Princess Alice Bank

If you love wild ocean encounters, Princess Alice Bank is where your dreams meet the deep blue. Located far offshore from Pico Island in the Azores, this submerged seamount is one of the best places in the Atlantic for diving and snorkeling with mobula rays, bait balls, and sometimes even a passing whale shark.

Where is Princess Alice Bank?

Princess Alice Bank is an underwater mountain that rises from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, its shallowest peak reaching about 35–40 meters below the surface. Because it stands alone in open water, it creates powerful upwellings that attract large pelagic species — everything from schools of tuna to curious rays and sharks.

Reaching it is part of the adventure: the trip from Pico takes about 2½ to 3 hours each way, crossing open ocean where dolphins and seabirds often appear along the route.

Diving at Princess Alice Bank

For experienced divers, diving at Princess Alice Bank is a true bucket-list experience. Descending into clear blue water, you might find yourself surrounded by hundreds of mobula rays gliding in formation — a sight found in only a few places on Earth.Schools of amberjack and barracuda flash through the light, while tuna circle below in search of bait balls that shimmer like silver clouds.

Every dive is different. Some days bring tranquil conditions and endless visibility; others challenge you with gentle currents and sudden bursts of life. That unpredictability is what makes the site so thrilling — it’s the ocean in its rawest form.

Snorkeling with Mobula Rays

You don’t need to dive deep to experience the magic. Snorkeling at Princess Alice Bank can be equally unforgettable.From the surface, you can watch mobula rays soaring gracefully beneath you, sometimes rising toward the light before vanishing into the blue.The water is so clear that it often feels like you’re flying above them.

Whale Sharks and Other Encounters

While whale shark sightings are rare, they do happen — usually during the warmest months. Even without them, encounters with large pelagic species are common, and you never quite know what the next moment will bring.That’s part of what makes this site legendary among ocean lovers.

Preparing for the Trip

Because Princess Alice is a remote, offshore site, divers must complete a check dive around Pico Island before joining the expedition. This ensures safety and comfort with open-water conditions.Trips are weather-dependent and last a full day (usually 8–10 hours), so bring sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and a good camera.

Expect long boat rides, crystal-blue water, and the kind of wild encounters that stay with you forever.

Why It’s Worth It

Princess Alice Bank is more than a dive site — it’s a glimpse into a living ocean few people ever see.The combination of pelagic life, endless visibility, and that feeling of being truly off the map makes it one of the most unforgettable experiences from Pico Island.

Whether you’re diving beside a bait ball, drifting with mobula rays, or simply watching the Atlantic unfold around you, this is a journey that defines what it means to see the world and stay wild.