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VOYAGE 26: Terceira - Santa Maria - Ponta Delgada - Terceira

date
Embarkation
Terceira
04-08-2025
16:00
date
Disembarkation
Terceira
11-08-2025
10:00
Number of nights
7
Price
from
€1.610

Voyage highlights

  • Sailing between islands aboard a historic ship, exploring the Azores archipelago
  • Stunning landscapes and unique trails in Santa Maria
  • Visit to the southernmost and least visited island in the Azores
  • Observation of marine life, including dolphins, whales, blue sharks and rays
  • Stop over in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, the largest and most important island in the Azores

Weather conditions

At sea, air temperatures vary between 20°C and 26°C, with waters around 22°C to 24°C. Winds are generally moderate, prevailing from the northwest or north, creating good conditions for sailing. August is the ideal and most stable month in the Atlantic for this voyage.

Voyage description

Sail through the Azores archipelago, from Terceira to Santa Maria, the island of the sun. Along the way, there’s a good chance of spotting dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

 

August is an ideal time to dive in Santa Maria. The water is warm, visibility is at its peak, and encounters with pelagic wildlife are more likely at dive sites around the island. This is where much of The Island of the Giants, a documentary by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Nuno Sá, was filmed. A regular guest aboard the Santa Maria Manuela during our scientific expeditions, he captures the behavior of whale sharks, pelagic rays, and blue sharks that visit these waters. The film was edited by Pepe Brix, a photographer and editor from the Azores.

 

We’ll spend a few days in Santa Maria, allowing time to explore the island. Local dive centers and experienced guides offer opportunities both underwater and on land, from diving excursions to hiking scenic trails.

 

On our way back to Terceira, we’ll stop in Ponta Delgada, on São Miguel, the largest and most important island in the Azores. This stop offers a chance to experience a glimpse of the island, where you are free to explore on your own or book a guided tour for the day.

VOYAGE 26: Terceira - Santa Maria - Ponta Delgada - Terceira

10 left

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*Travellers must be between 14 and 80 years old on the date of sailing to be eligible for the trip.

  • Terceira Island, one of the most beautiful in the Azores archipelago, is known for its lush nature and stunning landscapes. The Algar do Carvão, an impressive volcanic cave, offers a unique experience with its stalactites and stalagmites, along with an underground lake. Visitors can explore Serra do Cume, which provides panoramic views of the island and its verdant fields.

     

    The local culture is rich and lively, reflected in traditional festivals like the Semana do Mar and the colorful houses of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's cuisine is delightful, featuring the famous bucho recheado, a traditional dish, and freshly grilled fish. With its combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Terceira is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Azores.

  • Santa Maria, the southernmost island of the Azores, is a true paradise for nature lovers. With breathtaking landscapes and a warmer, drier climate than the other islands in the archipelago, Santa Maria offers unforgettable trails through lush valleys, dramatic cliffs, and golden sand beaches—unique in the Azores. 

     

    The stunning São Lourenço Bay, with its terraced vineyards, and the beautiful Praia Formosa are must-visit spots for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility. For adventure seekers, the island’s crystal-clear waters provide excellent diving opportunities, allowing you to explore volcanic reefs and a thriving marine ecosystem. Scenic viewpoints across the island offer spectacular panoramic views, while caves and geological formations, such as Ribeira de Maloás, showcase the raw power of nature.

     

     With an authentic atmosphere and a relaxed pace of life, Santa Maria is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with nature and discover one of the Azores’ best-kept secrets.

  • Ponta Delgada, the vibrant capital of São Miguel in the Azores, captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. The historic center, featuring the impressive Church of São Sebastião and the City Gates, invites exploration of its colonial architecture. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the António Borges Garden, where lush flora intertwines with serene pathways.

     

    For food lovers, the famous Furnas stew is a must-try experience, along with the freshest fish and seafood dishes. Local markets, such as the Mercado da Graça, provide a true immersion into the flavors of the land, showcasing regional fruits, cheeses, and wines. Ponta Delgada is undoubtedly a destination that beautifully combines history, nature, and culinary delights in perfect harmony.

Additional Information:

What’s included in your fare:
• All meals on board Santa Maria Manuela – including daily breakfast, lunch and evening meal;
• Refreshments (coffee, tea, water and juice) throughout the day;
• Use of safety equipment;
• All instructions on board by fully qualified crew;
• Third Party Liability Insurance;
• Ports immigration / customs fees.

