Diving and Snorkeling on Terceira Island

Diving and Snorkeling on Terceira Island

The underwater discovery on Terceira Island is fascinating! It is possible to enjoy the most diverse underwater scenarios such as the archaeological park of Angra, the small islets, the underwater lowlands, caves and volcanic rock reefs. Discovering the underwater world, amidst the dance of the many species of fish that inhabit the volcanic bottoms, is a unique and unforgettable experience that can be provided by the various diving professionals on the island.

On the other hand, if you prefer, just put on a mask, a tube and some fins! Terceira Island has several professional dive centers that offer equipment rental, dive trips, and training for beginners and advanced divers. The dive centers are staffed by knowledgeable and experienced instructors who can guide you through the underwater world.

It’s enough to enjoy the shallowest underwater world of Terceira Island. Visibility is excellent for observing, through snorkeling, the abundant marine life, including colorful fish, dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals and divers can explore the vibrant underwater world and see marine life up close. Besides that, you can observe the rock formations that hide in the submerged world of the island. 

Discover the Must Dive Spots of Terceira

Arcadas do Judeu

Boat Departure| Depth - Average 10m and Max. 16m

Calheta do Lagador

Access from the coast | Depth - Average 8m and Max. 18m

Cinco Ribeiras

Access from the coast | Depth - Average 12m and Max. 16m

Gruta do Ilhéu das Cabras

Boat access | Depth - Average 15m and Max. 24m

Lidador

Access from the coast | Depth - Average 8m and Max. 11m

Santa Catarina

Boat access | Depth - Average 15m and Max. 18m

Baixa da Vila Nova

Boat access | Depth - Average 20m and Max. 30m

Cemitério das Ancoras

Boat access | Depth - Average 18m and Max. 35m

Fradinhos

Boat access | Depth - Average 25m and Max. 60m

Ilhéu da Mina

Boat access | Depth - Average 18m and Max. 35m

Pedra Perdida

Boat access | Depth - Average 20m and Max. 30m

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Explore these activities of Terceira island

Terceira Island Trails

Terceira Island Trails

The island has several official routes, duly marked, with different levels of difficulty and that can be carried out independently, or with specialized companies that help with interpretation and safety.

Discover the Trails

Passagem das Bestas

Circular| Difficulty - Medium| 4 Km| 2h30

Rocha do Chambre

Circular| Difficulty - Medium| 8.8 Km| 2h30m

Algar do Carvão - Furnas do Enxofre

Circular| Difficulty - Medium| 6.6 Km| 2h30

Baías da Agualva

Linear| Difficulty - Medium| 3.8 Km| 2h00

Fortes de São Sebastião

Linear| Difficulty - Easy| 5.7 Km| 2h30m

Malha Grande - Biscoitos

Linear| Difficulty - Medium| 14.2 km| 3h30m

Mistérios Negros

Circular| Difficulty - Hard| 4.9 Km| 2h30m

Relheiras de São Brás

Circular| Difficulty - Easy| 5 Km| 2h00m

Serreta

Linear| Difficulty - Medium| 6.8 Km| 2h30m

Monte Brasil

Circular| Difficulty - Medium| 7.4 Km| 2h30m

West Great Rout

Linear| Difficulty - Hard| 31.2 Km| 10h00m

Code of Ethics and Conduct for Pedestrians

1 – Carefully read the route map and instructions, checking if it suits your physical condition;

2 – Check the weather forecast and the trail conditions;

3 – Inform someone where you are going and the time of return;

4 – Make sure you have the necessary clothing and accessories;

5 – Take a first-aid kit, a mobile phone for emergency contacts and drinking water;

6 – Pay attention to brands and other landmarks;

7 – Stay on the marked route;

8 – Set a right rhythm and take breaks whenever necessary;

9 – Bring all the garbage with you and deposit it in an appropriate place;

10 – Do not take geological samples or disturb livestock;

11 – Close all the gates you open;

12 – Keep your pets under control.

13 – Download a brochure with self-protection measures to be adopted.

Point of start

Bathing Area

Elevation

Cave

Geosite

Viewpoint

Lake

Point of interest

Right way

Wrong way

To the left

To the right

Tours you will love

Cultural Tours From Terceira Island

Cultural Tours From Terceira Island

Terceira Island breathes culture through every pore. From the city of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Praia da Vitória, the hometown of the writer Vitorino Nemésio. Passing through the various fortifications and empires scattered throughout the island, the local culture is strongly influenced by the interconection between the sea and the land, between the sacred and the profane, with reflections in the most varied traditions and customs. Don’t waste more time and look at the cultural tours you could on only in Terceira.

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Health and wellness in Terceira Island

Health and wellness in Terceira Island

Terceira Island offers a wide range of health and wellness programs, including spa treatments, yoga classes, and meditation sessions, all designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks, outdoor activities, and healthy local cuisine as part of these programs. The island’s mild climate, stunning scenery, and peaceful atmosphere provide the perfect setting for rejuvenation and self-care.

