We explore the Central Azores group, starting from Horta on Faial. The route takes us to Pico for volcano climbing and wine tasting, then to São Jorge, and finally Graciosa with its green volcanic caldera before reaching Terceira.
7 days
1250 €
Start/Finish Cities and Airports:
🇵🇹 Horta [HOR] 🇵🇹 Angra do Heroismo - Terceira [TER]
Approximate step by step route (150 nm):
Horta → Lajes do Pico, 20 nm
Lajes do Pico → Velas, 40 nm
Velas → Graciosa, 40 nm
Graciosa → Angra do Heroismo, 50 nm
difficulty 2 out of 5
difficulty of this stage is 2 out of 5
We don't expect major challenges on this stage. Passages last up to 10 hours with one potential night sailing. All routes cross open ocean waters — no enclosed bays or protected waters. Expect ocean waves and proper sailing conditions, but nothing extreme.
TRAVEL STYLE
This stage is planned to be one of easiest in our Azores journey, mostly focusing on land: hiking and sightseeing. But still it’s the ocean.
COST
COST INCLUDED
COST not INCLUDED
Accommodation:
Twin/double cabin with quality bedding and towels
Personal safety gear (lifejackets, lifelines, personal locator beacons)
Operations:
All marinas and ports fees
Documentation and permits
Tender and galley
Support&Expertise:
Captain with extensive high-latitude sailing experience
Professional first mate (muse of our boat)
Well-stocked pantry essentials
Optional sailing skills coaching
Tickets
Food onboard (shared with all the team, approx. 30 EUR/ day)
Fuel for yacht
Any additional costs outside (restaurants, museums, souvenirs, etc.)
Personal insurance
NOT INCLUDED
INCLUDED
6 spots left
We sail between five islands of the Central Azores group. From Horta's transatlantic marina to Terceira's UNESCO heritage sites, covering volcanic landscapes and traditional Portuguese island culture.
Italian skipper with deep knowledge of Mediterranean and Atlantic waters. Francesco holds the prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Ocean certification. His instructional background enables him to effectively engage crew members of all experience levels, while his multilingual abilities enhance the cultural dimensions of each journey. Francesco has extensive sailing experience in diverse conditions.
ROUTE HIGHLIGHTS
One of the most cozy marina is our start to explore this beautiful green island, with marvelous lighthouse on it’s NW tip and perfect hiking near the waterfalls and the ocean.
São Jorge
The smallest island of a central group, it provides a real feeling of remoteness, along with tasting fresh fish and walking inside green enclosed caldera of the volcano.
Graciosa
October on the Azores is a top season for sperm whales, which we may encounter on one of the passages (though, we don't promise anything). And as soon as we plan to make some passages in the dark, it usually means the sky full of stars with a Milky Way clearly visible.
Whales and night passages
Horta Marina is the most famous yachting place in the Azores. Historically, here stopped most of the yachts (and, at times, even planes!) making the West-to-East Transatlantic. And we’ll be able to feel the vibe of these times.
First, it’s about the highest mountain on the archipelago that we might climb in a good weather. Hard trekking, stunning views, and hot air near the top. But also don’t forget the famous local wineries and whale watching.
Pico
Faial
OCEAN SAILING:
All passages cross open Atlantic waters. No protected bays or enclosed sailing areas. Ocean swells and Atlantic weather patterns provide authentic sailing conditions.
VOLCANIC EXPLORATION:
Pico mountain climbing available in suitable weather conditions. Graciosa's volcanic caldera offers accessible hiking within an active geological formation.
ISLAND HOPPING:
Five islands across the Central Azores group, each with distinct volcanic landscapes and cultural characteristics. Passages range from 20-50 nautical miles between islands.
CULTURAL IMMERSION:
Horta Marina connects us to transatlantic sailing history. Local wineries on Pico and traditional fishing communities on São Jorge provide insight into Azorean maritime culture.
Totally refitted and equipped for autonomous expeditions for more than a month, ready to safely accommodate crew of 10 to the world’s most remote waters. Equipped by radar, watermaker, AIS, heating system, Starlink, washing machine.
On board Perola do Mar, we sail with a crew of 10:
a captain,
a wizard (first mate responsible for comfort and care),
and 8 crew members joining us for the journey.
Before each voyage, we meet everyone personally through a video call. This helps align expectations and ensures the crew dynamics work well together - because remarkable voyages are shaped by remarkable crew.
THE CREW
On board Perola do Mar, we sail with a crew of up to 10
a captain,
a wizard (first mate responsible for comfort and care),
and up to 8 crew members joining us for the journey.
Before each voyage, we meet everyone personally through a video call. This helps align expectations and ensures the crew dynamics work well together - because remarkable voyages are shaped by remarkable crew
On board Perola do Mar, we sail with a crew of 10:
a captain,
a wizard (first mate responsible for comfort and care),
and 8 crew members joining us for the journey.
Before each voyage, we meet everyone personally through a video call. This helps align expectations and ensures the crew dynamics work well together - because remarkable voyages are shaped by remarkable crew.
how to join
First, apply for a journey (or write us questions if you have any).
1
Then we arrange a short friendly interview with one of our team members, to align expectations.
2
If all is good, you make a 50% prepayment and officially join the crew.
3
START YOUR EXPLORATION
To embark on a sea voy adventures with us, please fill out the application form.