Scuba diving in Princess Alice Bank, Azores - all you need to know
Looking for a thrilling scuba diving spot in Europe?
If you're after some spectacular scuba diving, this is it.
If you're after a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list scuba diving, this is it.
At Princess Alice Bank, you can not only see majestic fevers of mobula rays, schools of fish and even sharks, but you also get to immerse yourself in intensely deep, clear blue ocean waters of the Atlantic Ocean, with no end in sight.
Apart from an underwater pinnacle - the top of Princess Alice seamount, submerged at 35m below sea level, gradually disappearing from sight into the true blue, you’ll find yourself submerged in nothing but the wide open waters. No bottom, no reefs, no walls - just you, the open ocean, and mobula rays.
I counted 27 mobula rays on my September 2024 dive.
Scuba diving in Princess Alice Bank is certainly not an average dive spot; it’s slowly becoming a dive site that attracts adventurous divers from around the globe, and it’s definitely in the top three dive sites I explored so far.
In this post, I’m taking a deep dive (pun intended!). into everything you need to know about Princess Alice Bank - from what it is, through how to get there and organizing the dive.
Let’s dive straight in!
What is Princess Alice Bank?
Princess Alice Bank is an underwater seamount located in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Pico Island in the Azores archipelago. It’s a unique geological formation that rises dramatically from the deep ocean floor. Its peak reaches just about 35 to 50 meters below the sea surface.
Named after a fishing boat "Princess Alice" from the late 19th century, the bank is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and pristine, untouched waters. Most famously, Princess Alice Bank is known for the majestic schools of mobula rays (often mistaken for manta rays) that gracefully glide through the area.
Seamounts are biological hotspots that attract a variety of marine species. The currents forming around the seamounts sweep over the underwater slopes, creating nutrient-rich feeding environments, ideal for large pelagic species, including rays and sharks.
Where is Princess Alice Bank?
Princess Alice Bank is submerged in the Atlantic Ocean, about 50 nmi (93 km) southwest of the island of Pico in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. It’s the remoteness of this site that makes it special - it allows for stunning visibility, often exceeding 30 meters - perfect for observing the abundant marine life in the area.
See how far away it is from the nearest Azores islands? The remote location of Princess Alice Bank also ensures that marine life remains largely untouched by human activity, preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. This exclusivity, combined with the thriving marine ecosystem, makes it one of the most coveted dive spots in Europe. For divers looking for a true adventure far from the crowded tourist sites, Princess Alice Bank offers an unparalleled underwater experience.
Scuba diving in Princess Alice Bank truly feels like diving in the middle of nowhere, where there is nothing but you and wide open ocean waters. This is an unparalleled underwater experience for anyone looking for an adventure far from the crowded tourist dive sites.
Because Princess Alice Bank is located so far from shore, it is only accessible by boat, making it a more exclusive dive destination. Let’s talk about how to get there.
Dive boats typically depart from the islands of Pico or Faial, with the most popular departure ports being Madalena (Pico) or Horta (Faial). The boat journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions, but the long trip is well worth the wait, as divers are rewarded with one of the most spectacular dive experiences in the Atlantic.
How to get to Princess Alice Bank for scuba diving?
Reaching Princess Alice Bank is an adventure in itself. Due to its remote location in the open Atlantic, the only way to access the dive site is by boat from the central islands of the Azores, particularly Pico or Faial.
Princess Alice Bank by boat
Dive boats typically depart from the islands of Pico or Faial, with the most popular departure ports being Madalena (Pico) or Horta (Faial). The boat journey takes approximately 2-3 hours one way, depending on weather and sea conditions. It’s not uncommon to spot whales or dolphins along the way!
Since the dive site is located in open waters far from land, the sea can sometimes be rough, so divers should prepare for a potentially bumpy ride. It’s also recommended to bring seasickness remedies if you are prone to motion sickness. I took one just in case, to make sure I don’t waste the day puking aboard.
Scuba diving in Princess Alice Bank - a full day trip
Best time for scuba diving in Princess Alice Bank
The optimal diving season at Princess Alice Bank is during the summer months, typically from June to September. During this period, the weather is more stable, and the waters are warmer and calmer, which provides ideal conditions for the long boat journey and diving.
Summer also coincides with the peak activity of marine life, offering the best chances to see schools of mobula rays, sharks, and large pelagic fish.
The most common departure ports are Madalena on Pico Island and Horta on Faial Island. These towns are home to several diving centers and tour operators that specialize in trips to Princess Alice Bank.
Both islands are part of the central group of the Azores and are accessible by planes from continental Portugal, small aircrafts from other islands in the archipelago and ferry from the neighbouring islands in the central group.
Can you book Princess Alice Scuba diving in advance?
Actually, you can’t. It’s crucial that every diver is aware that accessing Princess Alice Bank is entirely weather dependent - the organizers will only set sail when the waters are calm enough to sail with a speedboat and in the Azores, it’s never a given.
When I arrived in Pico for my dive, I learned the sea was too rough to depart at the time, so the dive was uncertain. That was a Tuesday; the dive did happen eventually, but only on the following Saturday.
All in all, you must be aware that you’re playing a lottery with the weather conditions that may prevent the dive. It’s thus recommended that you allow yourself several days in Faial or Pico to fit in the window when it opens.
No dive shop will take an advance booking for a specific day; you will only be able to pre-book without payment, and the dive shops will ask you about the dates of your stay in the Azores.
If you’re serious about it; I suggest you make arrangements in advance, as there are only a few dive shops and spots are very limited. The diving season coincides with the high season in the Azores in general, so spots may fill up.
How much does it cost to scuba dive in the Princess Alice Bank, Azores?
A day of diving in the Princess Alice Bank costs 250 EUR (as of 2024). The price includes:
- A two-hour speed boat ride to the spot
- Two diving sessions, with two full tanks
- A two-hour return speed boat ride
- A light lunch + snacks on the boat
If you need to rent equipment, you have to pay 25 EUR extra for the full scuba set.
Because of its depth and strong currents, the bank is considered a dive site for experienced divers: a minimum of 50 logged dives or an Advanced PADI/SSI certification is required. So, before booking, ensure that you meet the necessary diving certification requirements and have experience in drift and deep diving.
Dive shops offering scuba diving expeditions to Princess Alice Bank
I went with Dive Azores. I strongly recommend this diveshop. The crew was very professional at all times and I felt very safe during the entire full-day excursion.
