DiveAzores
Rua Jaime Lopes (Feijó), Horta, MEX
About the Center
DiveAzores, located in Horta, Mexico, is a dive center and whale watching eco-operator established in 2002 and run by marine biologists. It offers respectful and educational whale and dolphin watching tours, alongside safe dives and professional, personal service. Their mission is to involve and inspire guests about marine ecosystems and their inhabitants.
The center provides a comprehensive range of aquatic activities. For scuba divers, it offers PADI and SSI courses from beginner to professional levels and specialties, including the Advanced Open Water course. Freediving courses are also available. For the adventurous, DiveAzores organizes shark diving excursions with blue sharks in the open ocean and expeditions to Princess Alice Bank, one of the most thrilling dive sites in the Atlantic.
DiveAzores' facilities include lockers, a bar, accommodation, equipment rental, and air fills (nitrox). They offer opportunities for night diving, allowing divers to experience marine life from a different perspective. The center is also involved in conservation initiatives, offering programs such as internships, master student opportunities, fish surveys, and whale conservation courses, reflecting their commitment to marine research and protection.
Available Courses
6 cursosFreediving
Curso de apnea para aprender técnicas de inmersión en apnea y respiración, explorando el mar sin equipo de buceo.
Advanced Open Water
Curso avanzado de buceo que amplía las habilidades del buceador con inmersiones de especialidad incluyendo profundidad y navegación.
Discover Scuba Diving
Dive Azores invites you to experience the underwater world with their Discover Scuba Diving program, an ideal introduction for those without prior certification. This program is conducted under the direct supervision of certified PADI or SSI instructors, ensuring a safe and informative first dive. You'll begin with essential theory covering equipment and safety, followed by practicing fundamental skills in shallow water, such as clearing your mask and recovering your regulator. The experience culminates in an open water dive, offering a genuine taste of scuba exploration in the Azorean marine environment. The waters around Faial Island, where Dive Azores is located, provide a captivating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Azores. While specific monthly climate data is not provided, the general marine environment offers opportunities to encounter various fish species and unique underwater topography. The instructors focus on making participants comfortable and confident, allowing them to fully appreciate the sensation of breathing underwater and the beauty of the marine life firsthand. This introductory dive is designed to be an accessible and enjoyable first encounter with scuba diving. Dive Azores is committed to providing a high-quality learning experience, with instructors fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. While specific instructor-to-student ratios are not detailed, the emphasis on direct supervision suggests a focus on individual attention. The program is structured to build confidence and ensure safety, making it a perfect stepping stone for those considering a full Open Water Diver certification. This experience is tailored to provide a memorable and positive introduction to the sport. This Discover Scuba Diving experience is not a certification but a valuable introduction to the principles and sensations of scuba diving. It allows participants to explore the underwater realm, experience weightlessness, and witness the marine world's beauty. The program prioritizes safety and enjoyment, making it a fantastic adventure for travelers seeking a unique activity. Participants will be guided by experienced professionals passionate about the ocean, ensuring all safety protocols are followed and the experience is as rewarding as possible. It's an opportunity to explore a new world and create lasting memories.
Open Water Diver
The PADI or SSI Open Water Diver course at Dive Azores is your gateway to exploring the underwater world of the Azores. This foundational certification program is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills for safe and enjoyable scuba diving. You will learn about dive planning, equipment configuration and use, buoyancy control techniques, and critical safety procedures. The course structure emphasizes a balance between theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring you gain confidence in every aspect of diving. Dive Azores offers the flexibility to complete the theoretical portion online through SSI's E-learning system. This allows you to study at your own pace before arriving, maximizing your time in the water. The curriculum covers vital topics such as the effects of pressure on the body, gas laws relevant to diving, and how to identify the diverse marine life found in the Azorean archipelago. Practical training begins in confined water, where you'll master fundamental skills like mask clearing and regulator recovery in a controlled environment. These sessions are crucial for building comfort and proficiency before progressing to open water. Your open water dives will take place at local dive sites around Faial Island, providing a real-world application of your new skills. You'll have the opportunity to explore volcanic formations and encounter the rich marine biodiversity characteristic of the region. Instructors will guide you through each dive, offering feedback and support to ensure you are applying your training effectively. Upon successful completion, you will be certified to dive with a buddy to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) anywhere in the world, recognized globally by PADI or SSI. Instructors at Dive Azores are experienced professionals passionate about the ocean and dedicated to providing high-quality training. They are fluent in English, Portuguese, Spanish, and French, ensuring clear communication and a supportive learning atmosphere for a diverse range of students. The small group sizes are a key feature, allowing for personalized attention and a more tailored learning experience. This approach ensures that each student receives the best possible education for responsible diving practices.
