The Azores is a small, autonomous region of Portugal comprised of nine breathtaking semi-tropical volcanic islands located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (in Portuguese, pronounced uh-SOR-rhez, which means goshawk. Although there are no goshawks in the Azores, being a wildlife biologist who studied goshawks I couldn’t not visit these islands). Dramatic peaks rise from the ocean flanked with lush temperate rainforest, stunning waterfalls, azure crater lakes, moon-like craters, medieval era villages, patterned tea fields and rugged coastlines, along with sometimes variable weather, provide a wealth of photographic opportunities. Drones <250g are also welcome (there are registration requirements for flying a drone in the Azores, plus some areas require permission from government authorities in nature reserves/wildlife habitats) and, if weather permits, there will be opportunities for aerial photography and videography.

This PhotoExploration will investigate photographic locations on four islands; the craters and lakes of Sao Miguel, the forested island of Flores, the volcanic crater of Corvo, the smallest island, and the volcanic caves, dark forests, and the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of Terceira. There’s an optional 1/2 day whale watch tour for potential to see the largest land mammal on Earth, the blue whale, along with humpback whales, fin whales, 3 species of dolphin, along with seabirds and seaward views of the coast. We explore at a photographer’s pace, immersing ourselves in the environment at each stop.

This is a first visit for me, and the price reflects that, as for all my first trips. I do extensive research and prep prior to these trips, whether a first time or 6^th time.

There will also be opportunities, weather permitting, for nighttime and astrophotography in dark skies, especially on Flores and Corvo. Information regarding astrophotography equipment will be sent with your registration confirmation.

The Azores are a 5.5hr flight from New York or 4hrs from London. The weather is variable and can change quickly from sun to rain or fog and back to sun. Being a maritime climate, temperatures tend to be stable, between 60 – 80 degrees F (16 – 25 C) during the day and 50 – 60 at night.

Our gateway city for arrivals and departures is Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel, Ponta Delgada Joao Paulo II International Airport (PDL). For planning purposes, I recommend you arrive a day or more earlier in case of travel delays, and depart a day or more later if you’d like to stay and explore more on your own. There are several hotels very near the airport. Schedule departures from Sao Miguel (PDL) after 1:00pm April 30.

The Azores controls its tourism to prevent being overrun. This means accommodations and transportation can be unavailable due to earlier bookings. A deposit prior to October 1, 2026 will ensure the trip can proceed. Balance due prior to January 15, 2027.

There is a minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 for the Azores PhotoExploration.