Azzurro - Dive Academy, Not Only Diving...

Located at the Clube Naval de Rabo de Peixe on the island of São Miguel, AZZURRO - Dive Academy serves as a technical and ecological hub in the Azores. The centre operates with a focus on high-level training and environmental awareness, bridging the gap between recreational exploration and professional expertise.

While the academy maintains a presence in Lisbon and Setúbal, its São Miguel base is ideally positioned for offshore excursions. Divers can expect a curriculum that respects the unique marine environment of the archipelago while providing the technical support necessary for advanced diving.

The academy is an SSI-affiliated centre providing instruction for a wide spectrum of divers. Their teaching philosophy is built around the Blue Oceans movement, integrating environmental conservation into the diving experience.

Training is inclusive, with programmes specifically designed for children and divers with special needs. The staff provides instruction in Portuguese, ensuring clear communication for local divers and those training in the region.

The academy offers an extensive SSI course catalogue, beginning with Try Scuba and progressing through Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver. For those looking to advance their skills, they provide Scuba Skills Update, Deep Diving, and Navigation specialties.

Technical training is a core strength, with courses including Nitrox Diving, Extended Range, Trimix, and Rebreather training. The centre also caters to professional development, offering Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, and Instructor Training Courses.

Specialised ecological training is also available, with specific programmes in Sea Turtle Ecology, Shark Ecology, and Manta & Ray Ecology. For wreck enthusiasts, the curriculum covers both Wreck Diving and Advanced Wreck Diving.

The centre operates semi-rigid boats for offshore excursions. These vessels are used to reach the more remote sites around the archipelago, such as the Ilhéus das Formigas and Banco Dollabarat.

On-site facilities include a full range of equipment for hire, covering everything from regulators to exposure suits. The centre also features a dedicated shop and provides equipment maintenance services.

For technical and extended depth diving, the centre is equipped to support Nitrox and Trimix requirements. Oxygen safety is a priority, with O2 kits available on site.

The waters around São Miguel are home to significant pelagic species. Divers frequently encounter sharks, manta rays, and various species of rays during their excursions.

Sea turtles are also a regular presence in these waters, adding to the biodiversity of the offshore sites. These encounters are a highlight for those diving the deeper, more open areas of the archipelago.

Beyond the larger animals, the local ecology is a focus of the academy's specialised training, highlighting the importance of observing these species in their natural habitat.

Diving in the Azores involves offshore conditions, particularly when visiting sites like the Ilhéus das Formigas. Divers should be prepared for the open ocean environment characteristic of these remote locations.