This is a shore dive from a quiet little fishing port on the South Coast approximate 6 Km past Lajes. A pleasant dive to 20m where we first visit the lighthouse, which fell into the Atlantic during a violent storm. Sat on a sloping bank from 10m down to 20m where the lighthouse rests on a flat bottom. After discovering the lighthouse we head South out past the breakwater to the Atlantic where a reef runs south the top of the reef is approximatlye 10m and the bottom of the reef gently slopes away to 30m. We swim along the reef at 15m as this is where the majority of the marine life is found. We always meet up with the resident common ray. Facilities at the port are plentiful with a traditional bar; shower and toilets are also within the port.

Calheta De Nesquim  (Black Coral and Arches)
Depth 20-30m Shore dive

This has to be one of my favourite shore dives. Another quiet fishing port on the south coast and is at the eastern tip of Pico. A gentle shelf down to 15m to the reef which then takes us down to 25m where we find the swim through arch which is home to “Black Coral”. We swim through the arch and wait for the Atlantic Big Fish to arrive. On this dive you can encounter anything from Manta rays to tuna, it’s a lucky dip of the Atlantic. We then slowly return north to the rocks east of the harbour where the smaller marine life takes shelter in 6m, this is where we can take our safety stops. There are plenty of facilities at the port, it is an ideal area to have a traditional lunch and coffee whilst taking in the views.

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Princess Alice Bank – Mid Atlantic

This has to be one of the best dive of the Azores. Princess Alice Bank, or Banco Princesa Alice as it is called in Portuguese, is a submerged seamount that is located 50 nautical miles (92.6 km) to the southwest of Pico Island  in the Azores. The bank has a minimum depth of 35 m (114.8 ft), located in its western zone. With clear waters that allow the observation of the ocean floor from the surface and an enormous biodiversity, the Bank, in addition to being an excellent fishing spot, is one of the important diving spots of the Atlantic Ocean. A visit by the mobular rays is a given, and enen the chance of sightings of hammerhead sharks. A MUST!!!!


Below is just a small selection of the dive sites that are to be found around Pico. All of the pictures you see on this page have been taken by non professional photographers with standard underwater cameras
Dive Sites of Pico
dive the dive, dive the difference
Blue Shark Diving @ Azores

The Blue shark experience occurs on an offshore bank around 20nm west of Faial taking us around 60 mins to reach our site. 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. We use reference lines on the side of the boat which can also be used to attach a jon line from. Divers are required to show thier ability in buoyancy and trim on regular dives if booking our Blue shark experience. Divers should be certified to a minimum level equivalent to a BSAC Sports Diver orPADI Advanced Open Water Diver. Before entering the water all divers are briefed on conduct in the water as well as how to recognise potentially dangerous behaviour from the sharks. In order to avoid a negative impact on the sharks, divers are required to follow the dive guide's instructions. Touching and feeding the sharks are strictly forbidden. We use chumming techniques that keep the amount of food, blood and oil in the water at a minimum. Should the behaviour of the sharks (or divers) warrant it the dive may be terminated at the dive guides discretion.

Santa Cruz  (Lighthouse and  Anchor Reef)
Depth 15 - 30m Shore dive
Ilhéus da Madalena (The Rays)
Depth:18-25 metres Boat Dive


A firm favourite with everybody who has done this dive before, a beautiful swim through leads us  into an underwater volcano, you may also get the chance to be met by the very special sight of the stingrays. The dive site is a breeding ground for the ray. Around the dive site we will find stingrays, sea bream, parrotfish damselfish, and our ever friendly trigger fish. Within the cracks of the lava you will find Moray eels and also Mediterranean eels making home with each other. Don't forget to bring your camera!!


Arcoc do Pico (Arches)
Depth 10m - 25m

The dive site of ‘Arcos do Pico’ is located on the west coast of Pico, situated 100m off shore in front of Pocinho Bay. It's of mainly geological interest due to its volcanic formation, which gave origin to many majestic arches. All the area is constituted by rock, covered by the seaweed called cauda de pavão. Arcos do Pico doesn't have great currents or great depths making it an ideal site for all levels of diving capabilities. We have on numerous occasions sighted manta, mobular rays and even dolphins paying a visit to the our divers. This dive is a true dive with a different story after each dive creating great conversation on the return journey back to the port.