A really refuge for moments of relaxation and balance. The island is well-connected with regular plane connections to an international airport, making it easily accessible. For those seeking relaxation and balance, Terceira Island has health and wellness programs adapted to individual needs. With its beautiful scenery, rich history, and diverse activities, Terceira Island is a must-visit destination.

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Snorkeling In Terceira Island

Snorkeling In Terceira Island

By: Alexandre Jacinto, 37, BSc in Sports and Physical Education and professional diver

“Mask, snorkel and swim fins! This is enough to enjoy the shallow underwater world of the island of Terceira. Visibility is excellent for spotting a number of marine species and abrupt rock formations hidden in the submerged world of the island.”

Tours, Programs and Deals ...

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Surf, Bodyboard, Windsurf and Stand Up Paddle

Surf, Bodyboard, Windsurf and Stand Up Paddle

Due to its privileged geographical situation, terceira Island offers excellent conditions for the practice of wave sports and in various contexts, beach breaks, reef breaks and point breaks. A number of places can be chosen according to the conditions you want. The ripple is usually consistent, the natural beauty of the places is guaranteed, but the water temperature is undoubtedly the aspect that most enchants fans of the activity.

Praia da Vitória bay offers excellent conditions for sailing and water sports, with strong praise from world and European champions present at the various championships already held in this place, providing moments of encounter and training of the main sailors of the international ranking.

Useful Links:
– Spots Surf, Windsurf e SUP na Terceira
– Surf nos Açores
– Azores Wind Foil Open Challenge

Tours, Programs and Deals ...

Other ocean activities to do in Terceira island

Horse Rides in Terceira Island

Horse Rides in Terceira Island

Life is about creating unique and unforgettable moments, like feeling the wind on your face and the ground flying under you, while you are horse riding.

Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery that the island has to offer, horse rides is a great option to relax, look at the sky, the green fields, and free your mind.

The connection to Terceira equines is something special, and you can feel it when you embark on this adventure. In 2014, the Terceira Island Pony was recognized as an autochthonous breed, a small, fast, intelligent, extremely docile and easy to handle animal.

If you want to create a unique moment, this is an excellent option for you, just make your reservation and prepare your heart.

Some say that horse rides are the closest thing to feeling total freedom.

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Bird Watching in Terceira

Bird Watching in Terceira

The island of Terceira is a hotspot for rarities and for the visit of endangered species, especially in and around Praia da Vitória. Due to its location and characteristics, the island provides migratory birds with refuge, feeding and resting areas.

The island features some internationally renowned bird-watching spots, including the marsh Paul da Praia da Vitória, located in the city’s urban center, which is rare in the region of Macaronesia, the marsh Paul da Pedreira do Cabo da Praia, internationally known as the best site in the Western Palearctic for spotting birds from North America, and the marsh Paul do Belo Jardim.

Bird watching should be done in a way that does not interfere with the natural behavior of the different species and preferably accompanied by a guide.

You can get more information about the places and birds to watch at:

Aves dos Azores, where to observe?

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Van Tours in Terceira, Azores Islands

Van Tours in Terceira, Azores Islands

If you are traveling with family or friends, this is an excellent option to visit the places of greatest tourist interest on the Island. You can see Terceira Island’s beauty scenarios, such as forests with endemic plants, rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and volcanic landscapes. Van tours provide an ideal way to see the island’s natural beauty and take in the stunning vistas from the comfort of a vehicle.

Besides van tours provide a convenient and comfortable way to explore Terceira Island, with pick-up and drop-off services available from your accommodation. They are highly customizable, allowing you to choose the destinations and activities that interest you. This allows you to create a tour that fits your interests and schedule, making the most of your time on the island.

A pleasant tour that will allow you to get to know the island, its emblematic places, in comfort and without major concerns.

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Golf Terceira Island

Golf Terceira Island

By Visit Portugal

“Tall pine trees, colorful flowers (mainly azaleas and hydrangeas), several natural lakes and impeccably maintained facilities make the Terceira Island Golf Course an integral part of the natural beauty of the island. Additionally, the availability of several tees in each hole provides it with a touch of a championship course and turns the game into an unforgettable experience. The 18th hole (par 3) is considered the most difficult of the course, because the green slopes considerably, has difficult to read putting lines and is protected by trees and lakes. But reaching it means that you have left behind some very demanding tests for golfers of all levels, such as the 10th hole (a par 4 that crosses a ravine and has a water hazard in front of the green) and the 17th (a long par 5 with a water hazard that makes the approach quite challenging).”

Best Golf courses on Terceira Island

One of the most well-known golf courses on Terceira Island is the Terceira Island Golf Course, located in the city of Angra do Heroismo. The course is surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Serra do Garajau, making it a beautiful and peaceful place to play. The course features 18 holes and is considered to be challenging, yet enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

 

Another popular golf course on Terceira Island is the Praia da Vitoria Golf Course, located in the town of Praia da Vitoria. This course features 9 holes and is known for its well-manicured greens and fairways and its friendly and welcoming staff.

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