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Shark Diving
Pico - Azores
Now the WORLD CLASS SPOT to dive with the BLUE SHARK and the MAKO
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YOUR ADVENTURE WITH THE SHARKS STARTS HERE
The rumours are true. There is a new, fantastic place to dive with sharks in Europe.
Join us on the island of Pico and discover the secrets of two pelagic sharks
synonymous with the deep ocean - the
Blue shark ( Prionace glauca) and the Mako ( Isurus oxyrinchus).
This unique and outstanding opportunity for divers arose from a successful project
carried out in collaboration with professional underwater photographer
Jan Reyniers.
Together we have been exploring these waters for the last 2 years looking for ways
to photograph these elusive animals.
Through our efforts we have now established how and where to find the sharks with repeated success.
We have also fine tuned the techniques and safety procedures needed to make the experience largely
acceptable for both sharks and humans.
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Minimum qualification:
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
(or equivalent) + 50 logged dives
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Seasonality:
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From mid-July to end of October
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Water temperature:
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21-25°C
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Visibility:
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20-30+ metres
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Success rate:
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100% (Blue shark), 65% (Mako)
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BLUE WATER DIVING - CHARM AND CAUTION
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The Blue shark and the Mako occur offshore.
Reaching the dive spots takes about 1 hour to navigate.
The dives occur in deep water, far from coastal recreational activities.
To undertake these 'blue water dives' requires excellent buoyancy control as there are no
points of reference from the sea floor or a wall. Divers must therefore pay attention to their
depth, orientation and dive profile.
All participants are required to first undertake a check dive with us and should be certified
to a minimum level equivalent to a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver and have a minimum
of 50 logged dives.
Prior to each trip all divers are briefed on how to conduct themselves in the water as well
as how to recognise potentially dangerous behaviour from the sharks.
Diving with sharks
is a lifetime experience but extreme care is essential.
In order to avoid a negative impact
on the sharks, divers are required to follow staff instruction closely.
Touching and feeding the sharks are strictly forbidden.
We use chumming techniques that keep the amount of food, blood and oil in the water at a minimum.
Should the behaviour of the sharks (or divers) warrant it each dive may be terminated at the
divemaster's discretion.
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SHARKS OF THE AZORES
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BLUE SHARK (Prionace glauca)
| Average length: |
2.2 metres |
| Maximum length: |
4 metres |
The Blue shark belongs to the Carcharhinidae family.
Its slender body, sensitive snout and long pectoral fins are perfect adaptations for
cruising the open ocean.
It inhabits deep pelagic waters and feeds mainly on cephalopods.
The Blue Shark is highly threatened by long-line fishing, both as a target and as bycatch.
In the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources) Red List is classified as Near Threatened.
Although widespread in all temperate and tropical oceans few divers ever see them because
of their preference for offshore waters.
Hazard
Blue sharks are potentially dangerous but worldwide very few attacks have occurred and no fatalities.
During our encounters the sharks are very curious and
approach closely, they do not act with aggression.
MAKO (Isurus oxyrinchus)
| Average length: |
3.2 metres |
| Maximum length: |
3.8 metres |
Stocky and muscular, the Mako belongs to the Lamnidae family which also includes the Great White Shark.
The physiology of the Mako enables it to maintain a body temperature up to 8°C higher
than the environmental temperature. This allows it to be very fast and active, indeed the Mako
is the fastest of all sharks.
It is mainly found in pelagic waters at depths from about 150 metres.
The Mako is a frequent target and bycatch of long-line fisheries and also a target in
big game fishing.
It is classified as Vulnerable
in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources) Red List.
Hazard
While aggressive behaviours have not been displayed during our encounters, the Mako is potentially
very dangerous and diving in its presence requires extreme caution and heightened awareness.
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Blue Shark (detail of the Ampullae of Lorenzini) - Photo by Jan Reyniers |
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SHARK DIVING - LOGISTICS AND PRICES
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Our Shark Expeditions last up to 5-6 hours.
The duration depends on the time needed to attract the sharks but also the shark's behaviour
while around the boat.
Each diver gets one tank (12l or 15l) and maximum duration of the dive is set at 75'.
PRICES
(include tank, weights and dive guide)
- 1 Shark Expedition: € 150.--/person
Each Shark Expedition lasts up to 5-6 ore and includes a single tank.
N.B. Our dives are always guided by experienced and
qualified divemasters (PADI Divemaster or higher)
We are the only PADI Dive Resort on the island of Pico.
PADI Registration Number: 799438
Also includes Princess Alice!
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Professional underwater photographer Jan Reyniers has pioneered
shark exploration with us - Visit Jan's website |
CONTACT US
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Our Dive Centre is located in Madalena, on the island of Pico - Azores.
To reach us simply fly via Lisbon on a 2.5-hour flight with TAP or SATA airlines.
Our Dive Center is an
authorised PADI Dive Resort.
We are equipped to provide our guests with the best safety conditions and comfort.
The season of the sharks is mid-July through October.
Each expedition is weather and sea dependent.
We advise that you plan a stay in Pico for at least 1 week and book in advance.
Have a look at our Packages & Prices.
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Copyright ©2012 CetaceanWatching Lda -
Madalena do Pico, Açores (Portugal)
Phone/Fax +351 292 622 622 Cell. +351 911 133 658 Skype: cwazores
Liçenca N° 3/2008
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