Azoresdiving

Located in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel, Azoresdiving serves as a professional gateway to the unique underwater landscapes of the Azores. As an affiliated SSI and Mares centre, the shop is positioned to handle everything from initial discovery dives to advanced professional training.

The centre operates daily excursions, allowing you to experience the archipelago's celebrated marine life and volcanic topography. Whether you are looking to complete your first certification or are a seasoned diver seeking a new environment, the team provides the logistical support required for diving in these Atlantic waters.

The team is composed of experienced instructors and divemasters who specialise in the local conditions of the Azores. Their expertise is reflected in the breadth of the SSI curriculum they deliver, ensuring that both recreational and professional students receive structured guidance.

Training is handled through the SSI framework, covering a wide spectrum of skill levels. From those taking their first steps in the water to those pursuing a career in the industry, the instructors focus on technical proficiency and safety.

The course catalogue is extensive, following the SSI progression. Beginners can start with the Scuba Diver or the Discover Scuba Pool & Ocean programmes. For those moving towards full certification, the Open Water Diver and Scuba Diver upgrade options are available.

Advanced divers can progress through the Advanced Adventurer and Advanced Open Water Diver courses. The centre also offers specialized training such as the Scuba Skills Update. For those looking to enter the professional ranks, they provide Dive Guide and Divemaster training, including the Science of Diving module, as well as Assistant Instructor pathways.

The centre provides a full range of equipment for hire, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and regulators. For those looking for a more complete setup, full kit hire is available to ensure you have everything needed for your dives.

Safety is a priority on-site and on the water; the centre is equipped with oxygen and a first aid kit. This ensures that essential medical support is immediately available during your excursions.

The waters around São Miguel are a meeting point for various pelagic species. You may encounter large predators such as Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Amberjack (Seriola), Tuna (Thunnus), and wahoos. Schools of Jack (Carangidae), bluefish, and various small schooling fish are common sights in the water column.

For those interested in rays, the area hosts several species including stingrays, round stingrays, devil rays, and mobula rays. The presence of Manta ray (Mobula alfredi) and other mobulas adds to the variety of large marine life encountered during excursions.

Macro life and smaller residents provide constant interest for observant divers. You can find the Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) amongst the rocks, alongside various reef fish, mullets, and Moroccan white seabream. Red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) and different species of nudibranchs can be found tucked into the crevices of the reef.

In certain seasons, the area becomes a habitat for even larger visitors. The Ocean sunfish (Mola mola) and the Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) are notable species that divers hope to encounter in these Atlantic waters.