Diving in the Azores:
Sharks, mobula rays, and large cetaceans
The Azores are one of Europe's most unique destinations for pelagic diving.
Their oceanic waters offer the chance to encounter blue sharks, mako sharks, mobula rays, and various species of cetaceans.
During the Blue Horizon expedition, we will explore the waters off Faial and some of its most iconic dive sites—including Princess Alice Bank and Condor Bank—combining diving, whale and dolphin watching, underwater photography, and the islands' volcanic landscapes.
An 8-day, 7-night expedition designed to discover the Atlantic from both beneath the surface and above.
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Top 3 marine animals you can see
in the Azores
The 4 Dimensions of the Experience
Dive
Princess Alice, blue sharks, and the wildest Atlantic
Dives at Faial’s most iconic sites.
Two shore-based check dives to fine-tune your eye and your camera.
A full day on a catamaran to Princess Alice Bank—the most spectacular seamount in the North Atlantic—where mobula rays soar and visibility exceeds 40 meters.
And the highlight: descending into the Atlantic blue to come face-to-face with blue sharks at Condor Bank.
History - Ocean
The Atlantic that cetaceans call home
Faial is one of the places in the world with the highest density of sightings of free-roaming cetaceans. Resident sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and—if the ocean wills it—pilot whales. A whole morning spent on the water searching for them—not from a tourist boat, but with eyes wide open and camera at the ready. In the afternoon, the Porto Pim Whaling Museum completes the picture: the story of Faial and the ocean, told from the inside.
Nature & Earth
Faial from above: Volcanoes, caldera, and active lava
The Azores do not end at the water's surface.
The island of Faial is an active volcano that has spent millions of years shaping one of Europe's wildest landscapes.
Two days of trekking to experience it from within.
A world apart within the island. Silence, altitude, and the sensation of standing at the edge of the world.
Workshop photo
Wide Angle
Princess Alice Bank and the encounter with blue sharks offer two of the most demanding yet rewarding settings for wide-angle photography. Blue water, pelagic animals, and Atlantic light. During the expedition, Borja will focus on blue-water composition, managing distances from pelagic species, and utilizing natural light in the open ocean. Daily feedback sessions will ensure that every diver improves, image by image, throughout the week.
Underwater Photography Experience included
Photo Shooting
Your underwater portrait
You’ll take away real images of your actual experience—not posed catalog shots.
Authentic moments set against one of the most cinematic underwater backdrops on the planet.
Contest
Pelagic vs. Coastal
On the final day of the expedition, a photography contest is held for all participants.
There are two categories: pelagic wide-angle and coastal macro/wide-angle.
With a panel of judges and prizes for the winners, it is the perfect way to wrap up a week of unforgettable images.
The blue shark is a star attraction of pelagic diving in the Azores.
These animals use the archipelago's oceanic waters as a migratory and feeding ground, and can be found at sites such as Condor Bank.
Diving with them means leaving the seabed behind and entering the deep blue of the Atlantic—an especially powerful experience for those who enjoy photographing large marine animals.
Shark diving at
Condor Bank
Condor Bank is one of the most iconic spots in the Azores for blue shark diving.
Located off the coast of Faial, this seamount offers open-water dives where pelagic life takes center stage.
It is an experience distinct from reef diving: rather than seeking out a wall or a seabed teeming with life, we venture into the blue and wait for the ocean to bring its great inhabitants to us.
Best time to dive
in the Azores
The best time to dive in the Azores depends on what you want to see underwater.
The summer months generally offer better sea conditions, more pleasant temperatures, and good visibility, while certain pelagic species have more specific seasonal windows.
Our Blue Horizon trip takes place from July 16 to 23, 2027—dates chosen to combine excellent diving conditions with the presence of blue sharks, potential mako sharks, mobula rays, and sperm whales.
July is, therefore, one of the best times for the kind of experience we are looking for: pelagic Atlantic waters, underwater photography, and cetaceans.
Diving at Princess Alice Bank
Princess Alice Bank is one of the major seamounts in the Atlantic, located near the Azores.
Situated in open waters, this site is renowned for encounters with mobula rays and large pelagic species.
We will travel to the bank by catamaran to spend a full day exploring its waters, focusing specifically on wide-angle photography in the open blue.
Whale and dolphin watching
in Faial
The waters surrounding Faial are a vital habitat for various species of cetaceans.
During our excursion, we can look for sperm whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and pilot whales—all in the wild.
The experience is not simply about “whale watching,” but rather about spending time on the ocean, observing their behavior, and learning to interpret the signs that indicate where they might be found.
Underwater photography in the Azores
The open waters of the Azores offer an exceptional setting for underwater photography featuring sharks and large pelagic animals.
At Blue Horizon, we will focus primarily on wide-angle techniques, open-water composition, maintaining the right distance from the animals, and utilizing natural light.
The workshop is designed to help you improve both your technical skills and your ability to anticipate animal behavior.
Additionally, you will participate in feedback sessions throughout the trip and a professional photography session, ensuring you come away with real images of the experience.
Marine Life You May Encounter
Blue Shark
Condor Bank
Mako Shark
Condor Bank
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Mobulas
Princess Alice Bank
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Sperm Whales
Faial Waters
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Dolphines
Faial - Pico Channel
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Nudibranchs
Volcanic bottons
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Pilot Whales
Faial Waters
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Bottlenose dolphins
Faial waters
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Giant moray eel
Coast Diving
Small Groups - Full support from the Born to the Ocean team at all times. Personalized attention, your own pace, no mass tourism.
COMPLETE TRAVEL DOSSIER
Download the itinerary PDF
The dossier includes all details of the trip:Dive sites, accomodation, full itinerary, and booking conditions.
What’s included in the experience?
Included
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8 days / 7 nights accommodation with breakfast included
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2 shore dives
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Full-day catamaran trip to Princess Alice Bank
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Blue shark diving at Condor Bank
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Whale and dolphin watching (half-day)
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12L tanks and weights
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Local professional dive guides
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Lunch on diving days
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Round-trip airport transfers
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Wide-angle photography workshop with @borjius_diver
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Professional photography sessions during the trip
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Photography contest with prizes for winners
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Guided trek to Volcano Capelinhos and Caldeirão
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Full support from BTO staff throughout the expedition
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Exclusive BTO Blue Horizon 2027 T-shirt
No included
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International flights
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Mandatory diving insurance
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Diving equipment rental
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Unspecified meals (lunches and dinners at your own expense)
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Alcoholic beverages
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Admission to the Porto Pim Whaling Museum
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Recommended travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Anything not specified in the "Includes" section
Why travel to the Azores with Born to the Ocean?
Because we don’t design diving trips just to rack up dives, but to experience the ocean in a different way.
At Blue Horizon, we combine diving, underwater photography, nature, and local culture into a carefully curated experience from start to finish.
We travel in small groups, work with local operators, and provide expert guidance in both diving and photography.
We want you to discover the Azores from both the sea and the land, with time to observe, learn, and enjoy—without rushing.
And, above all, we want you to return home with more than just photographs: a deeper connection to the ocean and to the destination we’ve shared.
Dates & Booking
Azores - Blue Horizon
From: €1,490
Available Dates:
16/07 to 23/07 2027
The estimated cost of the experience includes:
• Born to the Ocean Coordination Fee (Curatorship, organization, pre-trip support, group management, guidance, photography workshop, and photo sessions)
• Tourist services provided by independent local operators (Accommodation, diving activities, local transfers)
• Flights (not included)
Born to the Ocean acts solely as coordinator and curator of the experience.
Tourist services are provided directly by independent local operators.
