Diving in Portugal (Azores) in September

Conditions in September

September in the Azores is, hands down, one of the best times to visit for divers. You're catching the tail end of summer, which means stable, warm weather and generally calm seas, though it's always wise to be prepared for the Atlantic's changeable moods. Air temperatures typically hover around a comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F), making surface intervals a true pleasure. What about the water? This month sees some of the warmest temperatures of the year, usually ranging from 22-24°C (72-75°F). This means you might get away with a 5mm wetsuit, but a 7mm or even a semi-dry is a safer bet for multiple dives, especially if you get cold easily. Visibility is often outstanding, frequently exceeding 20 meters (65 feet) and sometimes even stretching to a phenomenal 30 meters (100 feet) or more, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the underwater landscape.

While the sea state is generally calm, the Azores are volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic, so don't expect lake-like conditions every day. Swells can occur, but September usually avoids the bigger storms of later autumn and winter. Currents are a significant factor in Azorean diving, particularly at offshore seamounts and pinnacles. These currents are precisely what attract the incredible pelagic life the region is famous for, so embrace them! Your dive guides are experts at planning dives around tides and currents, ensuring you have an exhilarating but safe experience. Drift dives are common and incredibly rewarding here, carrying you effortlessly past abundant marine life. If you're not comfortable with currents, ensure you discuss this with your dive operator beforehand, but typically, September offers a good balance of manageable conditions for a range of dive experience levels.

What you will see

September is prime time for big animal encounters in the Azores, and that's precisely why you come here. The warming waters and abundant food sources draw pelagic species in droves. You're in with an excellent chance of encountering several species of sharks, including the majestic blue shark and the formidable Mako shark, especially around the offshore seamounts. These encounters are often the highlight of any Azorean dive trip. But it’s not just sharks! Manta rays and various mobula rays are also frequent visitors, gracefully gliding through the oceanic waters. Keep your eyes peeled for schools of barracuda, amberjacks, and various tuna species, often seen swirling in massive, shimmering formations. The sheer scale and density of these pelagic schools are truly humbling.

Beyond the larger pelagics, the Azores offers a rich tapestry of marine life. Even in September, you'll encounter vibrant reef fish around the volcanic rock formations. Look for colourful parrotfish, moray eels peeking from crevices, and various wrasses. It’s also a fantastic month for encountering cetaceans from the surface – sperm whales, common dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins are often sighted on boat transfers to dive sites or during dedicated whale watching excursions. While not strictly "macro" diving in the traditional sense of Southeast Asia, you can still find interesting smaller critters if you slow down and look closely: various nudibranchs, crabs, and shrimps hide in the nooks and crannies of the volcanic reefs and walls. The blend of pelagic action and engaging reef life makes September a truly special month for Azorean diving.

Top dive sites this month

When diving the Azores in September, several sites truly shine. The Princess Alice Bank (Banco Princesa Alice), located southwest of Faial, is arguably the most famous and a must-do. This seamount rises from over 1,000 meters to within 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) of the surface, creating an oceanic oasis. In September, the currents here attract enormous schools of mobula rays, often numbering in the dozens, along with tuna, barracudas, and sometimes even hammerhead sharks. The sheer volume of pelagic life at Princess Alice in late summer is unforgettable. Another phenomenal offshore location is the Condor Bank (Banco Condor), situated between Faial and Graciosa. Similar to Princess Alice, this seamount is a magnet for big game, offering fantastic opportunities for encounters with blue sharks and Mako sharks drawn to the nutrient-rich currents.

Closer to shore, the Islets of Formigas and Dollabarat Bank, east of Santa Maria, are a remote and protected marine reserve that often deliver spectacular diving in September. Expect crystal-clear waters and a high probability of pelagic sightings, including various sharks and large schools of fish. The deep walls and seamounts here attract a diverse array of life. For a different experience, the ‘Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo’ near São Miguel offers sheltered diving within an ancient volcanic crater. While renowned for its clear waters and varied fish life, it also serves as a launching point for boat trips that venture further afield into the surrounding open ocean, where pelagic encounters are common in September. These sites, combined with the general excellent conditions this month, offer a diverse and thrilling dive itinerary.

Practical tips for your trip

Given the water temperatures, a 7mm wetsuit is highly recommended for comfortable diving in September, especially if you plan on multiple dives a day. If you tend to get cold easily, consider a semi-dry suit. Layering with a hood and gloves will also make a significant difference. This month is generally suitable for intermediate to advanced divers. While some sheltered sites are accessible to beginners, the signature offshore seamounts often involve stronger currents and deeper depths, making them more appropriate for those with experience in drift diving and good buoyancy control. Don't worry if you’re newer; many operators offer guided dives that cater to different skill levels, but definitely communicate your experience level upfront.

Liveaboard availability in the Azores can be limited, especially for peak months like September, so booking well in advance is absolutely crucial. These trips often focus on the more remote seamounts like Princess Alice and the Formiga Islets, maximizing your chances for pelagic encounters. When packing, think layers for above ground, a good reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Remember that these islands are quite remote, so packing any essential medications or specific toiletries is wise. Also, consider bringing seasickness medication if you're prone to it, especially for the longer boat journeys to the offshore banks. Embrace the adventure, prepare for incredible encounters, and you'll have an unforgettable Azorean diving experience in September!