Shark Diving
Shark dives take place from Faial island in bottomless blue water well offshore, 1h boat drive away, with blue sharks (Prionace glauca) being the most commonly encountered species, although shortfin mako’s (Isurus oxyrinchus) occasionally show up.
Blue sharks are among the most fascinating and graceful creatures. Animals seen are usually 1,5-3 m long and are generally curious, coming close and circling divers, but nonthreatening. With long pectoral fins, pointed snouts and slender bodies, their skins glow with a cobalt patina that is iridescent in the sunlight, making them one of the most beautiful shark species underwater.
Program:
• Half-day tour (4-5h)
• Boat ride takes about 1 hour each way
• Detailed briefing on safety and shark behaviour by one of our experienced shark guides/marine biologists
How it works:
Sharks are attracted by controlled chumming. Given sharks’ amazing sense of smell, in good days, it may take as little as 30 min for animals to show up. Being sharks highly migratory species that travel long distances in a few days, some days can be more challenging, though recent studies suggest blue sharks use offshore fishing banks around Faial island as feeding areas, increasing our chances to encounter them.
Best season: mid July to September; good visibility (+20m) and warm water (21ºC-23ºC) makes the experience more enjoyable and successful (more than 90% success for blue shark sightings). All shark dives are dependent on weather and sea conditions (a one week stay is recommended).
Requirements:
• 18 years or older
• Freediving certification (Level 2 Apnea Academy, SSI or Molchanovs, or level 3 AIDA certification)
• Own diving insurance
• Sign the Shark Diving Liability Release form
• All divers must wear a complete suit with hood, gloves and dark fins
Price: 200 EUR /person
Includes: Freediving guide, weights, a light meal and drinks
To take on board: sunscreen, towel, wind jacket, sun glasses and a hat or a beanie; sea sickness pills if necessary
Is it safe?
Diving with sharks is always a stimulating experience. It affords a uniquely intimate interaction with one of the sea’s most beautiful and ancient creatures. Humans don’t form part of the natural food chain of sharks and, as such, in most instances, they’re more curious about us, even wary, than they are aggressive. Although no cage is used, our chumming is also kept to a minimum to create a more safe and peaceful environment during the dive.
Inexperienced freedivers are encouraged to join this experienced as snorkelers.
For freediving, only advanced freedivers (AIDA 3, SSI 2 or APNEA ACADEMY 2) can join this activity.
Price for snorkelers: 180 Euros /person