Question 1

What is the best tour to book in Faial?

Accepted Answer

The full-day island tour covering the Caldeira, Capelinhos, and key viewpoints is the single most popular experience. For something more adventurous, blue shark diving is unique to Faial in the Azores — few other destinations offer open-water encounters with these animals. Sailing from Horta is ideal if you want a slower, scenic day on the water.

Question 2

Do I need to be a qualified diver to swim with blue sharks in Faial?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Blue shark encounters in Faial are open-water dives, not surface snorkel sessions. An Open Water diver certification (or equivalent) is required, and most operators recommend Advanced Open Water or at least 30 logged dives. The best season is June to October when water temperatures and visibility are at their peak.

Question 3

Can I sail from Faial to Pico island?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the crossing between Horta and Madalena takes around 2 hours by sailing boat and makes for a spectacular inter-island passage with Mount Pico rising out of the sea ahead of you. Day charters and multi-day passages are available. The faster ferry option takes 30 minutes if you prefer a direct crossing for activities on Pico.

Question 4

Is the Capelinhos volcano worth visiting on a guided tour?

Accepted Answer

The Capelinhos landscape is striking even without a guide — the buried lighthouse and ash fields are visually dramatic. But the underground interpretation centre and the geological context are significantly richer with a local expert who can explain the 1957 eruption, the exodus of Faialense families, and how the landscape has evolved since then.