Snorkel with
Hammerhead Sharks
Around Pico and Faial, we have discovered several areas where smooth hammerhead sharks regularly gather.
Our Hammerhead Shark Snorkeling Excursion takes approximately 3–4 hours. During the trip, we actively search for the sharks. Once we locate them, we use controlled chumming to keep the animals interested and close to the boat.
When conditions are suitable, we take you into the water using a special observation technique designed to minimise disturbance to the sharks. The aim is to experience these remarkable animals in a respectful and controlled way while allowing them to behave naturally.
Whale & Dolphins
Around the island of Pico there are rich feeding grounds for all marine mammals. That is why sperm whales live here all year around hunting the giant squid in the deep. Other species like the large baleen whales are only seasonal guests on their migration. Even the largest animal ever lived on our blue plant is our guest from February to June every year.
This makes Pico one of the no 1 destinations in the world to meet whales and dolphins.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable treatment of the animals is our top priority. Therefore, the experienced skippers also read the behavior of the animals first and decide when or if you are allowed into the water.
With the help of the experienced skippers you can observe the behavior of the whales in peace and learn a lot about their life and migration cycles.
Why
pico island adventures
Operating since 1993 we have 30 years of experience with marine mammals. Our skippers work with us since many years and lots of experience in gentle handling of the animals. We find the whales and dolphins because we work with land based spotters. This technique dates back to the days of the old whalers. With strong binoculars the so called VIGIA searches for the whales and dolphins. They tell the boats the positions of the animals. Thus, we never go blindly to the ocean and work with a 99% success rate in sightings.
