Azores - Restrictions

Azores Restrictions for Yachts

Marine Reserves:

Portugal is now home to the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) network in Europe. It gives the Azores’ unique underwater ecosystems vital new protections, shielding deep-sea corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, manta rays and fish from damaging activities like fishing. 15 per cent of the Portuguese archipelago’s waters are now designated as fully protected and a further 15 per cent as highly protected, totalling 287,000 square kilometres.

https://www.oceanoazulfoundation.org/initiatives/blueazores/

There are 27 marine reserves in the Azores, all with varying anchoring, diving, fishing and other rules. Details of what is permitted within the limits of the marine reserves can be found in the Annual Notices to Mariners on the Portugal Hydrographic website.

Fishing:

Spearfishing within 164 ft (50 m) of a public beach, port or protected area, and spearfishing with scuba tanks anywhere is prohibited.  A permit to dive (licença de pesca submarina) can be obtained from the Capitania. Here is a useful link all about spear-fishing in the Azores.

Scuba Diving:

If needing to scuba within port limits (for hull or prop servicing), be sure to get permission first from the Capitania as local rules apply.

See Licensing - DGRM

Submarine Cables:

It is forbidden for boats, local or visiting, to anchor at Porto Pim (south of Horta) due to the optical fibre submarine cable laid there.

Last updated:  April 2025