ABOUT USVerifiedThe best way to explore the Azores It was a very sad moment when it was time for us to part with Andre, Rita and sailboat Irro after 10 wonderful days exploring the beautiful Azorean islands. Our experience from the first contact with Sailzen until we said our goodbyes and beyond has been outstanding. They are professionals with all the experience and skills necessary to make a group of non-sailors totally comfortable from the start. And their enthusiasm for what they are offering and how they are delivering it was what really turned this trip into a most enjoyable adventure. Andre and Rita have consistently exceeded our expectations not only as the boat crew getting us safely from island to island but also as hosts, tour guides, and the many other hats they decided to wear. You were wonderful and thank you so much for making this a very special time. You set the standards very high.Gunther M2024-09-17VerifiedAdventure of a lifetime with the most incredible people SailZen brings such passion, joy, and expertise to what they do that you have to experience it to believe it. We had the most breathtaking adventure --curated perfectly for every guest on the boat. Summiting volcanoes, snorkeling atop seamounts, sailing under the moonlight -- you really couldn't hope for more in a trip. Their hospitality and thoughtfulness are unmatched. Oh, and the food (like Michelin star sushi, local specialty produce, and fresh baked goods) was better than anything we ate in the whole of Portugal. All in all, one of the best experiences of my life. Could not recommend this team more.James O2024-09-15Verified6 days of pure happiness with Sailzen! We spent 6 days with André and Rita last August between the central islands of the Azores... it was 6 days of pure happiness at every moment!! André and Rita not only take you aboard Irro in these wonderful landscapes... they transport you in a bracket where everyone at their own pace can enjoy, dream, contemplate, vibrate, laugh with them...The boat is very comfortable, André, the best skipper in the world, will make you participate in maneuvers if you wish. Rita, caring, bubbly and the best on paddle:), will delight you with her amazing small dishes and fresh local produce. In addition we were surprised to be welcomed by hosts speaking perfectly French! Visiting the Acores by sea is a real happiness and an opportunity to seize! We rejoice again that the wind carried us to Sailzen and hope to cross paths with Andre and Rita!Stéphanie S2024-09-08VerifiedBook it! You won't regret it. Wow! Hard to put this trip in words - It was truly incredible! From the genuine, kind and caring crew to the epic scenery of the Azores and the personally tailored itinerary to fit our needs and desires (including pulling off a wedding), SailZen went above and beyond every step of the way to ensure that we had a truly magical adventure! Highlights include - learning to steer the boat and being allowed to drive for hours, eating lemon and sugar crepes while sailing under the full moon listening to Dark Side of the Moon and discovering my new favorite local snack, lupin beans. Andre and Rita are an incredible duo who curated a perfect experience for us. I would absolutely book them again and recommend them to anyone looking for an adventure!Jamie F2024-09-06VerifiedJUST GO! SailZen gave us an unforgettable adventure through the Azores! From anchoring at Faial's desert beach to watching the guys summit Pico while we enjoyed the stunning views, every moment was perfectly planned. Highlights included snorkeling next to the boat, spearfishing for fresh dinners, and a magical sunset in São Jorge. Andre and Rita's attention to detail, love they put into everything they do, and their local knowledge made each stop unique, especially our spontaneous wedding at sea with the full moon shining over us! The journey was topped off with whale sightings, dolphins guiding us, and a final sail to São Miguel under the stars. Highly recommend this trip of a lifetime!Poss Dalton2024-09-06VerifiedWonderful experience if you love sailing, hiking and nature. Great experience with a very experienced and welcoming skipper and partner. We did a trip of 6 days with our family and were completely zen and a beautiful memory richer when we said goodbye. With whale shark, dolphins, homemade fish on the barbeque, nice conversations and delicious food. Thank Andre and Rita!OppadmetE2024-07-27VerifiedGrandiose Unique experience on a unique boat with unique hosts. The happiness of simple and beautiful things. Meals simply delicious. Unforgettable moments on an authentic sailboat, like Andre and Rita. Thank you so much.hubertlenoir2024-07-07VerifiedGreat sailing in Azores I had a fantastic sailing experience with Sailzen. It is a good way to visit the Azores' islands and see how beautiful and diversified they are. Andre and Rita are professional and experienced, they make you feel like you are at home in their boat.Edgar Domingues2023-10-08VerifiedKeep going The most important thing first of all: André is an extremely experienced captain and Rita not only knows how to spoil her guests with culinary delights but also has very good sailing experience. We were on a 10-day cruise from Faial to São Miguel. The yacht IRRO is very well equipped and seaworthy. Even non-sailors can feel absolutely safe at all times. The program is varied and diverse. André and Rita have an extremely good feel for all the guests on board. My heartfelt thanks go to André and Rita. Hope to see you again!Stefan2023-09-30VerifiedSailZen and the Azores were the best sailing holiday! We have sailed all over the world, and our week with Andre and Rita on their boat in the Azores was one of the very best. My family usually bareboat charters when we take sailing holidays. Our week with SailZen was worry-free; we did not have to provision or spend time cooking and planning our course. Andre and Rita took care of all of that. Their boat was perfect for the blue water sailing in the Azores, and the food was fantastic. We loved the unspoiled, quiet islands of the Azores. If you like breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and abundant sea life mixed with some of the most beautiful hikes you will ever encounter, you will love sailing with them. Captain Andre and his wife and crew member Rita were full of local knowledge and a total pleasure to be with. I can't recommend Sailzen enough! We will for sure sail with them again.Peter P2023-09-25