Gerätetauchen

So fühlt es sich an

Pico blends easy volcanic shore dives with high-adrenaline pelagic expeditions. Short boat rides from Madalena reach the current-swept Pico-Faial channel reefs and photogenic lava arches like Cachorro and Arcos do Pocinho. Build flexibility for the two signature offshore missions: Princesa Alice Bank for mobula rays and big visibility, and Condor Seamount (off nearby Faial) for blue shark encounters. Many itineraries split time between Pico and Horta (Faial) and use local operators such as Twin Peaks Diving Centre, Pico Island Adventures, or CW Azores to chase weather windows.

Charakteristische Tauchplätze

Hier starten

Princesa Alice Bank
The iconic offshore bank: long boat ride, big visibility (reported up to 40 m), and frequent pelagic encounters including mobula rays.
Condor Seamount (Blue Sharks)
Open-ocean dives where blue sharks are the main attraction.
Baixa do Norte
Another Pico-Faial channel reef with current and structure.

Nächster Schritt

Arcadas de Sao Roque
Tide pools lead into a scenic arch dive.
Furnas de Santo Antonio
A shallow coastal site (about 12 m average to 17 m max) that fits easy dives, night dives, and snorkeling when the sea is calm.

Fortgeschritten

Baixa do Sul
A channel reef reached by boat from Madalena.
Baixa da Barca
A deeper, more demanding reef (around 30 m average, down to 55 m) with moderate to strong current.
Corais de Sao Caetano
Coastal diving with an easy start and a lot of depth available.

Planungsleitfaden

Checkliste für Anbieter

Build a weather buffer for offshore days (Princesa Alice and Condor).
If pelagic days are your priority, consider staying flexible between Pico (Madalena) and Faial (Horta) to increase departure options.
Ask your dive center about current, ascent procedures, and SMB expectations on channel reefs and seamounts.
For shark dives, confirm group size, supervision, and wildlife interaction guidelines.
Bring certification cards, a computer you trust, and plan conservative profiles for deep or repetitive days.

Alternative bei anderen Bedingungen

If pelagic days are your priority, consider staying flexible between Pico (Madalena) and Faial (Horta) to increase departure options.
Ask your dive center about current, ascent procedures, and SMB expectations on channel reefs and seamounts.

Vermeiden

Ignoriere Hinweise lokaler Anbieter zu offshore crossings and seasickness nicht.

Pico Island Planung nach Aktivität