DIVE & EXPLORE

Azores 2026
Expedition
01.–08.AUGUST, Faial Island

EXPLORATION BEYOND THE DIVE – INTO OCEAN SCIENCE

Move beyond observation to active participation in marine science, and learn from local experts and scientists!

The Azores Archipelago

In 2021, the Azores were designated a “hope spot” by Mission Blue, an organization founded by renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle, in recognition of their ecological importance.

The islands are considered to be one of the most popular destinations for diving with sharks, particularly blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks. Probably the most famous dive site in the Azores, Princess Alice Bank, attracts divers year after year to see mobulid rays.

The Azores are a remote, volcanic island chain rising from the deep North Atlantic seafloor. Situated at the meeting point of three tectonic plates in the middle of the North Atlantic Gyre, they offer breathtaking views, excellent diving conditions, and vibrant marine life.

join us for a scientific dive week

Experience a Unique Dive Excursion – See how the science that improves our understanding of the planet is actually done, all while immersed in the beauty of the natural world.

Take Part in hands-on ocean science – As a Citizen Scientist, you will learn and be trained how to collect different physical-chemical parameters to help better understand ocean health, take part in a marine biodiversity assessment to increase your species knowledge and provide helpful information about the present marine biota, and collect marine plankton samples to study and identify their amazing shapes and understand the base of the marine food, and its pivotal role in global oxygen production, nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration and ultimately global climate dynamics.

Engaging Lectures on Ocean Health - Daily talks covering topics like marine ecology & biodiversity, insight into marine megafuana, the Azores and their particularities, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in Europe, ocean health, the vital role of plankton and more.

Connect with Local Researchers - Meet local researchers and discover first-hand the scope and significance of their work in marine science and conservation.

Explore the Beauty of Nature - Take part in a whale watching tour and encounter numerous species of whales, including sperm whales, tropical pilot whales, various dolphins, and the Portuguese man o' war.
Explore the Volcanic Area - Join us on the last day of our trip to the stunning site of the volcano of Capelinhos and dive into the geological history of the Azores.

*As with any expedition, we are always at the mercy of unpredictable weather and circumstances, which may alter the itinerary or ability to complete certain activities.

The costs per week

The expedition costs are CHF 1’850.- per person per week. The expedition costs for Students are CHF 1’690.- per person per week (proof of student status must be provided). For group bookings including more than 2 participants, we can offer a 10% discount on the overall price.

Included in the price are:

2x shark dives, 2x Princess Alice Bank dives, 3x coastal dives, 1x night dive
Training in plankton sampling and active participation as a Citizen Scientist in marine species monitoring
A half-day whale watching tour
Whale museum visit with guided tour
Daily lectures on marine ecology, sharks, cetaceans and plankton by local researchers
Hands-on ocean data sampling: nutrients, physical parameters, plankton, and monitoring of marine species
Excursion to the volcano Capelinhos
Possible snorkeling trip with fluorescence light-enhancing torches

Not included in the price are:

Outward and return journey
Accommodation
Food and drinks while not on board

Requirements:

You need a minimum of 25 logged dives and an advanced open water (AOW) dive certificate (or equivalent)
You don't need any PREVIOUS scientific experience, we will teach you
ANYONE CAN JOIN AND BECOME PART OF THIS ADVENTURE!

*The expedition only sails if there are enough participants. Confirmation will be communicated at least one month before the start.

Foto credits: https://www.norbertodiver.pt/

EXPEDITION PARTNER

This expedition will take place in collaboration with Norberto Diver. Norberto Diver offers you unforgettable experiences above or below the sea! Created in 1996, by Norberto Serpa, the “sea-wolf”, who has more than twenty years of experience working with marine life. He is a professional diver, free diving instructor and was a diving technician for the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of Azores. He is an active collaborator in several studies in the field of Marine Biology, with whales, devil rays and blue sharks.

take action and become part of our expedition crew!

For more information about the expedition and to register fill out "MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION". We will get back to you with the full registration, a detailed program for the week, accommodation opportunities, and what to bring, etc.