Princess

Alice Bank

This is the dream dive spot for divers from all over the world and rates one of the top dive sites of the world.
The Princess Alice Bank is a submerged seamount in the Atlantic Ocean which rises from a depth of approximately 2,500 meters. It was discovered during an expedition of Prince Albert of Monaco on July 9 in 1896. Since then the place has been well known to fishermen as a rich fishing ground. Deep-sea currents are colliding here, bringing tremendous upwelling to the ocean surface which in turn creates a thriving environment for marine mammals, big fish and shoal.

Mobulas can be found in groups from two to 50 animals and often curiously approach the divers up close. Pelagic fish such as barracudas, bonitos, tuna, triggerfish as well as kingfish, stingrays and monkfish are common sightings in this area as well. In the last year we have seen whale sharks from the middle of August until the end of September more often which might be a result of the global warming. 

Princess Alice Base package   399.- Euro 


Includes: 

1 day 2 tanks preparation dives around Pico Island

1 day 2 tanks diving at Princess Alice Bank


Boat: 

Comfortable large boat with toilet, snacks and drinks.


The trip starts between 04:00 and 06:00 in the morning and returns by 18:00 / 20:00


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You are a snorkeler?  

1 day trip, snorkel as much as you want 200,- Euro 


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Princess Alice overnight Package 699,- Euro

1 day 2 tanks preparation dives around Pico Island

2 days 5 tanks  diving Princess Alice


Boat: 

Liveaboard with cabins, kitchen and flybridge


This trip starts at 04:00 in the morning and returns by 18:00 the next day.

We have 1 master cabin and 2 twin cabins so you can book a cabin to rest.

Food and drinks are included. 

This type of excursions allows you an early start at Princess Alice so you finish 2 dives before the day boats arrive. 

Its the most comfortable and effective way of exploring Princess Alice Bank and includes 5 tanks and we have a compressor on board.

Also it allows us to dive at any time of the day or in any situation. 

In case a whale shark comes in we are ready to dive. 

Also you can snorkel with the Mobula as much as you want all day long between your dives.



PS: If you have booked already a normal dive package with us the preparation dive day is not needed and we deduct 99,- Euro from your package. 

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Beschreibungstitel

It is main concern to dive save and sustainable. Therefore we ask everybody that wants to join our trips to Princess Alice to dive with us at least 1 day before in a class 1 spot around Pico. Not only that you can see fantastic marine life during this dive day it helps us to understand what your status is. Also it helps you to feel comfortable in Atlantic water conditions, get used to your rental gear and so on. 


We can do 2 different types of diving at Princess Alice Bank. Its an exposed spot and strong current can appear within the glimpse of an eye. Therefore we usually dive on current lines up to 15 m deep. That allows also 1 star divers to participate as long as they are approved to keep buoyancy. 

We also do a touch down dive in 42 m for the certified divers and see big tuna or the animals of the reef of Princess Alice. To participate the deep dive you should have the deep diver special. 


Travel Dates 2023

27. June to 15. October


The visibility during this period is amazing, ranging from 30 to 50 metres. The other months are not recommended as the water is cool, and contains too much plankton which results in murky water. Also the mobula departed to warmer Waters. 

As we cooperate with the University in Horta and Jorges Fontes science about the Midatlantic Megafauna we have access to some thrilling results. This knowledge is mega important as it is connected to conservation and needed regulations. In Princess Alice it was found out that there is a resident population of pelagic fish sich as Jacks and Tuna. 
The Megafauna like Mobula rays and Whale sharks need pelagic fish to form feeding balls and depend on the presence of pelagic fish. Therefore spots like Princess Alica Bano and other deep sea mountains use be protected. If the pelarcis fish is wiped out it might stop the Megafauna to visit this deep sea spots and the diving is not interesting any more. Also this resident population are in charge for reproduction. One there is too much fish at one deep sea mountain they start to migrate and that can be a perfect resource for the fisherman. 
Anyway the azorean government has a plan to protect 30% of the azroean waters and we hope that the science of Jorge Fontes, Ecodive Prowin, Megalodon project and other projects will lead the politicians to create protected areas and travel corridors for fish and Megafauna.

Megalodon Project

Beschreibungstitel

It is main concern to dive save and sustainable. Therefore we ask everybody that wants to join our shark trips to dive with us at least 1 day before in a class 1 spot around Pico. Not only that you can see fantastic marine life during this dive day it helps us to understand what your status is. Also it helps you to feel comfortable in Atlantic water conditions, get used to your rental gear and so on.  


The day before your first trip to the sharks you will meet with your shark guide and get a detailed briefing about the dive. 
We follow the theories of Professor Erich Ritter / Sharkschool that there are no dangerous sharks but only dangerous situations. When we started the shark diving 12 year ago Erich educated our skippers and crew. This knowledge has been passed on since that time. 
Since nowadays work with the shark scientist Lukas Müller who is one of the leading shark scientists currently. With him we develop the guidelines for divers and Freediver and update constantly. 

Additional Packages

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Prinzess Alice Bank Day Trip