Princess

Alice Bank

This is the dream dive spot for divers from all over the world and rates one of the top dive sites of the world.
The Princess Alice Bank is a submerged seamount in the Atlantic Ocean which rises from a depth of approximately 2,500 meters. It was discovered during an expedition of Prince Albert of Monaco on July 9 in 1896. Since then the place has been well known to fishermen as a rich fishing ground. Deep-sea currents are colliding here, bringing tremendous upwelling to the ocean surface which in turn creates a thriving environment for marine mammals, big fish and shoal.

Mobulas can be found in groups from two to 50 animals and often curiously approach the divers up close. Pelagic fish such as barracudas, bonitos, tuna, triggerfish as well as kingfish, stingrays and monkfish are common sightings in this area as well. In the last year we have seen whale sharks from the middle of August until the end of September more often which might be a result of the global warming.

Book Now

OUR BOATS

Princess Alice Express — Our Offshore Catamaran

Built in the United Kingdom by Cheetah Marine, the Princess Alice Express is our 12-metre offshore power catamaran — the primary vessel for all expeditions to Princess Alice Bank.

At 12 metres long and 5.50 metres wide, she offers generous deck space for guests and equipment, even with a full complement aboard. Powered by two Honda BF350 V8 outboards producing a combined 700 HP, she combines the speed of a large offshore RIB with the stability and comfort needed for a 100-kilometre Atlantic crossing.

Our Offshore Vanguard RIB

Our fleet includes a second offshore vessel: a brand-new 2026 10-metre Vanguard Power RIB powered by a Honda BF350 V8 (350 HP). The Vanguard provides operational backup and is available for private charters and special requests — including private Princess Alice expeditions.

Both vessels carry full offshore navigation, communication and safety equipment. Our skippers hold the appropriate Portuguese maritime qualifications for offshore operations to Princess Alice Bank.

Princess Alice Base package 499 - Euros

Includes:

Day 1: 2 tank prep/check dives around Pico Island

Day 2: 2 tank dives at Princess Alice Bank

Boat:

Comfortable large boat with toilet, snacks and drinks.

The trip departs between 06:00 and 07:00 and returns by 16:00 – 17:00

__________________________________________________________________

PS: If you have already booked a normal dive package with us, the preparation dive day is not needed and we deduct 99 Euros from your package.

Book Now

Our top priority is to dive safely and sustainably. Therefore we ask everybody that wants to join our trips to Princess Alice to dive with us at least 1 day before in a class 1 spot around Pico.

Not only that you can see fantastic marine life during this dive day it helps us to understand what your status is. Also it helps you to feel comfortable in Atlantic water conditions, get used to your rental gear and so on.

We can do 2 different types of diving at Princess Alice Bank. Its an exposed spot and strong current can appear within the glimpse of an eye. Therefore we usually dive on current lines up to 15 m deep. That allows also 1 star divers to participate as long as they are approved to keep buoyancy.

We also do a touch down dive in 42 m for the certified divers and see big tuna or the animals of the reef of Princess Alice. To participate the deep dive you should have the deep diver special.

2027 Travel Dates

15th June to 5th October

The visibility during this period is amazing, ranging from 30 to 50 metres. The other months are not recommended as the water is cool, and contains too much plankton which results in murky water. Also the mobula departed to warmer Waters.

As we cooperate with the University in Horta and Jorges Fontes science about the Midatlantic Megafauna we have access to some thrilling results. This knowledge is mega important as it is connected to conservation and needed regulations. In Princess Alice it was found out that there is a resident population of pelagic fish sich as Jacks and Tuna.  The Megafauna like Mobula rays and Whale sharks need pelagic fish to form feeding balls and depend on the presence of pelagic fish. Therefore spots like Princess Alica Bano and other deep sea mountains use be protected. If the pelarcis fish is wiped out it might stop the Megafauna to visit this deep sea spots and the diving is not interesting any more. Also this resident population are in charge for reproduction. One there is too much fish at one deep sea mountain they start to migrate and that can be a perfect resource for the fisherman.  Anyway the azorean government has a plan to protect 30% of the azroean waters and we hope that the science of Jorge Fontes, Ecodive Prowin, Megalodon project and other projects will lead the politicians to create protected areas and travel corridors for fish and Megafauna.

Megalodon Project

It is main concern to dive save and sustainable. Therefore we ask everybody that wants to join our shark trips to dive with us at least 1 day before in a class 1 spot around Pico. Not only that you can see fantastic marine life during this dive day it helps us to understand what your status is. Also it helps you to feel comfortable in Atlantic water conditions, get used to your rental gear and so on.

The day before your first trip to the sharks you will meet with your shark guide and get a detailed briefing about the dive.  We follow the theories of Professor Erich Ritter / Sharkschool that there are no dangerous sharks but only dangerous situations. When we started the shark diving 12 year ago Erich educated our skippers and crew. This knowledge has been passed on since that time.  Since nowadays work with the shark scientist Lukas Müller who is one of the leading shark scientists currently. With him we develop the guidelines for divers and Freediver and update constantly.

Princess Alice Express — Offshore Catamaran

Our primary vessel for Princess Alice Bank expeditions. Built by Cheetah Marine in the United Kingdom, the Princess Alice Express is a 12-metre offshore power catamaran, 5.50 metres wide, powered by two Honda BF350 V8 outboards producing a combined 700 HP. She offers generous deck space, excellent stability and the speed needed for the 100-kilometre Atlantic crossing — with toilet, snacks and drinks on board.

Offshore Vanguard RIB

Our second offshore vessel — a 2026 10-metre Vanguard Power RIB powered by a Honda BF350 V8 (350 HP). Available for private charters and special requests, including private Princess Alice expeditions.

Both vessels are equipped with full offshore navigation, communication and safety equipment. Our skippers hold the appropriate Portuguese maritime qualifications for offshore operations to Princess Alice Bank.