Discover the Untamed Beauty of Pico Island, Azores: Your Gateway to Extraordinary Diving Adventures”
Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, Pico Island stands as a jewel in the crown of the Azores archipelago, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity. Blessed with crystal-clear waters and a rich marine ecosystem, Pico Island beckons adventurers from around the globe to explore its underwater wonders.
HIGHLIGHTS
Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of shark encounters or the serene beauty of caostal diving, Pico Island promises an unforgettable diving experience like no other. Join us as we explore the wonders of the underwater world and uncover the hidden treasures of this enchanting island paradise. Book your diving adventure with us today and dive into a world of endless discovery!
The Azores is known as one of the best diving destinations in Europe, offering an abundance of marine life and unique underwater landscapes. The island’s location in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean attracts a variety of pelagic species, including several species of sharks, whales, and dolphins. In addition to the captivating marine life, diving in the Azores also offers a chance to explore underwater volcanic formations, caves, and tunnels.
3x Blue Shark and Mako Expeditions: Experience a rare diving opportunity with pelagic sharks off Pico Island. Join us on this exciting dives with the Mako and Blue sharks in the open ocean. Blue and Mako sharks are arguably two of the most beautiful shark species with unbelievable colours of blue and silver. Mako and blue sharks are some of the most fascinating shark species and have become favorites of many underwater photographers.
6 Hour Expedition with one dive up to 75 minutes.
Princess Alice Bank: Princess Alice Bank is considered one of the best and most well-known dive sites of Europe. Only recommended for experienced divers, it is far from a harbour and prone to strong currents. It also requires diving to considerable depths. Well renowned for the extraordinary Carousel of Mobulas, Princess Alice is also inhabited by Jacks, huge Tunas, and Barracudas. Success rate between July and September is virtually 100%.
This submarine ridge undersea mountain is located approximately 93 km ten isolated from Pico Island. The water around the ridge is over 1,500 meters deep. The mountain ridge itself is at a depth of 240 meters and the highest peak is at a depth of approximately 35 meters. Due to the strong current and the deep seabed, the water here is crystal clear. The currents carry large quantities of plankton, making it teeming with huge schools of tuna and jacks. These schools of fish attract large predators such as barracudas, blue sharks and mako sharks. The schools that you can spot here are completely unique. These enormous rays can grow up to 4 meters long and weigh 1,600 kilos. Don’t be surprised if an enormous whale shark, the largest fish in the world, suddenly swims past (as happened to a customer of ours on this trip at the Princess Alice Bank in July ’21). On the way to Princess Alice Bank you have good chances of seeing one or more of the 28 species of whales and dolphins that occur here. During your cruise to the Pricncess you will make 2 dives from Alice Bank.
The best time is from July till October.
Between July and October the success of the Shark Expeditions is near 91%. All the successful trips attracted Blue sharks, while Mako sighting always showed a huge variability between seasons, from a maximum of 65% of the dives to a minimum of less than 10%.
While success rates are very high for every activity included in the program and weather is at its best between July and mid-October, you should be prepared to be flexible and let us organise the activities according to our experience and, most importantly, safety requirements.
DAY 1: FLIGHT TO PICO ISLAND
There are daily flights to Azores and Pico Island. Depending on the country you fly from, it might be possible that an extra night at Terceira or Sao Miguel might be necessary.
After arrival at Pico Airport you will be greeted by one of our guides and transfered to your accommodation.
DAY 2 – 10 : SHARK EXPEDITION
DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHT OR EXTENSION
Today we fly back home with a unique experience in our pocket! An extension of the trip is certainly possible! Azores has so much to offer. It is easy to extend your holiday at the Faial or Sao Miguel for example. If you need more information, just contact our travel designer!
Residencial Mini Bela is a pension located in downtown Madalena and it is a 4-minute walk from our centre.
Simple, but clean, represents a budget option for whose you care a lot more about allocating their money to the activities than the accommodation.
All rooms have a private bathroom. No breakfast.
This spacious house with private garden and BBQ area is a 10-minute walk from the city centre and our base.
Located in a quiet area of Madalena, it enjoys a stunning view to Mount Pico from a large terrace with lounge area.
The house features 2 double rooms, 1 triple room and 2 suites, all with private bathrooms.
Towels and bedding are included.
A large kitchen, living room with TV and washing machine are available to use.
Hotel Caravelas (4 stars) is set in a very central position and faces the Marina of Madalena, a few yards from our base.
A nice bar and a pleasant outdoor swimming pool provide the ideal setting for your moments of relax.
