Dive Site: Princess Alice Bank (Azores)

About Princess Alice Bank (Azores)

Princess Alice Bank is an oceanic seamount located approximately 83 kilometers southwest of Faial Island, or 90 to 96 kilometers southwest of Pico Island, in the Azores. This submerged bank rises dramatically from a depth of 1,500 meters to just 32 to 35 meters below the surface, making it a pivotal marine ecosystem in the Mid-Atlantic. It is widely recognized as a premier destination for large pelagic encounters in Europe, attracting divers eager to witness its extraordinary marine life. Diving at Princess Alice Bank begins at the pinnacle, at a depth of 35 meters. The seamount provides a vast underwater structure, with a plateau typically around 20 meters deep, although some sources indicate depths ranging from 30 to 40 meters. Above the main structure, divers often encounter pelagic species at shallower depths, sometimes as little as 2 to 10 meters below the surface. The site is characterized by open-ocean conditions, with no visible land or reef. This site is renowned for its incredible aggregations of mobula rays, with encounters ranging from 20 to an astounding 500 to 1,000+ individuals, especially between May and October. Hammerhead sharks are occasionally sighted, along with barracuda swimming in dense schools. Other marine life includes large triggerfish and various wrasses. The sheer volume of mobula rays during peak season makes Princess Alice Bank a unique pelagic experience. Diving Princess Alice Bank is an advanced experience, typically involving a full-day trip due to the considerable distance from shore, often taking about three hours by RIB from Faial or Pico. Strong currents are a common feature of this open-ocean environment. Divers must be prepared for deep profiles and potential surface chop during boat transfers, which can also offer sightings of dolphins in the boat's wake. Despite the challenging conditions, the reward is an unparalleled encounter with large marine life.

Dive site facts: Princess Alice Bank (Azores)

Depth

30-40 m

Typical dive

30-40 m

Current

Strong and variable

Visibility

15-40 m

Water temperature

20-24°C

Entry

Descent line / blue water entry

Level

Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) minimum, 50 logged dives recommended

Dive type

Pelagic, seamount, blue water

Night dive

Not permitted

Region / port

Azores, Portugal (Pico or Faial)

Coordinates

37.8667, -29.2333

Conditions & Currents

Princess Alice Bank is situated in the open ocean and is subject to strong currents, which are a defining characteristic of the dive. Divers must be prepared for these conditions, as they can influence buoyancy control and dive planning. Given its location far from shore, surface conditions can also be variable, potentially leading to surge or choppy waters during boat transfers and at the surface interval.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mobula ray

July-September · common

Giant oceanic manta ray

July-September · occasional

Blue shark

Summer · common

Wahoo

occasional

Tuna

occasional

Amberjack

occasional

Yellowmouth barracuda

occasional

Galapagos shark

rare

Whale shark

July-September · rare

Giant stingray

rare

Triggerfish

common

Common dolphin

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Princess Alice Bank involves an open-ocean blue water descent, typically following a shot line. The seamount's pinnacle is at a minimum depth of 30 meters, with the plateau extending to 40 meters. Due to potentially strong currents, divers usually hold onto the descent line. The primary focus is observing pelagic life, especially the mobula rays that congregate around the seamount, often circling the pinnacle. Divers progress by drifting over the seamount's top, maintaining careful buoyancy control and depth awareness. The dive concludes with an ascent back up the line, ensuring a safety stop is conducted while maintaining control in the blue.

Underwater photography

Princess Alice Bank is a premier destination for wide-angle photography, especially during peak season (July-September) when mobula rays aggregate. Wide-angle lenses are essential for capturing the vast schools of mobulas and other large pelagics against the deep blue backdrop. Strobes or video lights are highly recommended to minimize backscatter and highlight the subjects' natural colors. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial, as is being prepared for strong currents and blue water environments with no fixed reference points. Ethical conduct is paramount; avoid chasing or disturbing marine life, especially the curious mobula rays, and capture their natural behaviors by waiting patiently. Utilize the clear visibility to compose striking shots of rays silhouetted against the surface light or interacting with divers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Dollabarat

  A reef south-southeast of the Formigas Islets, offering diverse pelagic encounters.

• Formigas Islets (Azores)

  Submerged pinnacles known for mantas, mobulas, sharks, and tunas.

• Ambrosio

  A marine reserve near Santa Maria Island, known for large schools of jacks, barracuda, and devil rays.

• Faial Channel

  An area where boats often encounter dolphins during crossings to offshore sites.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Princess Alice Bank typically involves a full-day trip from the islands of Pico or Faial in the central Azores. The boat journey to the seamount takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Most operators offer full-day excursions including two dives at the bank. Due to its remote, open-ocean location, trips are highly weather-dependent, and cancellations are common; booking at least a week-long stay in the Azores is advisable to maximize chances. Divers usually fly into Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) then take local flights or ferries to Pico or Faial. No specific permits are generally required for diving, but dive operators handle all logistical arrangements, including boat transfers and dive guides.

Safety & environment

Diving Princess Alice Bank demands a high level of experience and preparedness. The site is remote, approximately 90 km offshore, meaning evacuation in an emergency could be lengthy and complex. Divers must be self-sufficient, maintain excellent buoyancy control, and be comfortable in strong currents and deep, open-ocean environments with no visual reference points. A minimum of Advanced Open Water certification and at least 50 logged dives are commonly required. Dive insurance, including coverage for recompression and evacuation, is essential. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Horta on Faial Island. Always adhere strictly to dive guide instructions, especially regarding staying on the descent line and managing gas consumption at depth, as conditions can change rapidly.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Princess Alice Bank (Azores) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Princess Alice Bank (Azores)

These liveaboards may visit Princess Alice Bank (Azores) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m

$433/day