Shark Diving
Dive Azores offers a specialized Shark Diving course focused on encountering blue sharks in their natural environment off Faial Island. This expedition ventures into deep, open waters, approximately one hour by boat from the shore. Participants will have the opportunity to observe blue sharks, renowned for their elegant movements and striking blue coloration, with occasional sightings of shortfin makos. The program begins with an in-depth lecture delivered by marine biologists and certified guides, covering essential topics such as shark biology, behavior patterns, and the critical importance of responsible diving practices. This theoretical preparation is fundamental for understanding and respecting these magnificent apex predators before entering their domain. Sharks are attracted using controlled chumming techniques, leveraging their acute sense of smell to frequent known feeding grounds, leading to frequent sightings. The dive duration can extend up to an hour, contingent on favorable weather and sea conditions. The expedition leader retains the authority to modify or cancel the dive if conditions deteriorate or for safety considerations. The success rate for blue shark encounters is notably high, frequently surpassing 90%, especially during the peak season from July to September when water temperatures are warmer and visibility is optimal. This specialized dive presents a unique challenge due to the absence of bottom references and the requirement for advanced buoyancy control. Consequently, specific prerequisites are enforced to ensure participant safety and the well-being of the sharks. To participate in this advanced specialty, scuba divers must possess a minimum of 30 logged dives and hold an Advanced Open Water certification or an equivalent qualification. A mandatory check-out dive will be conducted prior to the main expedition to assess each diver's skills and ensure their equipment is properly configured. For freedivers, an advanced certification such as AIDA 3, SSI 2, or APNEA ACADEMY 2 is required. All participants must wear full dive suits, including gloves, hoods, and booties, and carry essential safety equipment like a whistle and a Surface Marker Buoy (SMB). The program is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment, with chumming kept to a minimum to encourage natural shark behavior and minimize disturbance. Dive Azores actively champions shark conservation, supporting initiatives for shark sanctuaries and contributing to ongoing research. By enrolling in this Shark Diving course, you directly contribute to these vital conservation efforts and help raise awareness about the critical need to protect shark populations worldwide. This is a remarkable chance to witness one of the ocean's most ancient and awe-inspiring predators up close, fostering a deeper appreciation for their indispensable role within the marine ecosystem. The center also offers courses in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, catering to a diverse international clientele.
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.
Services
Facilities
Specialties
Brands they work with
Destinations & trips
Recommended dive sites
The spots this centre offers its students
Climate
Annual average
Monthly historical data to plan your dives
User Reviews
Frequently asked
What people ask before booking
We work with experienced land-based observers, locally named “vigias” that search and track whales and dolphins with binoculars, so our observation success is very high. Additionally, an onboard hydrophone (underwater microphone) can be used for sperm whale detection.
KEIKO is a 9m zodiac powered by a 300Hp Suzuki 4-stroke outboard engine. It combines speed with extraordinary stability, being the ideal choice for Azores sea conditions. The reduced number of passengers aboard (max. 14) keeps the tours personal.
Tours may be cancelled due to sea conditions, absence of animals, or unforeseen circumstances. In these cases, we can rebook you for another day or give you a full refund.
While it is possible to see whales all year round, the best time is from March through October, mainly because of weather and sea conditions.
Yes, all our tours help finance Whale Projects Azores (WPA) research and conservation efforts.
For scuba divers, +30 logged dives and Advanced Open Water or equivalent certification is required. Good buoyancy control is fundamental. For freedivers, only advanced freedivers (AIDA 3, SSI 2 or APNEA ACADEMY 2) can join this activity.
+30 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent are required. These are challenging offshore dives with the possibility of strong currents, so not for inexperienced divers.