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Dive sites

Condor is the ideal spot to observe the very rare blue shark. But this site is available on request for a minimum number of participants!  Also considered one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Atlantic, Princesa Alice is known for its diversity of pelagic species. Underwater, Mobula rays and manta rays, tunas, amberjacks, or Galapagos sharks. During the 3 hours of navigation, keep your eyes open: schools of dolphins, whales, turtles, and many seabirds. 

The topography of Pico Island above the water extends below the surface: caves, arches, and overhangs. There are also geological curiosities in the Azores, called abrasion calderas or giant pits. These are depressions dug into the ground, 8 meters deep and 3 meters wide. 
Arcos do Pocinho is located in the seaside area of Pocinho. From 9 to 23 meters, walk along with a lava flow where you can observe nudibranchs, damselfish, and be surprised by schools of Mediterranean barracudas and jacks. 

Arcos da Formosinha starts at 8 meters on a shoal. On the way down, arches are emerging. To see: royal and peacock wrasses. 

Three shoals regularly explored by divers are located in this area, including the popular Baixa do Norte, which is swept by strong currents, and the Baixa da Barca shoal. Amberjack, bonitoes, groupers, schools of horse mackerel, manta rays, and, in season, mola-mola are to be observed. Still in this channel, we also discover Baixa do Sul, an underwater ascent. 

The Arcadas de São Roque site has natural pools with arches and rock formations covered with yellow anemones. Very sheltered, this dive spot is ideal for first dives, night dives, and snorkeling. To see: barracudas and parrotfish. 

Located on the north coast of Pico, the Cachorro dive site is located between the Madalena and São Roque spots. Arches and tunnel labyrinths shelter school of black breams, octopuses, morays, and cicadas. 

Near São Roque, immersion in swimming pools in Furnas de Santo António. Easy, shallow, and sheltered diving, accessible to all levels of divers. Discovery of a large arch 8 meters wide with a 10 meters long ceiling. The cave is irradiated by natural light. 

Near the coast, in Corais de São Caetano, a very nice snorkeling spot and also one of the best sites for a first dive, a night dive, or a technical dive. 

On the south coast of the island, from the fishing port of São Caetano, stunning drop-off falling to a depth of 60 meters. On this diving site, observation of several varieties of Mediterranean moray eels - Muraena helena, black eels - Muraena augusti, and painted eels - Gymnothorax unicolor, but also groupers and barracudas as well as black coral, a jewel of the abysses. 

Others Activities

The island has a large volcanic ridge covered with vegetation, pastures and about twenty small lakes, ponds and flooded moors. Migratory bird watching, among other bords grey heron. 
Hiking through landscapes of basaltic lava fields called “mistérios” - mysteries - and crisscrossed with low basalt walls, vines, and farmland.Superb views with the main crater of the volcano Pico, a cone of lava called Piquinho topped with fumaroles. 

Beautiful panoramas also on the coast with superb contrasts between the grey basalt, the blue sea, and the white wave crests. No beach here. Only bays, coves, high cliffs with arches and caves. The permanent battle between volcano rock and the sea.

In the “Areia Larga” area, beautiful mansions that served as residences for vineyard owners. See the Wine Museum in Madalena with a collection of tools, stills, barrels, and press. We also recommend the Museum of the whaling industry, in São Roque. 

Warm atmosphere in the small local restaurants where it is recommended to taste the sausages, the linguiça, accompanied by yams. Try also red or pink local wine, Basalto, Lajido or Terras de Lava.

Pico Island : Dive shops