Europe is home to hundreds of high-quality dive sites. So how is it that a site located way out in the Azores, seemingly in the middle of the empty ocean, attains status as one of Europe’s top dive sites? The answer lies below the water’s surface, along a submerged seamount that rises up from the ocean floor more than 1,000 meters below to form a platform with a 55-kilometer perimeter at a depth of 241 meters, and from there, to reach skyward, forming a peak at a depth of 35 meters.
Gin Clear Water and Astonishing Marine Life
Located approximately 45 miles off Horta, Princess Alice Bank is also known as Banco Princesa Alice. A one-way trip to the bank takes about three hours, which is definitely a long ride, but which is certainly one that is worthwhile. As currents can be strong here, the site is reserved for experienced divers only, and descent is made via anchor line.
Once at depth, you’ll find yourself in another world altogether. Along the top of the seamount, Azores reef life thrives; various wrasse, anthias, and damsels join forces with moray eels, dusky groupers, and others who serve as a welcome committee of sorts. You’ll quickly forget about the smaller creatures though, once your eyes adjust and larger animals begin to take shape as they emerge from the deep azure background.
Sharks, turtles, and dolphins are encountered here with regularity, and whales are heard and often seen by some of the most fortunate divers. Massive schools of pelagic fish pass, turn, and pass again as they circle around this submerged mountain top; some, such as the sardines and mackerels, are quite small; others, including great amberjack and queenfish, are huge. Blue sharks are sometimes encountered, as are schooling tuna and barracuda.
Ribbontail rays, oceangoing manta rays with vast wingspans, and even rare black marlin, Galapagos sharks, and hammerhead sharks can be encountered here. When mantas are present, they are sometimes interested in getting close to divers, and many dive operators encourage snorkeling with the animals. Most excursions include a morning dive, a surface interval for lunch, and a second dive before heading back to port.
Astonishingly, this site features water so clear that one can see the submerged seamount from the surface, photos taken from the bottom reveal marine life that appears to by flying through midair, and the sensation of spending time with them at this unique site is second to none.
As you might imagine, planning for an excursion on this scale takes some intensive planning. Dive operators often require groups of five or more divers to share a charter. If you have a dedicated group of dive buddies or if your local dive shop organizes tours, a trip to Princess Alice Bank might be exactly right for you. In addition, operators typically require divers to spend approximately a week in the Azores, waiting for conditions to be just right, both for your safety and to ensure you experience as much marine life as possible. While waiting to dive at Princess Alice Bank, you’ll have the opportunity to explore some magnificent sites around Faial and Pico.
The best time to dive Banco Princesa Alice is during the months of July, August, and September; booking well in advance is a great way to ensure trip availability. Needless to say, this is a rare opportunity, and the views you’ll experience are virtually unmatchable. If you are ready for an extraordinary journey, consider diving Princess Alice Bank.