Azores - travel from Sao Miguel to Faial by ferry?
 

Traveling in August from New York area and plan to fly into Sao Miguel. We will spending 7 days and would be interested in visiting Faial and Pico. I see I can take a ferry from Faial to Pico (from the town or Horta??). What is the best way from SM to Faial? Is there a ferry, and if so, what town does it leave from. I'd prefer to take a ferry than fly. How long is the ferry ride or plane ride?
Otherwise, open to suggestions to other islands from SM that is the least expensive/most convenient travel times. Also, what is the best town in SM to base ourselves? Thank you in advance for everyone's assistance.

When we were there, there was no ferry from SM to Faial, but there may be one now. Yes, there's one between Horta and Pico, and all the central islands are connected by ferry. Sta. Maris is near SM, but I don't know how to get there. I'd stay in Ponta Delgada on SM.

Is there a ferry from SM to any other islands in August?