Azores: Swimming With the Sharks

For thrill-seekers and marine enthusiasts, the Azores offers an unparalleled opportunity to swim alongside some of the ocean’s most captivating creatures. Nestled in the stunning Faial Island, visitors can dive into crystal-clear waters to encounter magnificent blue and hammerhead sharks, guided by experienced marine biologists. With no prior experience required, this unique adventure promises an up-close and personal exploration of the underwater world – but there’s more to this thrilling experience than meets the eye. From safety precautions to the diverse array of marine life, there’s plenty to discover about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Good To Know

1. Participants can encounter Blue Sharks and/or Hammerhead Sharks during a 3-hour adventure led by a marine biologist on Faial Island, Azores.

2. The activity is suitable for beginners, with a 15-minute check dive provided to refresh snorkeling skills before the main shark dive.

3. The experience includes local snacks, unlimited water, and potential sightings of seabirds, dolphins, and turtles during the boat ride to the shark attraction site.

4. Cancellation policy offers flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront costs required to secure a spot.

5. Comprehensive safety briefing on shark behavior and proper interaction techniques ensures a safe and educational encounter with these fascinating marine creatures.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Azores: Swimming with the Sharks activity offers an exhilarating opportunity for participants to get up close and personal with these magnificent ocean predators in their natural habitat.

Priced from $251.22 per person, this 3-hour adventure (with a potential total duration of 5 hours) takes place along the coast of Faial Island in the Azores.

Led by a marine biologist, the small group experience is limited to just 6 participants, allowing for personalized attention and guidance.

Offering instructions in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, the activity is suitable for both experienced and novice snorkelers, with a quick check dive provided to refresh skills before the main shark encounter.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Azores: Swimming with the Sharks activity couldn’t be easier, as participants can reserve their spot and pay nothing today.

On top of that, the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules.

This ‘reserve now & pay later‘ policy allows adventurers to secure their place without any upfront costs.

And if plans change, they can cancel their reservation without penalty, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.

Whether it’s due to unexpected work commitments or a change in travel plans, the free cancellation policy gives participants peace of mind when booking this exceptional shark swimming encounter.

Experience Details

Diving into the Experience Details, participants can expect to swim alongside Blue Sharks and/or Hammerhead Sharks, guided by marine biologist Silvio Solleliet-Ferreira.

No previous experience or certification is required, as a coastal check dive will refresh participants’ snorkeling skills within a marine protected area.

After the briefing on shark behavior and activity rules, the group will embark on a boat ride lasting 30 minutes to an hour to attract the sharks.

The shark dive itself lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, offering opportunities to spot seabirds, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

Participants will also enjoy local snacks like soft cheese, local bread, and malagueta pepper, along with unlimited water during the experience.

Itinerary and Activities

Participants begin their shark diving adventure by meeting at either Horta Marina or Madalena Harbour, where they’ll be picked up for the activity.

Once gathered, they’ll receive the provided equipment – a suit, mask, and fins – before the group is briefed on shark behavior and activity rules.

Next, they’ll do a 15-minute check dive in a marine protected area to refresh their snorkeling skills.

After the check dive, it’s time to board the boat for a 30-minute to 1-hour ride to the shark attraction site.

The actual shark dive lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, during which participants may also spot seabirds, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The activity includes small group interactions, a shark specialist guide, and local snacks like soft cheese, local bread, and malagueta pepper, as well as unlimited water.

However, it’s not suitable for people over 70 years old, wheelchair users, or those prone to seasickness.

This shark diving experience offers:

1. Intimate group size limited to 6 participants for personalized attention.

2. Guidance from a marine biologist who’s an expert on shark behavior.

3. Opportunities to spot other marine life like seabirds, dolphins, and turtles.

While the activity is open to most participants, there are some exclusions to keep in mind.

Older adults, those with mobility challenges, and people susceptible to motion sickness may need to sit this one out for their own safety and comfort.

Shark Behavior and Safety

Before entering the water, participants receive a comprehensive briefing on the behavior and safety considerations of the sharks they’ll encounter.

The guide explains how to navigate around the Blue Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks, highlighting their typical movements and feeding habits. Participants learn proper techniques for interacting with the sharks while maintaining a safe distance, ensuring an immersive yet responsible experience.

They’re advised to avoid making sudden movements or directly approaching the sharks, and to keep a keen eye out for any signs of aggression. The guide emphasizes the importance of respecting the sharks’ natural behaviors and role in the ecosystem.

With these guidelines in mind, participants can confidently explore the ocean alongside these magnificent creatures.

Marine Life Spotting

During the boat ride to the dive site, participants can spot a variety of marine life, including seabirds, dolphins, and turtles, providing an opportunity to appreciate the Azores’ vibrant ocean ecosystem beyond the sharks.

This scenic journey allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of the region, catching glimpses of the dynamic marine life that call these waters home. The boat’s route takes them through a marine protected area, where they may spot:

1. Majestic seabirds soaring overhead, such as the Cory’s shearwater and the Azores bullfinch.

2. Playful dolphins swimming alongside the boat, showcasing their agility and intelligence.

3. Graceful sea turtles gliding through the waves, a testament to the area’s thriving biodiversity.

Preparing for the Adventure

Participants gear up with the provided equipment, slipping into the neoprene suits, masks, and fins that will enable them to seamlessly glide through the water alongside the sharks. With the safety briefing fresh in their minds, they eagerly anticipate the thrilling encounter that awaits them beneath the Azores’ cerulean waves.

The group will undergo a brief check dive in a protected marine area to refresh their snorkeling skills before heading out to the shark hotspot. Their marine biologist guide, Silvio Solleliet-Ferreira, will be by their side, ensuring a safe and educational experience. As they venture into the deep, they’ll keep their eyes peeled for other extraordinary marine life, from seabirds to turtles, further enriching this unforgettable Azorean adventure.

Excitement	Curiosity	Awe
Participants can’t wait to	They wonder what	The vast, blue expanse
get up close and personal	species of sharks they’ll	and the majestic creatures
with the impressive sharks.	encounter and how they’ll	that inhabit it inspire
	behave.	a sense of wonder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Depth for the Shark Dive?

The maximum depth for the shark dive is not specified in the details provided. It simply states that the shark dive duration is around 30 to 45 minutes, without mentioning the exact depth. More specific information about the dive depth isn’t included.

Are Underwater Cameras/Gopros Allowed During the Activity?

Yes, underwater cameras and GoPros are allowed during the shark dive activity. Participants are encouraged to capture their thrilling experience swimming alongside the majestic creatures, though they should avoid interfering with the sharks’ natural behaviors.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?

There is no minimum age requirement to participate in this activity. However, the activity is not suitable for children under the age of 12 as it requires a certain level of swimming ability and comfort in the water.

What Happens if the Sharks Do Not Show Up?

If the sharks don’t show up, the tour operator will reschedule the activity or provide a full refund. They’ll make every effort to ensure participants have the best chance of seeing the sharks, but can’t guarantee their appearance.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Snacks or Beverages?

Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages, but the tour includes complimentary local snacks and unlimited water. The tour operator recommends focusing on the shark encounter rather than bringing additional items.

The Sum Up

Swimming with the sharks in the Azores is a thrilling and unforgettable experience for any marine enthusiast.

With the guidance of an experienced marine biologist, participants can dive into the crystal-clear waters and encounter magnificent Blue and Hammerhead Sharks in a safe and respectful manner.

It’s a unique opportunity to explore the ocean’s wonders and witness the beauty of these magnificent creatures up close.

You can check if your dates are available here: