Pico Sport
Rua Padre Xavier Madruga, Lajes do Pico, Açores, PRT
À Propos du Centre
Pico Sport, situé à Lajes do Pico, Portugal, est un centre de plongée fort de 33 ans d'histoire dans les opérations maritimes et touristiques. Certifié par SSI et TDI, il propose une gamme complète de cours, dont le snorkeling et la plongée en bateau, s'adressant à tous les niveaux de compétence. Le centre se distingue par sa flotte, notamment son catamaran à grande vitesse, qui assure un accès rapide à des sites emblématiques comme le mont sous-marin Princess Alice.
Les installations de Pico Sport comprennent un hébergement, la location d'équipement, un magasin de plongée, des remplissages d'air (y compris le nitrox) et des casiers. Il dispose également d'un bar, idéal pour se détendre après une plongée ou une excursion. Leur flotte de bateaux, y compris un catamaran de pointe, est conçue pour le confort et l'efficacité lors des déplacements vers des sites de plongée éloignés et pour l'observation de la faune marine.
Le centre est spécialisé dans des aventures océaniques uniques, telles que des plongées au banc Princess Alice, où les plongeurs peuvent rencontrer de grands bancs de raies Mobula, des barracudas, des thons et des poissons pélagiques. Il propose également des excursions d'observation des baleines et des dauphins, avec un taux de réussite de 98 % pour des espèces telles que les cachalots et les dauphins. Leurs offres s'étendent à des expéditions de plongée palpitantes avec des requins, y compris des requins bleus, des makos et des requins marteaux, ainsi qu'à des opportunités saisonnières de rencontres avec des baleines géantes lors de leur migration.
Pico Sport est également une référence pour les équipes de production de films et les expéditions scientifiques, collaborant avec des équipes internationales depuis plus de 26 ans. Avec une base opérationnelle stratégiquement située à Madalena, à proximité de l'aéroport de Pico et du terminal de ferry, le centre promet une expérience océanique azorienne inoubliable, soutenue par une équipe professionnelle parlant couramment l'anglais et l'allemand.
Cours Disponibles
5 cursosObservation de baleines et dauphins — Catamaran
Excursion en catamaran pour observer les baleines et les dauphins, guidée par des biologistes marins.
Princess Alice Snorkeling
Expérience de snorkeling avec de majestueuses raies manta dans l'un des meilleurs sites de plongée au monde. Aucune licence requise.
Saison des Géants
Forfait complet de 15 jours axé sur l'observation des grandes baleines lors de leur migration printanière.
Snorkeling with Mobula Day Trip
**Snorkeling with Mobula Day Trip** at Pico Island Adventures offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic mobula rays in their natural habitat. This specialized excursion takes you to the renowned Princess Alice Bank, a submerged seamount celebrated for its abundant marine life. Prepare for close encounters with large schools of mobula rays, known for their curious approach to snorkelers, creating a truly immersive blue-water experience. The nutrient-rich upwellings at this site also attract a diverse array of pelagic fish, contributing to a vibrant underwater spectacle. The journey to this offshore marine sanctuary is conducted aboard a modern 12-meter power catamaran, engineered for stability and comfort during open-ocean transit. This vessel ensures a smooth ride, allowing participants to focus on the incredible wildlife encounters that await. During the summer months, the chances of observing even larger pelagic species like whale sharks, sailfish, and substantial tuna schools increase significantly, adding another layer of excitement to the trip. This expedition is more than a simple boat tour; it's an immersion into one of the Atlantic's most dynamic marine ecosystems. The core of the experience revolves around the thrill of encountering wild marine animals, particularly the graceful mobula rays. While the primary objective is snorkeling with these fascinating creatures, the possibility of spotting dolphins and whales adds to the overall allure of the day trip. Pico Island Adventures ensures a well-organized and safe adventure into the open ocean. Participants should possess an average physical condition suitable for snorkeling in open water environments. While the catamaran provides a stable platform, comfort with water activities and the open sea is a prerequisite for enjoying this excursion fully. The trip's schedule is highly dependent on weather conditions, necessitating a degree of flexibility to ensure the optimal day for this remarkable marine encounter. Pico Island Adventures prioritizes safety and the best possible experience, adjusting plans as needed based on sea conditions.
Sharkweek
Pico Island Adventures offers a unique 'Sharkweek' specialty course designed for dedicated shark enthusiasts, providing an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these apex predators in their natural habitat. This intensive 10-day program includes four dedicated shark encounter excursions, complemented by dives at renowned locations such as Princess Alice Bank and Baixa do Rosais. Participants will engage in eight dives throughout the program, exploring sites like Condor Bank and the Pico coast. The curriculum is enriched by presentations from members of the Megalodon Project, offering deep insights into shark science and behavior. A crucial component is the comprehensive shark safety briefing, ensuring responsible and informed interactions, guided by the principles of Professor Erich Ritter. The 'Sharkweek' program is meticulously crafted to foster a profound understanding and appreciation for sharks, moving beyond common misconceptions. The center emphasizes that dangerous situations often stem from a lack of knowledge, not from inherently aggressive sharks. This educational approach is integrated with thrilling dives, aiming to build respect for these vital marine creatures. The program is facilitated by the experienced Pico Island Adventure Crew, who are committed to safety and sustainable diving practices in the Atlantic waters. Their expertise ensures that participants not only have exciting encounters but also learn about conservation efforts. To ensure participant comfort and safety in the Atlantic, Pico Island Adventures requires divers to have completed at least one day of diving with them prior to the shark excursions. This allows the crew to assess individual diving skills and familiarity with any rental equipment. The center is certified by CMAS and SSI, offering internationally recognized diver training. While specific water temperatures and visibility are not detailed for this specialty, the Azores region is known for its rich pelagic life, making it a prime location for observing large marine species. The program culminates with a whale watching excursion, completing the 'Big Five of the Azores' experience which includes sharks, mobula rays, whales, dolphins, and pelagic fish. This specialty course is ideal for experienced divers seeking a deeper connection with marine predators and a greater understanding of their ecological role. It combines practical diving skills with essential scientific knowledge, promoting a conservation-minded perspective. The 'Sharkweek' program at Pico Island Adventures is more than just a diving course; it's an immersive educational journey into the world of sharks, led by a team dedicated to responsible marine tourism and scientific understanding. Participants leave with a newfound respect for these magnificent animals and a commitment to their protection.
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What people ask before booking
Whale and dolphin watching is possible year-round, with specific species like Blue, Fin, and Sei whales being seasonal guests during their spring migration (February to June). Sperm whales are residents year-round.
Princess Alice Bank is famous for large schools of mobula rays, pelagic fish like barracudas and tuna, and potentially whale sharks during late summer (mid-August to end of September).
No license is required for snorkeling or whale and dolphin watching excursions. These activities are designed for a broad audience to experience the ocean's wonders.
The Megalodon Project is an initiative by Pico Island Adventures and scientific partners to raise awareness and collect evidence for marine conservation, aiming to protect species and create marine reserves through scientific research and advocacy.
The "Season of the Giants" package typically includes accommodation, multiple whale and dolphin watching excursions, island tours, hikes, and visits to cultural and natural sites on Pico and Faial.
Safety is paramount. Divers undergo a briefing and are often required to dive with the center for at least one day prior to shark dives to assess their comfort and skills in Atlantic waters. The team follows guidelines developed with shark scientists, emphasizing safe and sustainable interactions.