Two Hours Along the Coast Only Reachable by Sea: Caves, Cliffs, Priest Rock

Two hours out of Rabo de Peixe, one of the working fishing harbours of the Azores, along a stretch of the north coast that has no road and no path. The cliffs are volcanic and they go up straight out of the water. Between them, caves cut into the rock. When the sea is calm enough the boat goes inside them, which is not something anyone expects the first time. Areal de Santa Bárbara comes first, the best-known surf beach in the Azores, seen from the water rather than from the sand. The crew have names for the rock formations that stand offshore, the Priest Rock and the Indian Rock among them, and a story for each. The run continues past Ponta do Cintrão and the hidden harbour at Santa Iria, and turns at Porto Formoso before heading back. The AG Expeditions kiosk is orange, with a flag at the entrance, next to the Nautical Club at the fishing harbour. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.