HOTEL PONTA DELGADA

Hotel Ponta Delgada, located in the heart of São Miguel Island in the Azores, offers a brilliant base for exploring this breathtaking island. Known for its warm hospitality, the hotel combines modern amenities with local charm, providing a cozy retreat after a day of adventure. The hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, and restaurant serving regional cuisine.

ROOM OPTIONS

"Ponta Delgada Plus" Rooms are allocated on a twin / double share basis as standard. Business Rooms and Suites may be available as upgrades on enquiry. A sole use supplement is available for £210.

GALLERY

ITINERARY

All swim activities are planned with safety at their heart. Open-water swimming is always governed by tides and the weather, and as a result planned swims may need to be changed, depending on the prevailing weather conditions at the time. 

SATURDAY

If you are on the 3.30pm arrival into Ponta Delgarda, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel, ready for welcomes, safety briefing, our first dip and an evening meal together.

SUNDAY

This morning we head to the large harbour of São Miguel - where we will complete our acclimitisation swim in the clear Atlantic waters, surrounded by the bustling energy of the town. After lunch, we will set off to the hot waterfall springs. Expect a lush, jungle-like setting where warm water cascades into natural pools heated by volcanic activity. A unique swim experience after the cooler waters of the Atlantic this morning.

MONDAY

Today we visit the idyllic 'Princess Ring', the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo - a crater of an old underwater volcano. We will boat over the the ring, and enjoy a short swim around the middle, before settling down for a packed lunch on the beach. After lunch, we head back to Praia Bay, for some relaxed coastal swimming and a chance to enjoy some beach time.

TUESDAY

Today we head out to the Furnas ('Furnace') region of São Miguel. Located in the eastern part of the island, Furnas is home to hot springs, fumaroles, and boiling mud pools. This morning we will visit the rejuvenating thermal baths at Poça da Dona Beija, before stopping for a traditional lunch at  Furnas Lake - where you can witness the traditional cooking of "cozido," a delicious Portuguese stew slow-cooked underground using the natural heat of the earth. In the afternoon we head to the historic Terra Nostra Park, famous for its large thermal pool and beautifully manicured botanical gardens.

wednesday

This morning, join us for a gentle coastal swim - with time to work on your swim stroke with your guides if you wish. We will head back for lunch in town before heading out for an incredible whale watching trip. Please note, swimming with whales and dolphins in the Azores is strictly forbidden, however we are extremely likely to see them and April is an incredible time for whale watching, so we didn't want to leave this out!

thursday

The last full day of swimming, and what a day we have planned! This morning, we head out to the Thermal Sea Pools, to experience the crash of the Atlantic against the hot stones of the tidal pools - a real assault on the senses. After lunch, we head out for our final afternoon together at Ponta de Ferrari, where we can stretch out and enjoy a bay swim along this dramatic coastline before heading back into Ponta Delgarda for our evening meal.

FRIDAY

This morning we will enjoy a sunrise swim together, before breakfast and departures. Check out is at 10am.

GETTING THERE

START & FINISH TIME

This trip officially starts at 4pm, and finishes at 10am on the final day.

FLIGHTS

• Direct Flights: Many international airports offer direct flights to João Paulo II Airport (PDL) in Ponta Delgada, the main city on São Miguel. Airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Azores Airlines, and several low-cost carriers operate flights from various European cities. There are direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow on the start date, and on the Saturday after the trip finishes. We can help you book an extra night, or you can book one of many connecting flights back on the Friday.
• Connecting Flights: If you’re travelling from outside Europe, or looking for a cheaper fare, you may want to connect through a major European hub, such as Lisbon or London, before flying to Ponta Delgada.

WHAT DO I PACK?

• At least three swimming costumes (putting on a wet cossie is never fun!)
• Wetsuit - our Partners at Zone3 offer a wide range of wetsuits, including the eco Yulex natural rubber range HERE and you get 20% OFF all full price Zone3 products with code : SWIMQUEST
• Two pairs of swim goggles – one clear and one tinted
• Tow float (required) - if you haven’t got one yet, you can purchase from our online shop here
• Rash vest (optional) - available from our online shop here
• Towel(s)
• Small daypack/rucksack to use for your personal equipment/clothing during the day
• Sandals/aqua shoes/flip flops – for getting wet
• Warm clothes! Fleece or warm jumper, tracksuit trousers/sweat pants, warm coat, woolly hat
• Dryrobe / similar (something warm and easy to wear after swimming, though you will receive a SwimQuest poncho - which is a light towel robe)
• Warm shoes for before and after your swim, preferably suitable for walking short distances
• Waterproofs
• Sun hat, sun cream and glasses

READY TO BOOK?

We’re excited about meeting you on tour. To book your trip, simply click 'Book Now' for your chosen trip below. A deposit of 30% is required to secure your place, and the final payment is due 10 weeks prior to departure. Payments can be made by debit/credit card or by bank transfer. If you are not yet ready to book and require more information, please click enquire. Once you have complete the form, Sarah (our bookings co-ordinator) will be in touch to help you with any additional requirements.

AZORES  |  3-9 MAY 2025  |  SOLD OUT  |  ENQUIRE

AZORES  |  10-16 MAY 2025  |  BOOK NOW  |  ENQUIRE

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In booking with us, you accept our terms and conditions, which can be found here. If at any point you have any questions, feel free to contact us:

• Sarah Broadley | +44 7917 033670 | sarah@swimquest.uk.com
• Charlie Beere | +44 7563 389238 | charlotte@swimquest.uk.com
• Alice Todd | +44 7825 301443 | alice@swimquest.uk.com

Travel Insurance

As a SwimQuest guest, you are required to have in place travel insurance that covers you for all activities you will be taking part in during your trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully covered for these activities. Whatever travel policy you decide on, you will need to bring a copy of your current Certificate of Insurance to the safety briefing at the start of your SwimQuest holiday. Your swim Guides will need to take a note of your insurer, policy number and the number to call in case of an emergency claim. Please note, if you are a UK resident and eligible for free health cover via the NHS, you do not need to take our a travel insurance policy for our UK based trips. You may still wish to take out insurance to cover you for events such as trip cancellation, luggage and personal liability.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travellers for travellers, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.  World Nomads do not offer cover over 65s, however if you are over 65 and looking for insurance, you may wish to browse some of the below price comparison sites. Please note - we are unable to advise on the suitability of any particular insurance policy.

United Kingdom

• Insureandgo price comparison site for over 65s insurance
• Comparethemarket price comparison site for over 65s insurance

If you are travelling from the US or another country, we suggest you use a travel insurance comparison site based in your own country in order to decide on a suitable policy.