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Princess Alice Bank
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Princess Alice Bank
Princess Alice Bank
Located 45 miles southwest of Faial island, Princess Alice Bank is a submerged seamount that rises from 2000m to a shallow peak at about 32m. Discovered on July 9, 1896, it was named after Prince Albert’s of Monaco research vessel, Princess Alice.
Diving Princess Alice is a unique and thrilling experience. Highlights include giant mobula rays (Mobula tarapacana) commonly found in groups of up to 20-40 animals, big shoals of barracudas, triggerfish, great amberjacks, Atlantic bonitos and skipjack tunas. Large, strange looking wahoo’s may be found swimming near the surface while big stingrays flap their wings lazily around the bottom. Occasionally, lucky divers might spot a sun fish (Mola mola), a whale shark or even a whale!

Day program

The Princess Alice dive trip lasts the whole day. The boat ride takes approximately 2 hours each way on board our vessel, PAIKEA, a reliable 10m rigid inflatable boat equipped for divers’ comfort and safety in accordance to European standards. For additional safety, PAIKEA is also equipped with 2 outboard engines, a satellite phone, 2 life rafts and a water exit leather. There is a good chance of encountering dolphins throughout the trip, sometimes even whales.
  • Detailed briefing the day before.
  • Early morning rise and departure from the marina of Horta around 7h30 o’clock. Arrival at Princess Alice at about 10h00. First dive around 11h00.
  • Surface interval for lunch, sunbathing and snorkeling, as mobulas are often found swimming at the surface near the boat.
  • Second dive at 13h00. After the two scheduled dives we start heading back to Faial, where we expect to arrive around 17h30.
Dive season

July to September, when the sea is calmer and the water is warmer (20-24ºC) and clearer (25-30m); mobula and pelagic fish sightings are also greater during this period. Due to the bank’s remote location, all trips are dependent on weather and sea conditions (a one week stay is recommended).

Required experience

+30 logged dives and Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. These are challenging offshore dives with the possibility of strong currents, so not for inexperienced divers. A check out dive to check diver’s skills and equipment is mandatory prior to the trip. Inexperienced scuba divers are encouraged to join this experienced as snorkelers.
For freedivers, only advanced freedivers (AIDA 3, SSI 2 or APNEA ACADEMY 2) can join this activity.

Safety consideration

Due to strong currents and lack of visual references, Princess Alice is a dive that requires special safety procedures, such as the use of surface safety lines and a descent line, which divers hold most of the time. Mobula sightings usually range from the surface to 30m, so by using the reference line divers can simply hover and enjoy the feeling of diving in the blue with increased safety!
Since the nearest hyperbaric facility is in Horta, 2-2h30 hours away, it is imperative that divers maintain safe diving practices within the recreational diving limits.

Safety Kit

Each diver will be required to have a safety kit with a whistle or air horn and a SMB.

Dive Insurance

All divers must have valid dive insurance to provide coverage in the event of an accident. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with obtaining dive insurance.

Princess Alice Diving Rates

Diver

Snorkeler or freediver
300 EUR / person 250 EUR / person
Includes: 2 dives, full tanks, weights, meals and drinks (breakfast and lunch) and safety kit
Extras: Equipment rental and dive accident insurance
To take on board: sunscreen, towel, wind jacket, sun glasses and a hat. Sea sickness pills if necessary.

Gift certificates can be sent by email to the buyer for presentation to the recipient, or we can email the certificate directly to your indicated recipient. Please indicate your preferences when ordering.
Gift certificates are recorded on our records under the name of the buyer, so when the recipient calls or emails for a reservation we’ll ask for the “givers” name and certificate number.
Gift certificates must be redeemed one year from the date of purchase and are not refundable.

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