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What you'll do
Set in the middle of the Atlantic, halfway between the United States and continental Portugal, nature created an archipelago of 9 volcanic islands. Known for being the “Hawaii of Europe”, in this oasis of marine life, anything is possible. From swimming with the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, to diving surrounded by dozens of mantas, blue sharks or incredible “baitballs”. The Azores present added geological interest, with impressive arches formed by ancient lava flows and deep caves. Out of the water, green fields filled with “happy cows”, volcanic calderas or natural hot water pools make this an incredible experience.
Over 7 unforgettable days we will swim on 3 different islands in the central group: Faial, Pico and São Jorge. It is from one of the most visited marinas in the world, in Faial, that we travel daily to some of the most remote and richest marine biodiversity sites that the Azores have to offer. The Capelinhos Volcano, Princess Alice Bank (45 miles from the coast), or Ponta dos Rosais offer such different swimming, with incredible underwater views, that will keep you coming back to these waters year after year.
This week ends with the iconic and challenging Faial – Pico Channel Crossing (approximately 8 kilometers), which marks the beginning of Sea Week, the biggest event on the island of Faial.
At the end of this swimming holiday you will be able to continue your odyssey through the western group of the Azores islands, on 5 day trip around the islands of Flores and Corvo (under confirmation).
Are you ready to embrace this adventure across the mid-Atlantic?
Your itinerary
DAY 1 | WELCOME TO THE AZORES
We meet at Horta Airport, on Faial Island, where our swim guides will be waiting for you. From here, there is a short 15-minute transfer to the Hotel, where you will check in.
After a welcome lunch with the other swimmers of the group, we will do a briefing to introduce the week ahead.
During the afternoon, we will walk to Porto Pim Beach for an acclimatization swim and experience the calm waters of this bay with volcanic sand.
DAY 2 | AN INCREDIBLE ROCK FORMATION
Today marks the beginning of our adventure in the Azores Islands. Departing from Marina da Horta, we will travel to the Morro de Castelo Branco Natural Reserve, a breathtaking rock formation resulting from a coastal volcanic eruption that occurred around 30 thousand years ago.
After lunch, we will visit the Capelinhos Volcano and learn about the history behind the grandeur of the volcano, which last became active in 1958.
DAY 3 | CAPELINHOS VOLCANO, 60 YEARS LATER
Heading to the west end of the island, today we will swim around Ponta dos Capelinhos, from where we will see the lighthouse that had to be deactivated due to the volcanic phenomenon that occurred in the region. Seen from the sea, we will be dazzled by the uniqueness and inaccessibility of this place.
On the return boat trip we will make a short stop at Porto do Varadouro for a delicious lunch overlooking the sea.
Arriving on land, we will visit the Caldeira, a volcanic crater on a monumental scale measuring 2km in diameter, surrounded by the primitive Laurissilva forest.
DAY 4 | AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY SWIMMING WITH MANTAS
You will never forget the fourth day of the trip. Departing from the marina a little earlier than usual, we will sail by catamaran for around 3 hours until reaching our destination, 45 miles from the coast, Banco Princesa Alice. Considered one of the best diving and snorkeling places in the Azores, this will be a very special swim in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by mantas (Mobula tarapacana) and, occasionally, tunas and barracudas.
A light lunch will be served on board the boat.
During the return journey there is a good chance of seeing groups of whales, dolphins, turtles or other cetaceans.
DAY 5 | THE VERTIGINOUS VIEWS OF PONTA DOS ROSAIS
Known as “the sleeping dragon”, due to its 53 kilometers in length, the last day of the adventure is spent in São Jorge, the most central island of the archipelago. Along this impressive swim you will be able to see the spectacular cliffs, more than 200 meters above sea level, that so characterize the extreme northwest of the island.
We will return by boat to Faial, where we will have lunch at the most famous café in the world, Peter’s Café Sport.
At the end of the day we will attend the briefing of the channel crossing.
DAY 6 | FAIAL – PICO CHANNEL CROSSING
On this day we will swim the iconic Faial - Pico Channel Crossing. Over 8 challenging kilometers the goal is just one: to reach Pico Island.
The afternoon will be free to rest and enjoy the last few hours on the island.
The day will end with an awards ceremony.
Note: This day will not be held in the week of August 21st to 26th. This crossing is organized by the local club and only happens once a year. For this reason the trip is one day shorter.
DAY 7 | GOODBYE AZORES OR TAKE ME TO FLORES + CORVO!
We will say goodbye to everyone who will take the flight back home and continue our journey to the western group of the Azorean islands of Flores and Corvo for those who want to continue their journey through the Atlantic paradise.
What's included
Safety
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Personal Accidents Insurance
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Accompanied by experienced swim guides
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Open water sessions are accompanied by one boat and kayak
Food
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Breakfasts
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Lunches
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Water, tea, dry fruits and fruits during swimming moments
Accomodation
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6 nights at Azoris Faial Garden – Resort Hotel
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Twin rooms with garden view for all customers. Upgrade to single and/or sea view available
Transfers
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During all trip in a 9-seater van or similar
Others
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Photos
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Faial - Pico Channel Swimming Crossing registration (Only included in the week of July 28th to August 3rd)
What's not included
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Equipment
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Flights
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Personal extras, gratuities for local guides
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Evening meals
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Anything not mention in the up section
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Extra activities
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Personal travel insurance
Trip photos
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Where you'll be
Other featured adventures
I can't miss this trip!
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