Go Shark Azores is based at Horta Marina on Faial. The operator combines offshore wildlife trips with coastal diving, snorkeling, freediving and SSI courses. A marine biologist and shark specialist leads the tours, and the team works with small groups on board.
Diving with sharks
The main shark activity focuses on blue sharks. Guests can watch the animals from the boat, snorkel, freedive or join on scuba. Trips last around three to five hours and take no more than eight participants. Before anyone enters the water, the team gives a detailed briefing on behavior, ecology and safety rules.
Go Shark Azores uses chumming to attract sharks. For scuba diving, a bait box hangs from the boat at a depth of about four meters, while divers remain on lines and do not descend beyond eight to ten meters. A diving certification and a prior check dive are required. Guests who prefer an experience without baiting should take this procedure into account before booking.
Blue sharks are wild animals, and their appearance depends on the weather, currents and offshore conditions. Trips depart on suitable weather days, and a stay of at least three days on Faial or Pico is recommended so that the excursion can be rescheduled if necessary. Snacks and drinks are included with the shark activities; the equipment needed depends on the chosen way of participating.
Coastal diving around Faial
Sheltered coastal sites such as Monte da Guia lie close to Horta and include caves, walls and shallower slopes. The day’s destination is selected according to the weather and participants’ experience, with a maximum of seven divers on regular coastal dives. Coastal snorkeling, Try Scuba sessions and SSI training are also available.
Princess Alice Bank
For experienced guests, the team organizes full-day trips to Princess Alice Bank, about 45 miles from Horta. Encounters with sicklefin devil rays and other pelagic life are the main attraction. Depending on qualifications, guests can participate by snorkeling, freediving or scuba diving; the scuba program includes one dive followed by snorkeling.
The bank lies in the open Atlantic and can have strong, changeable currents. Trips therefore run only in suitable conditions, and scuba participants need a certification and a check dive. Guests should confirm dates, requirements, rental equipment and the actual meeting point directly before booking.
