ACTIVITIES
LIVE THE OCEAN
The waters surrounding Pico Island, are one of the best places in the world to meet the whales, enjoy the unique experience of swimming with dolphins and make incredible diving. Do not overlook the beautiful natural pools found on the coast.
Water Temperature: From 16°C (winter) to 25°C (summer) / Visibility: From 15 to 30+ meters
WHALE WATCHING
The activity of whale watching takes place exclusively between March and October where abundance of whales and dolphins and species diversity is highest..
Depending on the chosen period you will then encounter different species, for example: in March is the period of the Blue Whale in April and May, the Fin Whale, the Sei Whale and Minke Whale and in rare cases the Humpback Whale while during the whole season we meet the Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales and the inevitable Dolphins.
Every trip is preceded by a briefing, to let you know more about the biology and behaviour of the whale and dolphin species we are most likely to meet at sea, along with their conservation status.
Whales and dolphins live in a world of sounds and a hydrophone (an underwater microphone) will be available on board to let you listen to their vocalizations.
SWIM WITH DOLPHINS
For some people the experience is something mystical, for others it is like returning to our origins, for everybody it's a lifetime experience.
Here in Pico, five species of dolphins (Bottlenose Dolphins and Risso's Dolphins, all the year while the Atlantic Spotted dolphins form the end of june) are waiting you and they will wellcome you, with their friendliness and playfulness, in their natural environment: the ocean!
Every trip is preceded by a briefing, to let you know more about the biology and behaviour of the whale and dolphin species we are most likely to meet at sea, along with their conservation status.
Whales and dolphins live in a world of sounds and a hydrophone (an underwater microphone) will be available on board to let you listen to their vocalizations.
DIVING
The Gulf Stream and varied seafloor topography create ideal conditions for a rich, abundant and diverse underwater fauna that spans tiny invertebrates to huge pelagic fish and marine mammals.
The more adventurous can venture offshore to dive Princess Alice with mobulas and mantas or in blue water with elusive Blue and Mako sharks (the period for these two trips is from July to October while all the other one starts from the month of March)
DIVE NOT TO BE MISSED : PRINCESS ALICE
Imagine the abyss - waters deeper than 1000 metres, suddenly rising up to only 30 metres from the water surface. This is Princess Alice, a seamount right in the mid-Atlantic, 45 nautical miles (about 85 km) off the Pico Island (Azores). Well renowned for the extraordinary Carousel of Mantas and Mobulas, Princess Alice is also inhabited by Jacks, huge Tunas, Barracudas and Sharks. .
Difficulty of the dives: High
Minimum certification required: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent
Seasonality: July through mid-October
Duration: 1 full day
The price includes tanks, weights, weightbelt and dive guide (PADI Divemaster)
DIVE NOT TO BE MISSED : SHARK EXPEDITION
The Blue shark and the Mako occur offshore. Reaching the dive spots takes about 1 hour to navigate. The dives occur in deep water, far from coastal recreational activities. To undertake these 'blue water dives' requires excellent buoyancy control as there are no points of reference from the sea floor or a wall. Divers must therefore pay attention to their depth, orientation and dive profile..
Difficulty of the dives: High
Minimum certification required: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent + 50 logged dives
Seasonality: July through mid-October
Duration: 1 full day
The price includes tanks, weights, weightbelt and dive guide (PADI Divemaster)
The activities mentioned above are organized and carried out in collaboration with CW Azores,
official operator of Whale Watching (Licence 03/2008) and Authorized PADI Dive Resort (No. 799438).
If you want a holiday with an extra gear, take a look at the section