Azores: The Enchanted Islands

 OVERVIEW 

Join renowned photographers Kahli April and Wayne Simpson* on an unforgettable photography workshop in a land before time - the Azores.  

Picture yourself amidst a paradise of lush green landscapes, dramatic volcanic craters, and azure blue lakes that defy imagination. The Azores, with its rugged terrain and diverse geological features, offer a playground for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Located between Portugal (of which they're a part) and New York, this dramatic series of volcanically-formed islands are within a unique temperature zone which sees the area reasonably warm, lush and green even in March.

A land of vistas, stunning drives, powerful natural features, calderas, sea stacks, sheep, good wine and food, and old European charm….the Azores are truly the Enchanted Islands.

Location: The Azores Islands of Sao Miguel and Faial

Dates: March 3-10, 2027  (please note the dates may shift by a few days, days to finalized by March 2026)

Tour Leaders*: Kahli April and Wayne Simpson

 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN 

• Learn to shoot both the intimate details of nature and capturing grand landscapes, with a village life thrown in.
• Astro photography and skills to shoot at night.
• Honing your vision as a storyteller in vast landscapes.
• How to develop your skills as a landscape photographer using filters and learning techniques such as long exposures.
• Developing your overall skills with your camera settings and equipment from beginner to pro.

 ITINERARY

(Note: subject to change)

Day 1 - Wednesday, March 3rd ~ SAO MIGUEL ISLAND
6PM – After settling in your hotel, we will meet as a group with a delicious kick-off dinner in the capital city of Ponta Delgada. Your group leaders will facilitate introductions and review the upcoming adventure and workshop in detail.

Day 2 - Thursday, March 4th ~ TRAVEL TO FAIAL ISLAND
We will start the day with breakfast on Sao Miguel before checking out of the hotel and heading to the airport to fly to the picturesque island of Faial. We will check into our hotel in late afternoon, have a group dinner, and then set off for astrophotography if conditions allow.

Day 3 - Friday, March 5th ~ FAIAL ISLAND
Faial Island is a small island with stunning coastline. We will make the most of a big day of exploration, starting with sunrise photography and shooting until after sunset. If conditions allow, we will shoot astrophotography after dinner. This day will see us focus our attention on the erie volcanic area surronding the Lighthouse of Ponta Dos Capelinhos, the sight of the last volcanic eruption in the Azores.

Day 4 - Saturday, March 6th ~ FAIAL ISLAND
We will continue our exploration of this beautiful Island, spending time in the Island's capital of Horta, as well as stunning surrounding geological features, including the beautiful Ponta do Morro - Castelo Branco and Caldeira do Inferno.

In Horta, the group will spend time photographing Horta's picturesque harbour and exploring its many narrow streets.

Day 5 -Sunday, March 7th ~ FLY TO PONTA DELGADA
After morning sunrise photography in Faial, we we fly back to the capital of Ponta Delgada on the largest island of Sao Miguel where we will check into our hotel and begin the next stage of this journey: exploring the many features of the Azore's largest island.

Day 6 - Monday, March 8th ~ SAO MIGUEL ISLAND
Today we will explore the central and eastern portions of Sao Miguel, spending time in the Furnas area, which will include a spectacular hike to an off-the-beaten track waterfall, historic ruins, and lush rainforests.

Day 7 - Tuesday, March 9 ~ SAO MIGUEL ISLAND
This final full day of exploration will see an early morning start to take advantage of morning light, hitting a number of diverse stops including sea stacks, 17th century aquaducts, stunning forests, and - of course, calderas. This evening we will have a celebratory group dinner and wine.

Day 8 - Wednesay, March 10 ~ PONTA DELGADA, DEPARTURE DAY
The workshop formally ends with after-breakfast transportation back to the airport.

* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.

 THE FINER DETAILS 

Included:

• Daily instructions/mentorship with Kahli April and Wayne Simpson
• Accommodations (*based on double occupancy, single rooms available for additional supplement)
• All breakfasts during the workshop.
• Kick-off and finale dinner.
• Transporation in comfortable vans during the workshop.
• All "in Azores" flights between the various islands.
• All Park/Attraction Entrance Fees.
• Itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
• Lifetime membership to OFFBEAT Community.

Not Included:

• International flights to or from the Azores to mainland Europe or North America.
• Lunches and Dinners (except initial and final dinner)
• Visa, vaccinations, passport fees
• Travel Insurance
• Souvenirs
• Gratuities & Tips for guides, servers, staff etc.
• Alcohol
• Any weather-caused delays/extensions to stay.
  

 PRICE AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE 

Cost: CAD $7900* (Based on double occupancy)

Payment options: Full payment or $1500 non-refundable deposit to secure a space with remaining four payments as listed below.

Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1500

• Installment Payment #1 $1600 - March 30, 2026
• Installment Payment #2: $1600 - June 30, 2026
• Installment Payment #3: $1600 - Oct 30, 2026
• Installment Payment #4: $1600 - Jan 15, 2027

Single Room Supplement fee:  $1000

Note:  if you are interested in bringing your spouse/partner on this, we have a  discounted spousal/partner rate of $4500.

Note: Failure to pay by due dates means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).

If unforeseen circumstances arise, refunds will not be given but participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant. In such case, participants are responsible for handling payment for the transfer.

 PARTICIPANTS

• 8 minimum

We require a minimum of 8 participants in order to run this workshop. If the minimum numbers are not reached by Oct 2026 the workshop may be cancelled and deposits will be refunded to participants. See our cancellation policy below for more details.

 ACCOMMODATIONS

Your time for the duration of the workshop is split between comfortable hotels.

Important note:   please note that accommodations will be shared (two participants of the same sex per room). Accommodations are always made for friends/spouses traveling together to ensure you room together.  A single room may be available for a supplemental fee.

 WHAT TO EXPECT 

The workshop is suitable for participants of all levels of experience in photography. Most locations will be readily accessible with short hikes.

This event focuses 100% on landscape + outdoor + night photography, but participants are free to ask questions about and practice portrait photography as well. It is worth noting that the workshop will be quite active in order to maximize field time. Participants are not expected to participate in every aspect of the workshop/tour. It’s up to you to get out as much as you like, though of course it is recommended you give it your all.

 LEAVE NO TRACE 

We preach and live the ethics of "leave no trace" photography, which means that the utmost care is given, while hiking and photographing, to leaving zero impact on the natural environment. Participants are expected to approach this tour with the same ethics at all times.

 INSURANCE

It is not only advised but required that workshop participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).

Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length.

Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility. By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.

 OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration.

 TRAVEL VISA 

It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have a valid Travel Visa (if applicable/required) for the duration of the workshop.