Why You Should Dive with Blue Sharks in the Azores
What: Pelagic shark dive diving with CW Azores
Where: Madalena, Pico, the Azores
When: July - October
With adrenaline coursing through your veins and an awe-induced sparkle in your eye, few experiences on earth come close to witnessing these pelagic predators in their natural environment.
Like the land that time forgot, Pico Island is one of nine jewels that comprise the Azores archipelago. Reminiscent of Jurassic Park with its impressive volcanic mountain presiding over the island and its resultant geology below the waves, Pico Island is a treasure trove of natural curiosities waiting to be discovered. For lovers of the sea diving here is unparalleled with other locations in Europe.
Sharks have been misunderstood by the public for decades and it is this very miscomprehension that has contributed to their demise being largely overlooked until recent years. Out of sight, out of mind, they are slowly slipping into extinction. Charging out to sea here through the channel between the islands of Pico and Horta you can quickly get a feeling for the scale of the challenge ahead for understanding, managing and protecting these species. It is as wide as the ocean itself. But there is hope.
Evidence is growing to support shark diving tourism as a catalyst for changing people’s perceptions toward these magnificent animals by challenging existing stereotypes. Sharks are apex predators and demand a healthy respect from us when using their environment, but they should not be feared. Being in the water with them is one of the best ways to support their survival - but only if it is done responsibly. In some parts of the world bad practices can be detrimental to the welfare of the animals, the wider ecosystem and the local community. It is vital to always do your research and choose a responsible ecotourism operator.
Worldwide shark diving has grown in popularity over recent years and thanks to its crystal clear waters interactions with blue sharks in the Azores are nothing short of spectacular. There are only a handful of places in the world where you can immerse yourself into their world and the Azores should be high on every scuba divers bucket list to do so.
How to get there & How long to spend there
CW Azores is located in the charming coastal town of Madalena - the capital of Pico Island. With direct flights available from Lisbon and the US (Boston and New York) as well as internal flights and ferry links between the islands of the Azores archipelago there are plenty of ways to access this scuba diving hotspot. Transfers from the airport and accommodation options can be organised as part of a scuba diving package with CW Azores.
It is recommended to spend a minimum of 10 days in the Azores to get the most out of the diving opportunities there - and even that isn’t enough!
Top tips
Advanced Open Water Diver (AOWD) certification and 50 logged dives are recommended to participate in the pelagic shark dive.
CW Azores can provide all of the required scuba diving equipment to complete the dive but you may like to bring your own wetsuit (5mm) or additional scuba gear.
The currents can be strong. At times you may feel like you’re in a washing machine and being pulled in different directions. Holding onto the rope provided can cause friction on your hands so you may like to bring a pair of diving gloves.
Scuba diving is deceivingly exhausting, both mentally and physically, particularly when there are strong currents. Pack some small snacks - like a cereal bar - and water beforehand to rehydrate and refuel after the dive.
Bring sea sickness tablets as the boat ride out to the dive site can be choppy and you may be waiting a while at the location for the sharks to turn up.
Do not touch or attempt to touch the sharks unless completely necessary. The divemaster will explain the circumstances under which you should do so and the best way to do this.
The crystal clear waters of the Azores provide incredible photo opportunities. Whether you have a small action camera like a GoPro or a professionally housed DSLR make sure you bring a camera along to capture the action - but don’t forget to use your own eyes to make memories too!
Occasionally shortfin mako sharks are also spotted on this dive so keep your eyes peeled into the azure blue abyss as you never know what you may see.
Live in the moment. Don’t forget to look up from your camera from time to time!
About the Blue Shark
Blue sharks are a pelagic shark species meaning that they are found in the open ocean. These slender torpedo-shaped predators are perfectly camouflaged against the deep blue with an iridescent topside and a gleaming white underbelly. Encountering these sharks is an enchanting experience. They are naturally inquisitive creatures and are full of character.
Blue sharks are a highly migratory species. Research has indicated that they migrate to the Azores archipelago to breed and feed, with tagging studies demonstrating that pups remain in these waters for the first two years of their lives. Seasonal sightings here are currently reliable and during my dive in September 2021 we encountered 5 individuals, with the largest shark roughly 3 metres in length.
Blue sharks are the most heavily fished shark species in the world. It is estimated that 10-20 million individuals are killed every year by pelagic longlining fishing vessels alone, mostly as bycatch. Their declining presence in the global ocean makes encountering them on a dive all the more special and supporting responsible tourism all the more important.
“You Should Be Afraid If You’re in the Ocean and You Don’t See Sharks”