Princess Alice Bank

Embark on an extraordinary deep-sea adventure to Princess Alice Bank, a renowned submerged seamount located approximately 45 miles southwest of Faial Island. This fully protected marine area, designated as such since 2025, rises dramatically from depths of 2000 meters to a shallow peak around 32 meters, creating a unique ecosystem that attracts abundant pelagic life. Dive into this protected zone with Dive Azores for an unparalleled encounter with nature's grandeur.

The highlight of diving Princess Alice Bank is the high probability of encountering large congregations of giant mobula rays, often numbering between 20 to 40 individuals. You'll also witness vast shoals of barracudas, amberjacks, bonitos, and tunas. Keep an eye out for wahoo near the surface and large stingrays patrolling the seabed. The biodiversity is exceptional, with opportunities to spot sunfish, whale sharks, and even whales, making each dive a potentially life-changing experience.

This full-day excursion aboard the 10m RIB boat PAIKEA begins with an early morning departure around 7:30 AM, reaching the bank by 10:00 AM for your first dive. The journey itself offers chances to see dolphins and whales. After the initial dive, enjoy a surface interval with lunch and snorkeling, as mobulas are frequently sighted near the surface. The second dive is scheduled for around 1:00 PM, before returning to Faial by approximately 5:30 PM. A detailed briefing is provided the day before your adventure.

The optimal season for diving Princess Alice Bank is from July to September, offering calmer seas, water temperatures between 20-24°C, and visibility up to 25-30 meters. These months also see increased sightings of mobulas and pelagic fish. Due to the bank's remote location, trips are weather-dependent, making a week-long stay advisable to maximize opportunities. This dive requires at least 30 logged dives and an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent, with a mandatory check-out dive to assess skills and equipment. Safety lines are utilized for enhanced security during your dive.