Snorkeling
with giant
Mobula Rays
Snorkeling with mobula rays at Princess Alice Bank is one of the most breathtaking ocean experiences you can have. Rising dramatically from depths of around 2,500 meters in the Atlantic Ocean, this legendary submerged seamount was discovered on July 9, 1896, during an expedition led by Prince Albert I of Monaco. Today, it is considered one of the top dive and snorkeling sites in the world — a true dream destination for snorkelers and freedivers alike.
Here, powerful deep-sea currents collide and create rich upwellings that bring nutrients to the surface. This natural phenomenon attracts an extraordinary concentration of marine life. Large shoals of pelagic fish thrive in these waters, and encounters with barracudas, bonitos, tuna, triggerfish, kingfish, stingrays, and even monkfish are common.
But the true highlight of Princess Alice Bank is the mobula rays. These elegant ocean wanderers gather here in groups ranging from just a few individuals to impressive formations of up to 50 animals. Often curious and graceful, they glide effortlessly through the blue and frequently approach snorkelers closely, creating unforgettable, almost surreal moments in the open ocean.
During the summer months, the magic of Princess Alice Bank can become even more extraordinary. Unexpected encounters are always possible — from majestic whale sharks to fast-moving sailfish, powerful kingfish, and large tuna. In recent years, whale sharks have been sighted more frequently between mid-August and the end of September, possibly linked to changing ocean conditions and warming waters. Every trip carries the thrill of surprise.
We reach this offshore paradise aboard our brand-new 12-meter power catamaran, built by Cheetah Marine — widely regarded as producing some of the best offshore boats available for this kind of operation. Designed for stability, speed, and safety in open-ocean conditions, our vessel ensures a smooth, comfortable journey to and from the bank, allowing you to focus entirely on the adventure ahead.
Snorkeling at Princess Alice Bank is more than a trip — it’s an expedition into one of the Atlantic’s most vibrant blue-water ecosystems. An experience defined by wild encounters, open horizons, and the unforgettable presence of mobula rays in their natural realm.
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.
