Cherokee under full sail
Dolphin from Cherokee
View overlooking Azores islands, Portugal
Cherokee from above
Cherokee full sailing helford
VIEW GALLERY

Island hopping to the Southern Azores

Embark: Praia da Vitoria, Terceira28 June 2026, 18:30
Disembark: São Miguel, Portugal7 July 2026, 10:30
Vessel: Cherokee
Where: The Azores
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Group Size: 8
Activity: Level 2
i
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Berths available
Prices from
£2,120.00€2,395.00
per person
Board type: Full Board
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Sail with adventure yacht Cherokee for a 10-day island-hopping voyage from Terceira to São Miguel.

This sailing voyage links the central and southern islands of the North Atlantic archipelago of the Azores. Beginning on the island of Terceira, part of the central island group, and ending in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the largest and most easterly island. The voyage includes time ashore with relaxed coastal day sailing and one overnight passage through the open waters that separate these volcanic isles. 

This voyage is well-suited to guests seeking a mix of exploration and relaxed sailing. No previous experience is needed. Participation in handling sails and steering is welcome but always optional, and there will be plenty of opportunities to swim, walk ashore and enjoy quiet anchorages.

  • Island Hopping
  • Potential dolphin and whale sightings
  • Suitable for adventure seekers
  • Great for solo travellers and couples
  • Independent onshore excursions
  • Full board
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Need some help?
Talk to the team

Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592

Sail area

Your Sailing Area

Terceira to Sao Miguel, The Azores 

The voyage begins in the archipelago of the Azores, from the port of Praia da Vitória on Terceira island. There is time to settle on board before sailing the short coastal route to Angra do Heroísmo, a UNESCO World Heritage harbour town. Along the way, the route passes Ilhéu das Cabras, two volcanic islets known for their cliffs and seabird nesting sites. These first miles provide a straightforward introduction to the rhythm of sailing and time on deck.

 

From Angra, Cherokee will set a southeast course for a 140-nautical-mile ocean crossing to São Miguel. This will be the one overnight passage of the voyage, sailed in a supportive and straightforward watch system. Guests are welcome to get involved in the sailing, take the helm or handle the sails, but participation is optional. Out on the water, the rhythm is steady: quiet time on deck, shared meals, wide horizons and a clear view of the night sky far from shore. Enjoy the spectacle of a mid-ocean sunrise with open water in every direction and nothing but the surface of the Atlantic reflecting the first light as you enjoy your morning coffee on deck. Common and bottlenose dolphins frequently visit these waters, and depending on the season, whale sightings are possible. As the day continues, the high hills and pine forest-covered ridges of São Miguel will gradually come into view ahead.

 

The largest island within the Azores archipelago, São Miguel offers a stunning landscape of dramatic volcanic craters, mirror-surfaced inland lakes and vast green-covered hills. 

 

Cherokee will make landfall at the peaceful village of Povoação on São Miguel’s lush eastern coast. Here we will find a sheltered harbour backed by forested hills, with time to rest and explore ashore. Time ashore may include visits to volcanic hot springs, crater lakes such as Lagoa do Fogo, or the geothermal pools of Furnas, depending on the weather conditions and group preference. 

 

The next leg continues to Santa Maria, the southernmost island in the Azores archipelago, on a passage of around 55 nautical miles. Santa Maria has a noticeably different climate and landscape, with lighter, warmer weather and rare white-sand beaches such as Praia Formosa. With time to spend here, the group may take a scenic hike to the Caldeira, visit the Ribeira de Maloás lava formations, or make a coastal hike to one of the island’s waterfalls, depending on conditions and interest.

 

After Santa Maria, the course returns toward São Miguel. Weather permitting, Cherokee may anchor at Ilhéu de Vila Franca do Campo, a circular volcanic islet with a calm, natural, turquoise lagoon sheltered from ocean swell and a beautiful place to swim directly from the boat. 

 

The voyage concludes in Ponta Delgada, where there is time for a final walk along the waterfront or a relaxed dinner together before departure.

Please note that the above schedule is subject to weather, wind, and tide. 

Things to note
Sailing vs Shore time
This voyage will have some time to explore ashore each day.
Night-watches
There will be no night watches during this voyage.

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

Life on board Cherokee

A custom-fit charter vessel, Cherokee, has been designed to ensure her guests enjoy comfortable offshore sailing adventures.

GETTING INVOLVED

Sailing with Cherokee certainly ticks the adventure travel boxes with a continuous A to B sailing schedule throughout the season. Skipper Jouke (pronounced Yow-ka) believes this is the best way to experience as many destinations off the beaten track as possible and loves to share his sense of adventure with guests.

Guests are actively encouraged to get involved with all aspects of sailing under Jouke’s relaxed guidance. Take the helm, help with the winching of the sails, anchoring and basic chart navigation. Skipper Jouke was born at sea, the son of a Baltic Sea Captain and a naval architect. You could not be in safer hands when he’s back on land!

SLEEPING & RELAXATION

With four private guest cabins, comfortable bunks, and two bathrooms at either end of the boat, Cherokee can easily accommodate solo travellers, adventurous couples, or groups of friends or family. Clever storage offers plenty of locker space for guests in each cabin. The boiler runs off the cooling water of the generator, so there is plenty of hot water for washing and showering!

Below decks, she offers a comfy & spacious saloon perfect for eating, playing cards or reading a book. You’ll find beautiful panelled mahogany interiors, giving the ship that classic feel. A well-equipped galley opposite the saloon provides a perfect social space, ready to bring you delicious food after an exhilarating day of sailing. Eat under the stars if the weather allows in the spacious cockpit, offering comfortable couches and a good-sized table. If the weather takes a turn, the crew will put up the cockpit tent, offering you shelter and warmth in the fresh air.

