Experience the ultimate diving adventure in the Azores with CW Azores on the island of Pico. As one of the island’s most renowned dive centres, as described by Balazs Fodor Photography, CW Azores offers unparalleled diving experiences with blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus), boasting a success rate of over 90%. Dive into crystal-clear waters with visibility of 30 metres or more and discover the fascinating underwater world of the Azores.
Unforgettable encounters with sharks
CW Azores offers diving excursions from July to mid-October, giving you the chance to observe blue and mako sharks in their natural habitat. Conditions are ideal: water temperatures between 21°C and 25°C, visibility of 20 to over 30 metres, and no strong thermoclines at most dive sites.
- Success rate: Over 90% chance of spotting sharks, with up to 20 blue sharks per dive.
- Duration: 5-6 hour excursions, with a maximum of 75 minutes of dive time using one tank (12L or 15L).
- Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification, at least 50 logged dives, minimum age 18. A check dive is mandatory.
- Safety: All dives are led by PADI Divemasters or higher, with oxygen equipment on site. Minimal chumming is used, and touching or feeding the sharks is prohibited.
About the sharks
Blue shark (Prionace glauca)
- Size: Average 2.2 m, maximum 4 m.
- Characteristics: Curious, not aggressive during encounters.
Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
- Size: Average 3.2 m, maximum 3.8 m.
- Characteristics: The world’s fastest shark, can maintain its body temperature up to 8°C above ambient temperature, classified as vulnerable (IUCN: Vulnerable). Caution is advised, but no aggressive behaviour has been observed during dives with CW Azores.
More than just sharks
The waters around Pico are a paradise for marine enthusiasts. CW Azores provides real-time sighting updates for whales and dolphins via a live dashboard. Over 20 species include:
- Whales: Sperm whales (year-round), as well as blue, fin, humpback, and sei whales in spring.
- Dolphins: Bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and striped dolphins.
- Mobula rays: Large groups of Mobula tarapacana at Princess Alice Bank, an underwater seamount 70 km off the coast, from early July to mid-October. The Princess Alice Expedition costs £250 and has a 100% success rate for mobula sightings.
CW Azores also offers whale-watching tours (98% success rate) and swimming with dolphins (also 98% success rate), enriching your Azores adventure.
Why choose CW Azores?
- Experienced guides: Guides like Ricardo and Marty bring years of experience and provide comprehensive briefings before dives.
- Marine conservation: CW Azores is a partner of the eWHALE project, which monitors biodiversity in the northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean using environmental DNA.
- Community involvement: Supporting local initiatives like Pico Dogs through tours such as “Snorkel for Dogs,” where 50% of the price is donated.
- Unique location: Pico, named after its 2,351 m high volcano, offers pristine nature and a variety of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and cycling.
