Diving in Portugal (Azores) in June

Conditions in June

June marks the tantalizing transition into the prime diving season in the Azores, offering a refreshing blend of burgeoning warmth and vibrant marine activity. The weather during this month is generally pleasant, with air temperatures hovering around 20-24°C (68-75°F), ushering in longer, sunnier days. While the Atlantic can always surprise you with a sporadic shower, extended periods of rain are uncommon. Sea states are typically calmer than the preceding spring months, making for more comfortable boat rides to and from dive sites, though you should always be prepared for the inherent dynamism of an oceanic archipelago.

Water temperatures in June are on a steady rise, ranging from approximately 19-22°C (66-72°F). This warming trend, while still cool enough to warrant adequate thermal protection, begins to draw in the larger pelagic species the Azores are famous for. Visibility is usually excellent, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet) and frequently reaching an impressive 30+ meters (100+ feet) on good days. The crystal-clear Atlantic waters provide unparalleled opportunities for photography and soaking in the dramatic volcanic underwater landscapes.

Currents in the Azores can be moderate to strong, especially around offshore seamounts and pinnacles. June is no exception, and divers should be prepared for drift dives and understand how to manage varying current strengths. These currents, however, are a significant factor in the incredible biodiversity of the region, sweeping nutrient-rich waters over the seamounts and attracting the larger marine life that makes Azorean diving so spectacular. Your dive guides will always assess conditions carefully and select sites appropriate to the prevailing currents and diver experience level.

What you will see

June in the Azores is a fantastic time for encounters with the ocean's giants. This is the beginning of the prime whale and dolphin watching season, and while encounters during dives are less common than from boats, the sheer abundance of these cetaceans in the waters around the islands hints at the richness of the ecosystem. You have a good chance of spotting various species of dolphins, including common and bottlenose dolphins, and even pilot whales around the deeper drop-offs.

For divers, the big draw in June is the increasing presence of pelagic fish. Schools of barracuda, amberjacks, and bonitos are commonly seen sweeping across the seamounts. Perhaps the most anticipated seasonal visitors are the majestic mobula rays (often mistaken for mantas), which begin to aggregate in significant numbers around the offshore banks. While the peak season for these incredible animals is slightly later in the summer, June offers excellent opportunities for early encounters, sometimes with these graceful creatures circling divers for extended periods.

Shark sightings also become more frequent as the water warms. While it's still a bit early for the consistent presence of oceanic whitetips and blue sharks, which peak in later summer, you might encounter friendly reef sharks around the deeper walls and wrecks. The underwater topography itself is a spectacle, with dramatic volcanic arches, caves, and vibrant invertebrate life carpeting the rocks. Macro enthusiasts will still find plenty to keep them occupied, with nudibranchs, colourful wrasses, and enigmatic octopuses lurking in crevices, even amidst the grandeur of the pelagic world.

Top dive sites this month

In June, the offshore seamounts around the central group of islands – particularly Faial, Pico, and São Jorge – start to truly shine. One of the undisputed stars is the Princess Alice Bank, approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Faial. This renowned seamount is a magnet for pelagic life, and in June, you can expect to see large schools of mobula rays, barracudas, and sometimes even hammerhead sharks. The visibility here is often breathtaking, making for truly epic encounters in the blue.

Near Faial, the dive site known as Condor Bank is another must-visit. Similar in nature to Princess Alice but closer to shore, Condor also attracts significant pelagic activity, including mobulas, amberjacks, and various shark species. For those who prefer volcanic geological features and vibrant reef life closer to the islands, dive sites around the volcanic pillars of Ilhéus das Cabras off Terceira offer stunning swim-throughs and a rich array of smaller marine species, along with glimpses of larger fish passing by. The Franca do Bimone wreck near São Miguel also provides an interesting deep dive with historical context and plenty of lurking marine life.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the water temperatures in June (19-22°C / 66-72°F), a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit is generally recommended for thermal comfort, especially if you plan on multiple dives a day. Some divers might opt for a semi-dry suit for added warmth. Don't forget your hood and gloves! This month is suitable for confident intermediate to advanced divers due to the potential for strong currents at some of the best offshore sites. While there are calmer, shallower options for less experienced divers, to truly experience the best of Azorean diving in June, a good level of buoyancy control and comfort in drift conditions is beneficial.

Liveaboard availability in the Azores is more limited compared to other dive destinations, with most operations being land-based. However, dedicated dive liveaboards are beginning to emerge, offering unique opportunities to reach the more remote seamounts and stay there for extended periods, maximizing your chances of incredible encounters. Booking well in advance is highly recommended for both liveaboards and land-based dive packages, as June popularity grows. Pack layers of clothing for varying air temperatures, good sun protection, and motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness, as the Atlantic can occasionally be lively. Also, remember to bring an adapter for European plugs (Type F), and be aware that the internet connection, while generally available, might be slower on some of the smaller islands. Ensure your dive insurance is up to date, covering diving activities and potential recompression chamber treatments – though thankfully not frequently needed, it's always wise to be prepared.