AUTHENTIC OFFSHORE SAILING

The boat is owned and sailed by experienced skipper Jouke, and there is a ‘bosun’ who also cooks. The bosun will prepare dinner as you arrive and after breakfast on your first morning aboard Cherokee, you can be guaranteed a relaxed start to your sailing holiday.

Jouke and his crew try to use the engine as little as possible, sailing into port as much as possible. Cherokee only clocks up about 180 motoring hours yearly, which is pretty impressive. Due to this, as with most of our vessels, the days of your holiday are subject to the weather, using the tide as your clock. Guests aren’t presented with a tight schedule or itinerary for this reason, making the trip much more adventurous and flexible.

What’s included

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, hot drinks)
  • All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and wash towel
  • Full crew plus tuition
  • Fuel fees
  • All tender trips to and fro the boat
  • Lifejacket
  • Use of onboard stand-up paddle-boards

What’s not included

  • Swim towel or wetsuits
  • Alcohol
  • Any flights
  • Transit hotels
  • Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
  • Travel Insurance
  • Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
  • Crew tips
  • Personal expenses

Kit list

Cherokee has limited space for possessions, so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!

  • Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
  • Wash towel – micro fibre is lightweight and quick drying!
  • Swimsuit and swim towel
  • Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are lightweight and quick-drying!)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea, so please bring many layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week!

  • Warm, windproof and waterproof coat  and trousers 
  • Waterproof boots
  • Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
  • Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
  • Camera/binoculars 
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
  • Charging cables for personal devices 
  • EU 2pin adaptor
  • A good book to read!
  • We advise sleep masks and/or earplugs!
  • Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring.

From: Praia da Vitoria, Terceira

To: São Miguel, Portugal

Getting There

Angra do Heroísmo, Terceira, The Azores

To travel from the UK to Terceira in the Azores, book a flight to Lajes Airport (TER), commonly accessed via connections in Lisbon or other European cities. Major airlines offer regular flights. Consider checking for seasonal direct flights during summer.

Cherokee

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Cutter

Jouke sails with Cherokee all over the northern hemisphere, leaving her home port of Rotterdam in May and sailing anywhere from the Hebrides and the Channel Islands, the Faroe Islands and Ireland or even down to the North coast of Spain before making the journey back to Holland in October. Join him for the adventure of a lifetime – think exhilarating sailing, bucket list destinations and top-notch hospitality.

Sailing with Cherokee is perfect for those looking to expand their sailing knowledge. From beginners to accomplished sailors, Cherokee’s sailing schedule accommodates all ages and abilities. From sailing training voyages across Oceans to family-friendly voyages in the Azores, there is something to suit everyone. 

She has a relatively simple rig and winch system, so she is a great boat to learn the ropes. Get involved with all aspects of sailing from winching, taking the helm, route planning, chart reading and celestial navigation. 

Skipper Jouke Lemmer purchased Cherokee in 2008 after spending years sailing with his father’s ship, amongst others. Cherokee was built in 2000 by award-winning boat builders J & J Design. She is a fast, 16m vessel with a stunning teak deck and spacious cockpit, and she operates with two crew members (her skipper and the bosun/chef). Cherokee is exceptionally good at what she was built to do – pure blue water sailing! 

Deck plan

Cherokee yacht deck plan information

Berths on board

Single berth in shared Twin Cabin: Two single bunk berths.

Single berth in Double Cabin (double occupancy): Double cabin for two guests.

Private Cabin (solo occupancy): Private cabin for one guest.

More about Cherokee

Are all meals included?

Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) The last evening meal of the voyage is taken ashore.

Can you cater for dietary needs?

Yes, please let us know when making your booking. Gluten free guests may need to bring some items with them.

Are there any added extras?

There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol. Sailing suit and welly hire are additional costs if required. And onshore excursions and travel are not included.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Cherokee has two twin berth cabins and two double berth cabins for guests.

Is there a porthole in my cabin?

Yes, all cabins have either a hatch or porthole.

How many toilet/showers does she have?

Cherokee has two toilet/shower rooms.

Are bedding and towels provided?

All bedding and a towel is included but please bring your own swim towels (if needed). Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

Is there a hairdryer on board?

No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

Will I be able to wash my clothes?

No, Cherokee does not have laundry on board.

Is there heating onboard?

Yes, there is heating on board.

Do I need to tip the crew?

Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

What language is spoken on board?

English and Dutch.

Is there WIFI?

No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

Can I charge my phone/Camera?

Yes charging facilities are available when the generator is running.

What is the currency on board?

Whatever the local currency is in the sailing destination.

Do I need sailing experience?

Not at all.

How do I get on and off the boat?

Cherokee is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy. She has a dropped transom with steps so getting on/off the boat is fairly easy.

Are there life jackets provided?

Yes.

Are Waterproofs provided?

You can hire Sailing suits for £50 for the week. Welly boots are available at £15 for the week.

Does the boat have any water toys?

No. However swimming from the boat is very easy using the stern flap and swimming ladder to access the water.

Will I be sea sick?

Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

Is there an age limit?

Over 12's on most voyages, unless stated as family-friendly!

Voyage
Set Sail
Days
Cost p/p
28 Jun 2026
10 days Days
£2,120.00€2,395.00
9 Jul 2026
11 days Days
£2,600.00€2,949.00
20 Jul 2026
10 days Days
£1,900.00€2,149.00
13 Aug 2026
10 days Days
£1,900.00€2,149.00
23 Aug 2026
15 days Days
£3,080.00€3,495.00
8 Sep 2026
13 days Days
£2,645.00€2,995.00
28 Sep 2026
11 days Days
£1,780.00€1,995.00

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