Princess Alice Bank (Diving with Mantas)

Diving with Mantas (Mobula tarapacana) is classed as one of the best dives in the Azores. It is located on an underwater bank called “Princesa Alice”, about 45 nautical miles south of Faial Island, at a depth of 35 metres. In this experience, you’ll have the chance to dive into the heart of the ocean with these majestic animals. Occasionally, you’ll also have the chance to see Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), Barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis) and Lilies (Seriola rivoliana).

These trips take place from July to September, usually from 7.30 to 19.00. It takes 3 hours each way, after arriving we do the first dive, return to the boat for an hour’s break while we have a light snack and then do the second dive.

What’s more, this is a great opportunity for those who don’t have a diving certificate, as they can go snorkelling as the mantas and other pelagics come closer to the surface.

If you want to do this dive, we advise you to have several days available, because this activity is only confirmed one or two days in advance, as we are always dependent on the weather conditions and the minimum number of clients required.

Our aim is to promote the safety and sustainability of this activity, so for this reason you will have to follow some rules and a code of conduct about manta diving in the Azores:

1 – Check the validity of your diving certificate, medical examination and the number of dives you have logged.

2 – You must do a “check dive” before diving with sharks. This is a normal coastal dive with the aim of checking the diver’s experience and comfort in the water.

 3 – Follow all of the dive master’s instructions during the activity.