A volcanic archipelago in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores attract travelers with spectacular landscapes, a relaxed lifestyle and unique biodiversity. In this article, we explain why a catamaran charter is the ideal way to explore this island destination: you will find the key reasons for choosing a boat, a sample Azores sailing itinerary, and an overview of the main sites, activities, and stopovers not to miss during an Azores yacht charter.
About 900 miles offshore from mainland Portugal, the Azores stretch across the North Atlantic like a string of volcanic pearls. This autonomous Portuguese territory has a strong identity, an oceanic climate and consists of nine islands: Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, São Miguel, Santa Maria, Graciosa, Flores and Corvo.
High cliffs, humid forests, crater lakes, green pastures and rugged lava-carved shores make each island a place preserved from mass tourism, with its own atmosphere, its own pace of life and a deep connection to the sea. Traveling to the Azores means slowing down, letting yourself be surprised, and rediscovering a sense of wonder every day.
The Azores are internationally recognized for their remarkable marine wildlife. Located at the meeting point of major Atlantic currents, these waters are home to dozens of cetacean species: whales, sperm whales, fin whales, and several types of dolphins. Sea turtles, rays and even basking sharks can be spotted with patience and respect for their environment.
On land, the islands offer extraordinary botanical and geological features: natural hot springs in Furnas, the Gorreana tea plantations, or the UNESCO-listed vineyards of Pico growing on black volcanic rock. Each port of call offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities for discovery.
A perfect destination for travelers seeking authenticity, raw nature and true disconnection.
The remote location of the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean can make logistics more demanding when exploring them from the land. To visit several islands in one stay, travelers must rely on inter-island flights or ferry connections that are not always frequent or convenient. It requires time and patience and inevitably leads to a loss of exploration time.
Visiting the archipelago by sea, aboard a sailing yacht or catamaran, offers a decisive advantage. You can reach multiple islands during the same trip, always with the same accommodation, without worrying about transfers, baggage handling or booking several hotels.
At sea, the journey becomes effortless: you leave one island under sail in the morning and, a few hours later, you arrive at a completely new destination. It is a genuine sense of freedom to discover the Azores in all their diversity, without being restricted to predefined routes — and perhaps the very best way to explore the Azores.
Exploring the Azores by boat lets you move away from classic tourist paths. Underway or at anchor, the crew can approach secluded areas that are more authentic or even inaccessible from the land. The cruise adapts to weather and wind, but above all to the passengers’ preferences and pace.
A typical day may include:
This type of voyage offers complete immersion and invites you to rediscover the essence of the word “exploration.”
As mentioned above, the Azores are one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. Each year, many species — including sperm whales, fin whales and spotted dolphins — migrate through the deep waters of the archipelago. A sailing excursion, short or long, is an ideal opportunity to observe them in their natural environment.
Each island stop reveals a new face of the Azores:
Every crew member will find experiences that match their expectations and interests.
→ Read more: A 350-mile cruise in the Azores
Aboard our performance cruising catamaran, discovering the Azores becomes a unique sailing experience. With its 57 feet in length, four large double cabins and generous living spaces, Avel Vaez offers exceptional comfort for an Azores sailing vacation.
Next-generation equipment provides autonomy and efficiency on board, for smooth, energy-efficient navigation and thrilling sensations under sail.
In the Azores — as in all our destinations — our ORC57 benefits from a professional crew dedicated to boat handling, safety and overall guest experience. Our passionate skipper and steward-deckhand will create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, allowing passengers to fully enjoy their time at sea.
No sailing skills are required: our cruises are accessible to everyone, including beginners. Guests may participate in maneuvers or watches if they wish, supported at every step.
Below is an example of a sailing adventure you may experience aboard our catamaran.
An unmissable departure point for any Azores sailing cruise, the town of Horta on Faial Island has embodied North Atlantic seamanship for over a century. Its marina is one of the most famous in the region, known for its quays painted with murals created by crews from around the world.
Horta is easy to reach by plane from Lisbon and Porto — or from Boston, New York, Toronto and Montreal in North America. Before setting off for the rest of the archipelago, passengers can stroll along the waterfront, visit the Capelinhos volcano or enjoy a drink at the iconic Peter Café Sport. Faial is also the best gateway to Pico Island, just a short ferry ride away, where the highest mountain in Portugal rises.
After departing Faial, the cruise unfolds according to weather conditions and crew preferences. This flexibility allows smooth navigation and personalized discoveries, far from rigid itineraries.
Common stopovers include:
The journey generally ends on São Miguel Island, in Ponta Delgada. The largest island in the archipelago combines volcanic landscapes with small, serene towns — and offers convenient flights to Europe or the Americas.
In 2026, our catamaran will arrive in the Azores in mid-April, at an ideal time to explore the islands under sail. The next scheduled cruise between Horta (Faial) and Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) will last 7 days, from April 23 to April 29.
The Azores yacht charter aboard the ORC57 offered by Avel Marine is available to book now. The price includes the catamaran charter, insurance, port fees, fuel, taxes and agency fees. Food and beverages are not included and are covered through a shared onboard provisioning fund managed by the crew at cost price.
Flights to and from the Azores and personal expenses remain the responsibility of the passengers.
Sailing from island to island in the heart of the Atlantic, discovering a unique and still-preserved Portuguese territory and its natural and cultural treasures — a sailing vacation in the Azores is an experience not to be missed.
If you are looking for a unique sailing adventure in the Azores, reserve your place on board the catamaran Avel Vaez.
Contact our team or visit our dedicated cruise page for availability and detailed information.