Expedition
AZORES
Diving & Snorkeling with Blue Sharks, Whales & Dolphins
Right in the deep blue of the Atlantic, between Portugal and North America, you'll find the Azores islands.
The Atlantic around Pico is seriously one of the best places in the world to spot amazing creatures like blue sharks, mako sharks, sperm whales, blue whales, huge schools of dolphins, marlins, and even pilot whales! It's packed with unique marine life just waiting for you to discover.
You can find up to 30 different kinds of whales & dolphins around the Azores.
Underwater paradise
Big fish
Unique marine life
Date: upon request
Feel free to check out all the detailed info in our brochure at the download link below:
THE AZORES
A paradise for divers, snorkelers & hikers
Whether you're heading to the Azores for diving, snorkeling, hiking, or island tours, this unique destination will totally charm both divers and nature lovers.
The bizarre volcanic landscapes, lush green pastures & vineyards, hydrangea bushes, plus Portugal's highest mountain, Pico, standing tall at 2,351 meters, make a trip to the Azores super special, even for non-divers.
THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND PICO
SHARK DIVING
The Azores are famous for amazing dives with blue & mako sharks in crystal-clear waters, offering visibility of up to 20 – 30+ meters. The best time to go is from early July to mid-October, when the water temperature is a comfy 21° to 25° Celsius.
COASTAL DIVES
The diverse volcanic underwater landscapes around Pico, Faial, and São Jorge islands, with their countless different creatures – from giant stingrays to graceful nudibranchs – will totally blow away not just pro underwater photographers, but everyone!
The narrow coastal shelf, steep walls, canyons, and drop-offs bring coastal, open-water, and deep-sea habitats super close together, meaning you could literally spot almost anything on a single dive!
Even less experienced divers will be amazed by the diverse dive sites. And if you haven't tried diving yet, Pico is the perfect place to learn!
PRINCESS ALICE
When you go on expeditions to the world-famous 'Princess Alice' dive site, which is the peak of an underwater mountain rising 1,000 meters from the deep in the middle of the Atlantic, you'll find it teeming with majestic mobulas, mackerel, big tuna, and barracudas.
Your chances of spotting these beautiful creatures are almost 100% between July and September. The spot is about 85km from Pico, so be ready for a longer, adventurous offshore trip by RIB boat.
ISLAND TOURS
Whether by car, scooter, or quad, Pico is perfect for exploring on your own. Of course, guided island tours are also available to help you discover the most beautiful spots, museums, or swimming areas during your exploration.
SWIMMING & BATHING
While you won't necessarily find classic sandy beaches on Pico, there are still plenty of breathtaking swimming spots. Many of these spots are protected from the Atlantic surf by offshore reefs or walls.
HIKING
Whether you're into leisurely strolls or challenging day or multi-day hikes, you can discover the most beautiful routes on Pico Island.
CALMA DO MAR
The cozy B&B on Pico Island
The cozy, family-run B&B 'Calma do Mar' is located in Madalena on Pico Island in the Azores and promises an unforgettable vacation that you can tailor exactly to your wishes.
The guesthouse comes with all the comforts you'd expect, and besides a kitchen that's free for guests to use after breakfast, it also has a cozy living room with a fireplace and a library packed with books to help you learn more about Pico Island and all the cool things to do.
In the garden and on the terrace, you can chill out and enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Pico and the Atlantic. You'll also find comfy sun loungers and a BBQ area that you're welcome to use anytime.
Every morning, you can look forward to a generous breakfast buffet featuring lots of fresh and, most importantly, local products. Besides various cheeses made right here in the Azores, you'll find plenty of seasonal fruits like bananas, oranges, figs, and pineapples. Even Azorean tea makes its way onto our buffet!
The hosts really want you to feel right at home at Calma do Mar and totally relax and unwind.
The Atlantic Ocean and natural swimming pools are less than 100m from the guesthouse.
You'll also find the dive center, harbor, cafes, and restaurants super close by.
Tour & Details
| Tour | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| Accommodation | Calma do Mar Bed & Breakfast |
| Underwater world | Blue sharks, Mako sharks, dolphin pods, sperm whales, blue whales, marlins, mobulas, tuna, barracudas, and more! |
| Things to Do | Diving around Pico, shark expeditions, whale watching, snorkeling, and exploring the island |
| Dive depth | 20 - 30 meters |
| Water temperature | 21 – 25° Celsius |
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What's Included:
- 7 nights at Calma do Mar Guesthouse, including breakfast
- 4 dives around Pico & Faial islands
- 1 shark expedition with blue sharks
- 2 whale watching tours (3 - 4 hours each)
- 1 snorkeling trip with dolphins (3 - 4 hours)
- 1 guided tour through the "Gruta das Torres" lava cave
- Tanks (DIN / INT connection), weights, and a guide
What's Not Included:
- Flights
- Expedition to Princess Alice (optional €250 per person)
- Additional meals and alcoholic drinks
- Single room supplement (optional €155 per person)
- Rental car (optional, starting from €580 per week)
- Tips
- Dive & travel insurance
Price per person
EUR 1.055,-
We'd be happy to book your flights to Pico or Horta for you. Flight prices vary depending on the airline and your departure location.
We'd also love to help you book an extension to your trip, exactly how you like it, perhaps before or after in a place like Lisbon.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Prices might change, especially due to currency fluctuations and adjustments from our service providers.
- If your booking includes flights, please know that taxes can change right up until your departure day.
- Just so you know, cancellation rules for regular flights are different – you'll need to pay the full flight price when your ticket is issued.
We'd absolutely love to welcome you on our unforgettable shark, whale, and dolphin adventure in the Azores!
We're always here for any questions you have or travel wishes!
Your Maldives and More Team
Why Maldives and More?
Maldives and More is your trusted travel partner with over 30 years of experience in tourism, making sure your stay in the Maldives is absolutely unforgettable. With our passion for diving and our own liveaboard right there, we can confidently say we know the area like the back of our hand!
We'll take care of all the details for your trip. Just tell us your travel dreams, and let's make them come true together!
Passionate Divers
Certified Dive Guides
Top Dive Sites
>30 Years of Experience