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Water sports in a volcanic wonderland of nine islands

Professional divers and sailors around the world already know about the Azores but they aren’t top-of-mind for Canadians looking for a vacation or a winter escape. Considering that nonstop flights from Toronto or Montreal take you there in a little more than five hours, this hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean is something more Canadians should be considering.

The islands of the Azores islands are not a fly-and-flop destination nor are they known for evenings filled with glitzy, star-studded nightclub action. They are known as “Europe’s leading adventure destination” and that says a great deal about what the islands have to offer visitors.

The mild, year-round weather, variety of the coastline and water teeming with marine mammals and pelagic fish makes the Azores a year-round destination for watersports. Sailors and divers are both attracted to the island’s spectacular nature and unique coastlines formed by lava. Regarded as one of, if not the best diving location in the Atlantic, divers love to explore the rock formations, submerged caves, swim-throughs and reefs along the coastline. Visibility reaches to nearly 100 feet (30 meters) and there are endless exhilarating encounters with manta rays, various species of sharks and other pelagic fish in the surrounding ocean waters. The Atlantic also supplies the islands with surf breaks for all levels of surfers from seasoned pros to beginners trying to catch their first wave. The Azores host surf competitions, sailing regattas and offer professional dive guides to keep adventurous water experiences safe and memorable.

For those looking for a calmer water adventure, whale watching is a huge attraction particularly since the Azores is located in one of the largest whale sanctuaries in the world. Or, one can paddle with kayak (guided tour or alone) along the astounding coastline to discover hidden coves, view the dramatic cliffs and enjoy close-up encounters with sea turtles and friendly dolphins. Stand-up paddleboarding is also popular as another way to explore caves, hidden lagoons, bays and to simply enjoy the nature that surrounds you. The island’s many waterfalls are a further source of water adventure that allows the islands to offer world-class canyoneering, again for all levels – from the little drops for beginners to the heart-dropping descents for the pros.

Every one of the nine islands has it special attractions and hopping from one to the other is made possible with inter-island flights, ferries and water taxis. On Pico island, calm, crystalline natural pools are ideal for nature lovers. On Terceira island, holes formed by lava and ringed by huge black rocks offer a unique swim experience that shelters swimmers from the ocean. The island of Graciosa offers sulfurous waters that are therapeutically good for skin disorders and rheumatism. São Miguel island is nicknamed “the Hawaii of Europe” thanks to its lush vegetation, heavenly beaches and the added attraction of geothermal springs. There’s also windsurfing, boating, fishing, coasteering and that’s only the water sports.

The adventure continues on land with special experiences such as walking into the centre of an volcano, enjoying the local stew cooked by volcanic heat or soaking in a hot spring. Over 80 trails are available for trekking, biking or horseback riding leading to dramatic views over the islands or scenery that often has tourists thinking they’re vacationing in Jurassic Park. Golf, yoga and wellness retreats, street festivals with music, historical museums, picturesque villages and a local, organic cuisine that is nourished by nutrient-rich volcanic soil top off the adventure experiences.

The Azoreans realize that what they have is very special and are passionate about maintaining their islands’ natural splendor. Their efforts have paid off as they are recognized as the most “sustainable tourist destination” in Europe. An adventure vacation in a natural paradise that is sustainable is a wonderful combination, but made even better in knowing that the islands are recognized as “the safest destination in Europe”, a growing concern for Canadians when considering traditional winter escapes.

The choice for adventure is so wide in the Azores, the hardest part of the vacation will be to decide what to do and where in this thrilling world of water sports.