AZORES
Naturalist - Science & Tourism combines nature and cultural tours with research data collection. Working on Land and Marine environments for more than 10 years,
The Azores Naturalist team offers services and tours in Azores Archipelago, based in Faial and Pico Islands greatly in partnership with the Univeristy of Lisbon and University of the Azores and other local partners.
Here you can find information about our research programs, nature tours and accommodations.
Moving Around
Ferry Connections - Faial - Pico - São Jorge Islands
Traveling between the Triangle of three islands is easy, with daily ferries connecting Horta (Faial) and Madalena (Pico) - the Blue line; the Green line connects Horta (Faial), Madalena (Pico), São Roque (North of Pico), and Velas (São Jorge Island. The schedules and tickets can be found at https://www.atlanticoline.pt/en/ - sometimes the portuguese version is working better.
Need to buy Ferry Tickets in Advance?
These ferries are recent boats, with capacity for 5 cars and over 200 people. Rarely they get full, so you can find always place, except for your car which only go on some trips, and has to be booked in advance, and for the last boats during the village parties of Madalena (last week of July), and Horta (first week of August). Note, the ferries depart really on time, so the doors will close 5min before, recommended 15min prior to trip to buy ticket and embark. Large luggage will be delivered separatelly slightly before boarding with no extra charge.
The ferry is located in the North side of Horta seafront, at 15minutes walking from Naturalist, Base Lab and Shop on the other side of the seafront (2.5km), or at 5-10€ by taxi.
About the Azores
Azores archipelago
The Azores is a Portuguese archipelago composed by 9 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, 2000 Kms off Lisbon. The archipelago can be divided in three groups: Eastern - São Miguel and Santa Maria; Central - Faial, Pico, São Jorge and Terceira; and Western - Flores and Corvo..
How to get to the Azores
There are no boat ferries from Europe or the US to the Azores. You can get to Azores through direct flights from all over Europe, from USA and from Canada. Some examples include Boston, Oakland (SATA); Toronto, Montreal (SATA); London-Gatwick (SATA); Paris (SATA / TAP); Düsseldorf (AirBerlin), Frankfurt, München (SATA); Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, München (TAP); Stocolm (Primera); Barcelona, Las Palmas (SATA) and Lisboa (TAP / SATA).
You can fly with a low cost company from Portugal mainland to Terceira or São Miguel (Ryanair or Easyjet), and then SATA will provide the connection flight to other islands free of charge, after letting them know within 24h of the low-cost flight reservation (more information at encaminhamentos.sata.pt/en).
Weather
We have four seasons in one day! So don't be surprised to experience heavy rain, hot sun and then low clouds. Despite the changeable weather conditions, temperatures are quite moderate throughout the year, and summer months have longer periods of sunshine and higher temperatures.
The average air temperature ranges between 13.6°C and 22°C.
The sea temperature ranges from 17°C in the winter to 25°C in the summer.
Azorean People
The majority of Azoreans work in fisheries, dairy farming, agriculture and services. Azoreans are nice and friendly. English is well spoken along the younger locals.
Food
Grilled fish
Azorean beef
Limpets
Cozido das Furnas
Cheese and yoghurt
Azorean bread
Wine
Best time to visit the Azores
The best time to visit Azores is whenever you get the chance to!
You can find amazing views, pristine landscapes and natural experiences all year round: hiking trails, countryside cycling, sailing, bird watching, and dolphin and whale watching. If you want to see dolphins and our iconic whale species, the sperm whale, you can visit Azores any time of the year. However, if you want to see baleen whales (including the magnificent blue whale) the best time to visit the archipelago is between March and June, when these cetaceans pass through on migration routes.
Where to stay in the Azores - Find Accommodation
In Faial and Pico we have partnerships with several accommodations, you can book them directly with us.