Description:

Sao Miguel is the largest island in the Azores and has the biggest population at 140,000. It is probably the greenest island with swathes of cultivated land and forests. Its largest city, Ponta Delgada, is the capital of the Azores and the busiest port in the archipelago.

There are two marinas in Ponta Delgada, the old one for local boats and the other one for visitors. The visitor’s marina lies on the west side from the harbour entrance.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

• The many headlands on the approach to the harbor all have outlying rocks and should be given at least a 500m berth.
• If the wind is between the east and the south, a heavy swell can make its way into the harbor. During S/SE winds, swell can also make its way into the marina. Anti-chaffing gear and extra fenders are a necessity.
• This is a busy harbour and is sheltered by a massive 1500m outer breakwater.  The breakwater, however, continues a further 50-100m out to sea, with large rocks awash and underwater and should be given a wide berth.  The main reference is the Santa Clara lighthouse.
• The marina is located inside the commercial port and the 30 m long reception dock is located at the entrance on the port side.
• Only the starboard side of the marina entrance is illuminated, but the lights on land and the jetties are sufficient to identify the reception pontoon, which has a row of flag poles.
• The maximum speed in port is 3 knots.

Cruiser Highlights:

São Miguel has some wonderful scenery and places to visit with good public transport infrastructure. Thermal pools, superb botanical gardens, the twin lakes of Sete Cidades and numerous walks around the island.

Position:

37° 44.2’N, 25° 39.67’W (marina)

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