Azores: São Miguel and Horta
Azores highlights with French elegance and a spirit of discovery
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
from/to Ponta Delgada
A seven-night round voyage through the heart of the Azores archipelago from Ponta Delgada. Le Boreal carries its 184 guests to six of the nine islands, making this one of the most island-rich Azores itineraries available. Whale watching, volcanic landscapes and a UNESCO town centre alternate with the typical mid-Atlantic island stillness. The marina platform and Zodiacs supplement the port programme wherever wind and swell allow.
Route highlights
- Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel): largest Azores island with the Furnas volcanic area, hot springs and crater lakes.
- Velas (Sao Jorge): a narrow elongated island of cliffs and fajas, famed for its hard cheese.
- Horta (Faial): legendary sailing harbour with the painted marina wall and the historic Peter Cafe Sport.
- Lajes do Pico and Madalena (Pico): principal whale-watching island, dominated by the 2,351-metre Pico volcano, the highest mountain in Portugal.
- Angra do Heroismo (Terceira): UNESCO World Heritage town with Renaissance architecture and historic fortresses.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
7 nights
Praia da Vitória
-
Ponta Delgada, Azoren · Embarkation
Ponta Delgada on São Miguel is the capital of the Azores. Excursions lead to the Sete Cidades crater with its two differently coloured crater lakes (blue and green) and to Furnas with its hot sulphur springs and caldera lake. The "green island" is shaped by volcanic wildness throughout.
-
Velas, Azoren
Velas is the main town of the Azorean island of São Jorge in the middle of the Atlantic. It sits on the south-west coast of the narrow, elongated volcanic island, whose cliffs are dotted with lava-stone fajãs.
-
Horta, Azoren
Horta on the Azorean island of Faial is famous for the legendary harbour mole covered with thousands of paintings left by passing sailing crews, and for outstanding humpback whale watching in Azorean waters - one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world.
-
Madalena (Pico)
On the Azorean island of Pico in the mid-Atlantic, the small port town of Madalena faces the neighbouring island of Faial. From the pier you can see the 2,351-metre Pico volcano, Portugal's highest peak, whose lava-stone vineyard walls form part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
-
Lajes do Pico, Azoren
Small port on the south coast of the Azorean island of Pico in the middle of the Atlantic. Once the centre of Azorean whaling, today home to the whale museum and a starting point for whale watching beneath the Pico volcanic cone.
-
Praia da Graciosa, Azoren
On the southern coast of the Azorean island of Graciosa in the North Atlantic, Santa Cruz da Graciosa is the main town of this gently rolling, vineyard-rich UNESCO Biosphere Reserve island. Windmills, limestone churches and the spectacular Furna do Enxofre volcanic cave shape the scene.
-
Praia da Vitória, Azoren
On a sweeping bay on the eastern coast of the Azorean island of Terceira in the Atlantic, this town combines a long sandy beach with a sheltered deep-water harbour. The symmetrical 16th-century main square and the nearby volcanic Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz make the town a draw.
-
Angra do Heroísmo, Azoren
Angra do Heroísmo is the historic capital of the Azorean island of Terceira and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Sheltered by the volcanic cone of Monte Brasil, the city was the key Atlantic stopover between Europe and the overseas colonies in the 16th and 17th centuries.
-
Ponta Delgada, Azoren · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 22 |
| Sea °C | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 |
| Rain mm | 25 | 25 | 13 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 26 | 32 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Canary Islands (Las Palmas)
Destination
Le Boréal
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
The Canaries are for Le Boréal a transitional sailing ground between Europe and the tropics - volcanic landscapes, spring-like climate and ports with Canarian character.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Boréal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 6.158 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 6.642 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 6.994 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 7.214 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 7.489 | On request | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 9.210 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 9.910 | On request | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 10.230 | On request | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 10.740 | On request | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.06.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 7 nights from EUR 6.158 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
The best time to sail this route is Mild year-round.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
