Experience the ultimate diving adventure in the Azores with CW Azores on Pico Island. As one of the island’s most renowned dive centers, as described by Balazs Fodor Photography, CW Azores offers unparalleled diving experiences with blue sharks (Prionace glauca) Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus, boasting a success rate of over 90%. Dive into crystal-clear waters with visibility of 30 meters or more and discover the fascinating underwater world of the Azores.
Unforgettable encounters with sharks
From July to mid-October, CW Azores offers dive excursions where you have the chance to observe blue and mako sharks in their natural habitat. Conditions are ideal: water temperatures between 21 °C and 25 °C, visibility ranging from 20 to over 30 meters, and no strong thermoclines at most dive sites.
- Success rate: Over 90% chance of shark sightings, with up to 20 blue sharks per dive.
- Duration: 5–6 hour excursions, with a maximum dive time of 75 minutes using a 12L or 15L tank.
- Requirements: PADI Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification, at least 50 logged dives, minimum age 18 years. A check dive is mandatory.
- Safety: All dives are led by PADI Divemasters or higher, with oxygen equipment available 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 fastest shark in the world, capable of maintaining its body temperature up to 8 °C above the surrounding water. Classified as vulnerable (IUCN: Vulnerable). Caution is advised, but no aggressive behavior has been observed during dives with CW Azores.
More than just sharks
The waters around Pico are a paradise for ocean lovers. CW Azores offers real-time sighting updates for whales and dolphins via a live dashboard. Among the more than 20 species are:
- 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, a 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), adding even more to your Azores adventure.
Why choose CW Azores?
- Experienced guides: Guides like Ricardo and Marty bring years of experience and provide thorough briefings before the dives.
- Marine conservation: CW Azores is a partner of the eWHALE project, which monitors biodiversity in the Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean using environmental DNA.
- Non-profit commitment: Supporting local initiatives such as Pico Dogs through tours like “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.