What’s not included in your fare:
 Flights and transfers to and from the Santa Maria Manuela;
 Additional drinks & snacks on board;
 Personal travel insurance;
 Other personal expenses.

Three meals a day are included. Tea, coffee, herbal tea, water and juice are always available as well as fruit and some snacks throughout the day.

On the Santa Maria Manuela, we offer a variety of cabin types across two decks. Our double bed cabins and bunk bed cabins are designed for two people but can also be booked by a solo traveler for an additional single supplement. All cabins come with a private bathroom and shower. Please review the information below and here to select your preferred option.
- Master Cabin: Features a double bed and a sofa bed that converts into a bunk bed. It accommodates 2 to 4 people, making it a great option for families. (Bed dimensions: Double bed - 1.60m W x 1.85m L; Bunks - 0.80m W x 1.85m L).
- Double Bed Cabins: Equipped with one double bed. (Bed dimensions: 1.60m W x 1.85m L).
- Bunk Bed Cabins: Includes a bunk bed for 1 or 2 people. (Bed dimensions: 0.80m W x 1.85m L).
- Communal Cabins: These cabins have bunk beds for 4 or 6 people, ideal for those who enjoy socializing. (Bed dimensions: 0.80m W x 1.85m L). Communal cabins are divided by gender, and while we try

European ID or Passport. Need to provide details as soon as possible. It is crucial and your own responsibility to check and arrange visa requirements for the countries you are traveling to and from.

Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to stay informed about and follow any travel advisories related to traveling to and from the ship. Like airport boarding procedures, customs and port authorities enforce strict embarkation and disembarkation times. Be sure to plan your travel accordingly.

We recommend you travel with a soft foldable bag (there is no space to store rigid bags in your cabin) and bring with you:
• Valid passport/ID with 6 months validity
• Warm hat and gloves
• Wet weather clothing – waterproof and windproof jacket
• Clothing – enough clothing for all weather circumstances and for sailing at
night.
• Soft soled trainers or deck shoes (no high heels)
• Swimming gear
• Toiletries
• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Personal and sea sickness medication
• Book
• Camera

If you wish or need, you can enjoy reliable Wi-Fi while we sail for an additional cost.
Payment should be made at the beginning of the journey for the entire duration, as daily packages are not available. The reliability of the connection can vary depending on the ship’s location and number of concurrent users.

Please keep in mind that unfavorable weather conditions (e.g., lack or excess wind) may cause the captain to decide to sail on engine power, enter or exit a port earlier/later.

We recommend you take out travel insurance to cover your travel to and from the SMM and any activity off the ship.
All activity aboard the SMM is covered by the SMM’s insurance.

Our team are available to provide you with further assistance.
Reach us at info@santamariamanuela.pt.

Testimonials

The first time we helped the crew put up the sails was magical.

Erik Flores

March 2025

I won't forget the long-suffering patient crew member who taught me to tie a double bowline. It took ages but I finally got it, and was able to teach another passenger.

Lyn Holland

April 2024

Existem viagens que ficam para a vida, esta foi uma delas.

Eugénio Sereno

Março 2025

Plein de moments magiques pendant le voyage. C'était impressionnant de voir le bateau depuis le zodiac quand on se trouvait à environ 50 ou 100 m du navire. Super la baignade en pleine mer.

MATA José

June 2024

É quase impossível dizer por palavras o sentimento de amor grandioso com que me despedi da tripulação e do Santa Maria Manuela mas fica um sincero: Obrigada, Família!

Susana Santos

Março 2025

Everything was magical. Just being on board was magical. Sunrise and sunset. The moon. the movements of the boat... the sharing which is always done in a good mood.

Laurent Catherine

June 2024

Le passage entre les écluses, l’arrivée à Falmouth , le perfectionnisme du crew et le capitaine et le pilote venu à bord. Le coucher du soleil. Les activités !

Margot Rousseau

July 2024

Équipage très professionnel, avec une très grande gentillesse et toujours près à répondre à nos questions . Le voyage a été exceptionnel grâce à l'équipage et aux voyageurs.

Gwenael Mercier

Mars 2025

The bosun impressed me by spreading good mood always, by his expertise and by the way he advised crew members in sail handling. The captain is a very friendly and humble person.

Michael

July 2024

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