SAILING ROUTES IN AZORES – INTRODUCTION
ππ π₯π£ππ§ππ ππ£π π π ππ ππ€ππππ π₯π πππ π₯πππ£, π₯πππ₯’π€ π¨πππ₯ π¨π ππ πππ βππ€ππ πππ£π¦ ππ€ π π¦π£ ππ€ππππ, π π¦π£ ππ€ππππ ππ€ βππ€ππ πππ£π¦.
THE AZORESΒ
The location of the ocean is reflected in the region’s strong geographic isolation (remoteness) as it is roughly 760 mi (1,430 km) from the European continent and more than 2,110 mi (3,900 km) from North America. The maximum distance between the islands exceeds 340 mi (630 km), the distance from Corva to Santa Maria.
The archipelago of approximately 246,000 inhabitants consists of nine islands grouped into three distinct groups: the eastern group formed by the islands of Sao Miguel and Santa Maria; the central group by the islands of Faial, Pico, Sao Jorge, Terceira and Graciosa; and finally the Western group formed by the islands of Flores and Corvo, presenting the orientation of WNW-ESSE, which is given by regional tectonics.
Illustration and photo Β© Sea-Water Amplification (SWA) Azores 2025
The distances between islands contained in this table are expressed in nautical miles (nm) and are of an indicative nature only. For better orientation, you can download this distance chart in pdf format here: Distances.
WE CREATE A REAL SOLID PLACE DURING OUR VOYAGE
We honor the rhythm of every voyage and guide you safely to get closer to your destination, whether you are a family with children, a group of friends or a group of professionals looking for wildlife photography, scientific and education goals, freediving or surfing.
If you want to learn more about how we perceive ocean voyage. Read the six points we try to keep in mind when we are on the ocean. These points help us navigate the ever-changing and dynamic environment of the ocean: RISHO MARU SIX POINTS
Illustration Β© Sea-Water Amplification (SWA) Azores 2025
LONGER SAILING ROUTES
We travel from one island to another. Our home port is located in the town of Lajes do Pico (38Β° 23.80′ N, 28Β° 15.27′ W) on the Pico island. We sail from and return to this port.
We divide the voyages between the islands into several basic groups.
- Western: Flores, Corvo
- Central: Pico, Faial, SΓ£o Jorge, Graciosa, Terceira
- Eastern: Sao Miguel, Santa Maria
Each group of islands requires a different way of planning as well as time spent on board the Risho Maru.
- A voyage between the islands of the central group can take up to one week.
- A voyage between the islands of the central group and the western group requires longer time spent on board and can take up to two weeks.
- A voyage between the islands of the central group and the eastern group will also take around two weeks.
- A voyage between the islands of the central group and other islands has a more expeditionary character, is more time-flexible, depends on weather conditions and works with more options that can be explored. This voyage is a true ocean adventure.
SHORTER ROUTES
In addition to the longer voyages mentioned above, we are also engaged in shorter near-coastal voyages in the central group of islands, which are often also called the Azores Triangle (Pico, Faial, SΓ£o Jorge). Shorter voyages depend on weather conditions, mutual communication and preferences.
Illustration Β© Sea-Water Amplification (SWA) Azores 2025
We also divide these routes into several basic groups.
- Half Day
- Full Day
- 24 Hours
- Weekend
- Four Days
NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE BOARD
4
VOYAGE WITH CHILDREN
We highly recommend sailing with children. Our children spend most of their time with us on board the Risho Maru and from our own experience we can say that this is one of the key moments in a child’s life. Children love sailing. They naturally participate in the common process of planning and life on the ship. In the long term, this is one of the most natural learning processes we have had the opportunity to know so far.
Drawing Β© Sea-Water Amplification (SWA) Azores 2025
COST
- What is included:
- Accommodation on board for the duration of the cruise, bed linen and bath towel. For personal comfort you can bring your own sleeping bag.
- Personal safety equipment (life jackets, safety lines)
- Crew: Ales (Captain) & my wife Jindriska (Cook/support) and our two boys VΓ‘va 7. and Elza 3. years.
- Half board (breakfast and one meal a day, water.
- VAT, port authority, port and all logistical fees related to the ship
- Diesel, water, electricity, cooking gas, motor boat and gas
- Internet connection is available near the coast
- What is not included:
- Expenses related to the trip to the boat and back, such as transfers, flights, visas and airport fees, hotels, car rental, etc.
- Personal insurance (highly recommended)
- Food on board (shared with the whole team, approx. 20 β¬/day)
- Possible extra costs (restaurants, museums, souvenirs, etc.)
- Personal equipment – suitable and durable clothes for sailing.
APPLICATION
- If you have decided to join us, please write to us via our contact form, what kind of travel you are interested in and what your time options are. We will send you more information in return. You can find the contact form here: FORM
- If you have any further questions about the cruise do not hesitate to contact us in the same way.