring Santa Maria by land and sea, with options for snorkelling in crystal clear waters and coastal hiking. The sailing culminates with an arrival in Ponta Delgada, in São Miguel, the capital and main gateway to the Azores, where travellers can discover its historical and cultural heritage before disembarking.
*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.
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Sailing in the Azores aboard the Santa Maria Manuela
28/08/2026 - 03/09/2026
6 days
Boarding harbor: Terceira, Azores
Disembarkation harbor: Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
From 1470 € / p.p
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.
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
Our shared common cabins are well-lit, with additional ambient lighting through false windows and floor lights. These cabins are the largest on the ship and, as most are located on the second deck, are recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful night's sleep. Curtains on each berth provide privacy when needed. Each shared cabin has its own modern bathroom with shower and toilet.
Most of the shared cabins sleep up to four people, while two of the shared cabins can accommodate up to six. The latter also have windows overlooking the sea. For organisational reasons, the type of shared cabin cannot be chosen, and allocation is always between people of the same sex.
Rates & availability
Our shared common cabins are well-lit, with additional ambient lighting through false windows and floor lights. These cabins are the largest on the ship and, as most are located on the second deck, are recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful night's sleep. Curtains on each berth provide privacy when needed. Each shared cabin has its own modern bathroom with shower and toilet.
Most of the shared cabins sleep up to four people, while two of the shared cabins can accommodate up to six. The latter also have windows overlooking the sea. For organisational reasons, the type of shared cabin cannot be chosen, and allocation is always between people of the same sex.
Our double-bed cabins are all located on the first deck and have portholes that provide natural light.
Each cabin has a private bathroom with modern shower and toilet.
Our bunk cabins have modern en-suite bathrooms with shower and toilet, as well as individual bedside lighting and USB socket.
Configuration: cabin with 2 bunk beds.
Single bedsAir conditioningWardrobePrivate bathroom
From 1680 € / per person
The master cabin is the largest and most comfortable cabin on board, with two portholes providing natural light and ocean views. The en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet adds to the level of comfort and convenience.
Configurations
Format 1: A double bed and sofa for couples who enjoy sailing getaways.
Format 2: A family room with a double bed and two bunk beds.