Terceira Island, one of the most beautiful in the Azores archipelago, is known for its lush nature and stunning landscapes. The Algar do Carvão, an impressive volcanic cave, offers a unique experience with its stalactites and stalagmites, along with an underground lake. Visitors can explore Serra do Cume, which provides panoramic views of the island and its verdant fields.
The local culture is rich and lively, reflected in traditional festivals like the Semana do Mar and the colorful houses of Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island's cuisine is delightful, featuring the famous bucho recheado, a traditional dish, and freshly grilled fish. With its combination of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Terceira is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Azores.
Flores, the westernmost island of the Azores, is a true natural paradise, renowned for its lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls. Rocha dos Bordões offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Flores Natural Park is filled with trails leading to lagoons such as Lagoa Funda and Lagoa Rasa, perfect for hiking and wildlife observation.
Visitors can explore the fajãs and rugged coastline, where the meeting of the sea and cliffs creates spectacular scenery. The local culture is reflected in traditions and festivities that celebrate the island's rich heritage.
The cuisine of Flores is notable for its use of local products, such as fresh fish and artisanal cheeses, providing an authentic culinary experience. With its unique blend of vibrant nature and culture, Flores is an unbeatable destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Come visit Corvo, the smallest of the Azores islands, a small hidden treasure with a unique charm. Its stunning natural landscape is dominated by the massive volcanic crater, Caldeirão, offering breathtaking views and serene hiking trails.
The island’s quiet, traditional village life creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation. Corvo is also a birdwatcher's paradise, attracting rare migratory species each year. Visitors can savor local dishes, including fresh seafood and regional delicacies.
Though small, Corvo offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility in a remote setting.
About Beatriz Tempero, Onboard Marine Biologist & Educator
Beatriz grew up fascinated by sharks and never really got over it—she simply found a way to make it her profession.
After studying Animal Engineering and Biology at the University of Lisbon, she headed into the Atlantic for an MSc at the University of Algarve, researching blue shark diving behaviour using satellite tags. A certified diver, she's happiest when surrounded by seawater.
Alongside her scientific work, Beatriz has been a marine educator at Oceanário de Lisboa since 2018, helping bring ocean science to audiences across Portugal. She also contributed to Portugal's second Red List of Marine Fish Species, assessing deep-sea sharks and fish in partnership with Oceanário and the IUCN.
Today she works with an international environmental DNA (eDNA) company, supporting biodiversity monitoring projects everywhere from offshore platforms to estuaries, lagoons and mangroves. In short, she has progressed from watching sharks in the open ocean to identifying invisible species from a bottle of seawater.
She maintains that living far from the sea is probably possible. She's just never tested the theory.
PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
1. Whale, Dolphin & Seabird Spotting
The waters between Terceira, Flores and Corvo are among the richest in the North Atlantic for marine wildlife. August sightings may include sperm whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, common dolphins and a variety of seabirds.
Guests can learn how to identify species, interpret behaviour and contribute to sighting logs. It's surprising how quickly a distant splash becomes the highlight of your day.
2. Manta Net Sampling: Plankton & Microplastics
A Manta Net is towed behind the vessel to collect everything drifting at the surface: plankton, fish larvae, eggs—and unfortunately, microplastics.
Back on board we'll examine the samples, identify what we've found and explore what it tells us about life and pollution in the North Atlantic.
3. Environmental DNA (eDNA)
Every organism leaves traces of itself in the water. By filtering seawater and analysing the DNA it contains, scientists can detect species without ever seeing or disturbing them.
We'll demonstrate how samples are collected and explain how this technology is transforming marine conservation.
4. Shore Excursion: Biodiversity & Plastic Pollution
A visit to the intertidal zone to discover the remarkable life hidden between the tides: limpets, sea urchins, anemones, barnacles and rockpool fish.
Along the way we'll collect any marine litter we encounter and discuss what both the wildlife and the rubbish tell us about ecosystem health.
5. Bioluminescence
On the right night, the sea itself glows.
Bioluminescent plankton are common in Azorean waters during summer, and if conditions are favourable the ship's bow wave can become a trail of blue light. If we're lucky enough to witness it, it's unlikely you'll forget it.
EVENING TALKS
Below the Thermocline: Blue Sharks in Azorean Waters
How do you study an animal that spends most of its life out of sight? Beatriz shares her research into blue shark behaviour, habitat use and the conservation challenges facing one of the Atlantic's most iconic predators.
Can We Find Nemo Without Seeing Him?
An introduction to environmental DNA: what it is, how it works, and why it is revolutionising biodiversity surveys. Real-world examples will show how a bottle of seawater can reveal an entire ecosystem.
Where the Atlantic Breathes: Conservation at the Edge of Europe
The Azores are home to some of the Atlantic's most remarkable marine ecosystems. This talk explores the challenges of protecting them and the ambitious efforts underway through the Blue Azores programme to safeguard 30% of these waters for future generations.
