AZORES
THE ENCHANTED ISLANDS
*COVER IMAGE BY RHONDA MARKOWSKY
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: THE AZORES ISLANDS OF SAO MIGUEL AND FAIAL
DATES: MARCH 3-10, 2027
DURATION: 8 DAYS
INSTRUCTORS: KAHLI APRIL + WAYNE SIMPSON*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: EASY
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: HOTELS
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
COST: $7,900 CAD
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below.
*Please note that the dates could shift slightly and will be 100% locked in by March of 2026 as 2027 flight schedules are released.
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 November.
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.
Image by Rhonda Markowsky
》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS*
WAYNE SIMPSON // CO-LEADER
Based in Elora, Ontario, Wayne Simpson is a professional photographer who specializes in dramatic portraiture and landscape photography. His versatility as a photographer carries into his commercial work and event photography, making his style distinctive in the industry. As an educator, Simpson conducts portrait and landscape photography workshops throughout Canada, and is a proud contributor to OFFBEAT. Simpson’s images have been published in such magazines as Outdoor Photography Canada, Outdoor Photography Magazine, Canadian Rockies Annual and Canadian Geographic, as well as in countless books around the world. His first photography book, Resilient, was published in Spring 2021. [Bio photo: Mark Heine]
KAHLI HINDMARSH // CO-LEADER
Kahli is a landscape, night and adventure photographer originally from Australia. Now spending most of her time travelling between Canada and New Zealand, her work is a reflection of her passions; travel, mountains and inspiring landscapes. Often found hiking in the mountains or chasing the aurora in the middle of the night, Kahli enjoys the challenge of finding unique scenes and interesting light. Sharing these breathtaking landscapes with others while exploring the world is what motivates Kahli, hoping to inspire people to get out and explore for themselves. She has found a deeper purpose within photography by sharing what she has learned from her experience shooting in the field.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Daily instructions/mentorship with Kahli April and Wayne Simpson
All Inter-Azores flights from kick off location of Sao Miguel Island (kick off will take place in the capital city of Ponta Delgada)
First and finale night dinners
All breakfasts
All accomodations during workshop duration (based on double occupancy - single occupancy available for an additional fee)
What’s Not Included:
International flights to/from Azores
Lunches and Dinners (except initial and final dinner)
Travel Insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. Landscape/Nature Photography
2. Long Exposure Techniques
3. Astrophotography
4. Composition + Progressing Your Artistic Eye
》ITINERARY
The itinerary is 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.
Image by Judy Ash
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“Attending this workshop turned into a key moment in my life and one that I will forever remember. The camaraderie, generosity of time and spirit that was shared among the leaders, photographers and the models were very impressive and added to an extremely rewarding experience. Not only are the leaders of OFFBEAT very good photographers, they are very, very good people and yes, I definitely plan on attending future OFFBEAT workshops.”
-M. Ricco
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
“I've done four OFFBEAT trips so far—all to spots that I never thought I'd see. And I will keep coming back. The quality of the experiences, the photography, and the people are without peer.”
-B. Dodge
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: $7,900 CAD
Single Supplement: $1,000 CAD
Spousal/Partner Supplement fee available: $4,500 CAD (includes everything indicated in the list above except photography instruction). Please register with deposit only & contact Nelly at admin@offbeatphoto.ca to adjust payment schedule.
Payment options: Full payment or $1,500 CAD non-refundable deposit to secure a space with three further installment payments:
Non-Refundable Deposit: CAD $1,500
Installment schedule:
March 30, 2026- $1,600
June 30, 2026 - $1,600
Oct 30, 2026 - $1,600
Jan 15, 2027 - $1,600
Note: failure to pay by payment due date 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, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating
EASY
Hiking experience // None necessary.
Pace // Slow.
Distance/Description // Mainly roadside with some short hikes (3KM round trip max).
Footwear // Light hiking shoes or sneakers.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
See these ratings described in our FAQs.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that 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.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》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. Effective June 16, 2022.