Scuba Diving South Coast São Miguel: Certified Dives from a Boat

The Atlantic fauna and flora here are unlike anywhere else you've dived.

Scuba diving trips for certified divers departing from a boat to the best dive sites on the south coast of São Miguel in the Azores. A professional guide leads dives to three hours, with equipment rental available and daily departures at 9am and 2pm from October through June. Briefing, washing and drying facilities, and equipment storage are on-site. Proof of dive certification is required; all divers complete a health questionnaire before entering the water.

The Experience

The boat departs twice daily from the south coast of São Miguel, with a professional guide who speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French. You'll need current dive certification to participate, and the operator will ask you to fill out a health questionnaire before the dive—some conditions like asthma or heart issues may prevent you from diving, so check with your doctor beforehand if you have any concerns. The dive itself runs about three hours from start to finish.

Equipment rental is available if you don't have your own gear, and the operation includes a briefing before you enter the water. Once you're back on the boat, you'll find a washing and drying station plus storage for your equipment, so you're not sitting in wet clothes for the ride back. The fauna and flora at these south coast sites are distinctive to the Atlantic—the kind of marine life that makes the Azores a different dive than what you've seen in warmer or more tropical waters.

Daily departures run at 9am and 2pm from October through June, so you can fit a dive into a morning or an afternoon depending on what else you have planned. Avoid diving within 24 hours of flying, and bring proof of your certification card when you arrive.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese or French.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• briefing before the dive.
• washing and drying station.
• equipment storage.
• scuba equipment rental (available as an option at checkout).

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by AZORES SUB Dive Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you're a certified diver ready to jump straight into the water—the operator provides the boat, briefing, and site selection, so you only need to show up with your certification card and decide whether to bring your own gear or rent on the day.

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Top questions

What dive sites will we visit on the south coast of São Miguel?

The operator takes certified divers to the best dive sites on the south coast of the island, though the specific sites vary depending on conditions and the day's conditions. The professional guide will brief you on what to expect before you enter the water.

Do I need to bring my own scuba equipment?

You can bring your own gear or rent equipment from the operator. Rental is available on the day of your dive, and the boat has a washing and drying station plus storage so your gear is taken care of after you surface.

What time do the boats depart?

Daily departures leave at 9am and 2pm from October through June. The dive itself takes about three hours, so a morning departure gets you back by early afternoon and an afternoon departure finishes in early evening.

What language does the guide speak?

The professional guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or French, so you can request the language that works best for you when you book.

Do I need to be certified to dive?

Yes, evidence of dive certification is required from all divers. You'll also need to complete a health questionnaire before the dive, and some pre-existing medical conditions may prevent you from participating—consult your doctor if you have asthma, heart conditions or other health concerns. Avoid diving within 24 hours of flying.