Recovering and reinventing very old traditions, Pico is still very much linked to sperm whales and modern tourism is based on whale watching excursions.
The ‘Grey Island’ gets its name from the dominant Pico Volcano, the highest point in the Azores. Enjoy hiking trails that take you to spectacular lookouts through vineyards and agricultural land along the rugged coastline.
Diving Pico in the Azores is spectacular. The lava formed topography is magnificent, forming a labyrinth of arches, caves and caverns. The days out on the boat are a joy and the Atlantic underwater life simply has to be seen for yourself. The unique seascape offers something for divers of all abilities, whether it's in the relative shelter of the Arcos do Pico, looking for the stingrays at Ilheus da Madalena or searching for crustaceans in the grottos. The clear blue waters of the Atlantic along with the subtropical waters of the Gulf Stream combine to offer the diver more than just a single type of large marine species. Keep your eye on the blue!
In addition to these local sites, diving is available further afield, out in the blue. In addition to these local sites, diving is available further afield, out in the blue. Princess Alice Bank, a seamount famous for large pelagic sightings including mantas, devil rays and even hammerhead sharks.
Ideal for viewing: blue shark, devil ray, humpback whale, manta ray, Atlantic stingray
Dive trips
This
dive location
is featured in the following itineraries:
The Azores is one of the best destinations in the world to encounter large schools of devil ray in open water at Princess Alice Bank, with more great diving to be had on the local dive sites. This is definitely one for the logbook.
Find Out More about Dive Pico - Mantas & More
Duration inc. flights: 8 days
Price inc. flights: From £1,495 pp
Trip type:
Tailor-made trip idea
Help a team of researchers and scientists in the Azores with an ongoing study of sperm whales and bottlenose dolphins, learn about their habitats and behaviour, and have the chance to dive with blue sharks.
Find Out More about Sperm Whales & Bottlenose Dolphins
Duration inc. flights: 6 days
Price inc. flights: From £1,595 pp
Trip type: Group
trip
Suggested accommodation options are shown below.
Please
contact us
for further recommendations.
Located in the village of Madalena on the island of Pico, Baia de Barca consists of ten luxurious self catering apartments, with a spa and swimming pool, and offers a quiet and peaceful base from which to dive the Azores.
Find Out More about Baía da Barca Apartments
This small four star property is located by the port in Madalena, on the island of Pico. It is ideally situated for the town centre, which is the main hub for bars, cafés and restaurants, and offers transfers to the dive centre.
Find Out More about Hotel Caravelas
Located in the heart of Sao Roque on the island of Pico, this well presented bed and breakfast property offers great value for money. Transfers are included on dive days to and from the boat/dive centre.
Find Out More about Residential Montanha