Pico Sport
Rua Padre Xavier Madruga, Lajes do Pico, Azores, PRT
Over het Centrum
Pico Sport, located in Lajes do Pico, Portugal, is a dive center boasting a robust 33-year history in maritime and tourism operations. Certified by SSI and TDI, it provides a comprehensive range of courses, including Snorkeling and Boat Diving, catering to all skill levels. The center is distinguished by its fleet, particularly its high-speed catamaran, which ensures swift access to iconic sites like the Princess Alice seamount.
Pico Sport's facilities encompass accommodation, equipment rental, a dive shop, air fills (including nitrox), and lockers. It also features a bar, perfect for relaxing after a dive or excursion. Their boat fleet, including a state-of-the-art catamaran, is designed for comfort and efficiency when traveling to remote dive spots and for marine wildlife viewing.
The center specializes in unique ocean adventures, such as dives at Princess Alice Bank, where divers can encounter large schools of Mobula rays, Barracuda, Tuna, and pelagic fish. It also offers whale and dolphin watching tours, boasting a 98% sighting success rate for species like Sperm Whales and Dolphins. Their offerings extend to thrilling shark diving expeditions, including Blue, Mako, and Hammerhead sharks, as well as seasonal opportunities for encounters with giant whales during their migration.
Pico Sport has also been a go-to for film production teams and scientific expeditions, collaborating with international crews for over 26 years. With an operational base strategically situated in Madalena, close to Pico Airport and the ferry terminal, the center promises an unforgettable Azorean ocean experience, supported by a professional team fluent in English and German.
Beschikbare Cursussen
5 cursosWhale & Dolphin Watching — Catamaran
Embark on an extraordinary journey with Pico Island Adventures' Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion, departing from the picturesque Madalena harbor. This tour boasts an impressive 98% sighting success rate, offering an exceptional chance to encounter the magnificent marine mammals of the Atlantic. Over 28 species inhabit these rich waters, and your excursion will be guided by knowledgeable marine biologists who share deep insights into their behavior and biology. The primary vessel for these encounters is a stable and spacious 13m power catamaran, designed for comfort and to minimize seasickness, with a thrilling Zodiac RIB option also available for a faster experience. Reliable year-round sightings include resident sperm whales and various dolphin species, while migratory periods bring opportunities to observe larger baleen whales. Pico Island Adventures leverages 30 years of experience and employs land-based spotters (VIGIA) to efficiently locate marine life, ensuring you maximize your chances of a memorable encounter. The company is committed to sustainable and respectful wildlife observation, with skippers carefully assessing animal behavior before approaching, ensuring the well-being of the animals. Flexible morning and afternoon departures are available to suit your schedule. Packages can be tailored for single excursions or multi-trip bundles, with special rates for children under 12 and group bookings. This excursion is a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to witness the incredible biodiversity of the Azores from the water, providing a unique perspective on these gentle giants and playful dolphins. Pico Island Adventures operates with a strong commitment to conservation and education, making this more than just a sighting trip; it's an educational adventure. The presence of marine biologists onboard ensures that you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the marine ecosystem. Whether you are a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious traveler, this excursion promises an awe-inspiring experience.
Princess Alice Snorkeling
Embark on an extraordinary dive trip to Princess Alice Bank with Pico Island Adventures, a renowned dive center operating out of Pico Island. This specialized day trip is meticulously crafted for experienced divers eager to witness one of the Atlantic's most spectacular underwater seamounts. The journey begins with two essential preparation dives around Pico Island, ensuring you are comfortable with the Atlantic's unique conditions and your equipment. These initial dives are crucial for acclimatization before venturing to the main event: Princess Alice Bank itself. The center, certified by CMAS and SSI, offers this unique experience, allowing divers to explore a site first charted in 1896. Princess Alice Bank is a world-celebrated dive site, a submerged seamount that rises dramatically from the ocean depths. Its unique geological formations and nutrient-rich upwellings create a magnet for diverse marine life. This location is particularly famous for its large congregations of mobula rays, known for their curious approach to divers. Beyond the rays, expect encounters with pelagic species such as jacks, tuna, and barracudas. From mid-August to the end of September, there's also a chance to spot whale sharks, adding to the allure of this exceptional dive destination. The dives typically take place on current lines, reaching depths of up to 15 meters for accessibility, with an option for a more challenging 42-meter dive for those holding a deep diver specialty certification. The operational season for this trip runs from June 1st to October 31st. During this period, water temperatures are more favorable, and plankton levels are lower, contributing to exceptional visibility that can range from 30 to 50 meters. This clarity is vital for appreciating the sheer scale of marine activity at the bank. The day trip itself is an early start, usually between 04:00 and 06:00, concluding in the late afternoon or evening, offering a full day dedicated to the wonders of Princess Alice Bank. Participants travel aboard a comfortable, large boat equipped with amenities like a toilet, snacks, and drinks, ensuring a pleasant journey. Pico Island Adventures prioritizes safety and responsible diving practices. Divers are strongly encouraged to complete the preparatory dives to ensure comfort and proficiency in the Atlantic waters and with their gear. The center emphasizes minimizing disturbance to the delicate marine environment, ensuring that future generations can also experience the magic of Princess Alice Bank. This trip is an ideal choice for seasoned divers seeking a profound pelagic encounter and a chance to explore a truly world-class dive site with a reputable operator.
Season of the Giants
Embark on an extraordinary marine wildlife adventure with Pico Island Adventures' "Season of the Giants" package, a unique opportunity to witness the ocean's largest inhabitants. This program is specifically designed for encounters with blue whales, which frequent the waters around Pico Island during their spring migration from February to June, a period considered one of the world's premier times for sightings. The experienced crew and dedicated land-based spotters at Pico Island Adventures maximize your chances of observing these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. The package also offers year-round opportunities to see fin whales, sei whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales, alongside a rich diversity of other marine life. The Azorean waters surrounding Pico Island are a vibrant feeding ground, attracting not only various whale species but also pilot whales, small killer whales, numerous dolphin species, sea turtles, moon fish, sharks, and yellow-billed shearwaters. Pico Island Adventures emphasizes a sustainable and respectful approach to wildlife observation, ensuring that interactions with these animals are conducted with the utmost care for their well-being. This commitment to responsible tourism allows for an immersive experience that respects the marine ecosystem. This comprehensive 14-night package includes comfortable accommodation in various options, from guest houses to hotels, providing a relaxing base for your explorations. You will embark on six dedicated excursions focused on whale and dolphin watching, each designed to offer the best possible viewing opportunities. Beyond the marine encounters, the "Season of the Giants" package integrates cultural and natural explorations of Pico Island. Activities include visits to the local whaling museum, hikes through the island's unique vineyards, highland explorations, and visits to historical whale watcher sites, offering a deep dive into the island's heritage. To further enrich your experience, a day trip to the neighboring island of Faial is included, broadening your perspective of the Azores archipelago. German-speaking support is available at the base, ensuring smooth communication and assistance throughout your stay. This package is ideal for those seeking an in-depth wildlife experience combined with cultural immersion in the unique environment of Pico Island, a truly special corner of the Atlantic.
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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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.