Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, the Azores archipelago is a haven of untamed beauty and marine wonders—and at its center lies Pico Island, a striking landscape crowned by Portugal’s highest mountain. For a few unforgettable days, we’ll immerse ourselves in the wild, blue world that surrounds this volcanic gem.
Our adventure begins with the thrill of whale and dolphin watching, where we’ll scan the horizon for the majestic spouts of sperm whales and the playful leaps of common dolphins. The ocean becomes even more intimate as we dive in for snorkeling with dolphins, sharing the water with these graceful, intelligent creatures in their natural habitat.
The highlight of our marine exploration takes us far offshore to one of the most extraordinary dive spots in the North Atlantic: Princess Alice Bank. Floating above the deep sea, we’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with pelagic life—manta rays, barracudas, and perhaps even curious mobula rays.
This journey to Pico isn’t just a trip—it’s a deep dive into the raw, vibrant soul of the Azores. Get ready for unforgettable encounters, pristine nature, and memories that will stay with you long after the ocean breeze fades.
Day 1 – Arrival in Pico Island
Welcome to the Azores! After landing on Pico Island, settle into your accommodation and take your first breath of Atlantic air. Spend the day relaxing, exploring the local village, or enjoying fresh seafood by the waterfront. Let the pace of island life set the tone.
Day 2 & 3 – Whale & Dolphin Watching + Snorkeling With Dolphins
The adventure begins! Set out on your first ocean safari to encounter the incredible marine life that surrounds Pico. The waters here are home to over 20 species of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and acrobatic dolphins. A humbling and awe-inspiring experience.
The afternoon offers a rare and moving experience: snorkeling with wild dolphins in their natural habitat. Enter the water gently and watch as curious dolphins swim past, a moment of pure connection that you’ll remember forever.
Day 4 – Climb Pico Volcano
Rise early for the challenge of a lifetime: summiting Mount Pico, Portugal’s highest peak at 2,351 meters. Trek through lava fields and moonlike landscapes to reach the summit, where panoramic views of the Azores await. A physically demanding but deeply rewarding day.
Day 5 – Rest Day / Weather Buffer
Take the day to rest and soak in Pico’s quiet charm—or use this as a flexible backup day in case any ocean activities had to be rescheduled due to weather. Explore the UNESCO vineyards, visit the lava caves, or simply relax by the sea.
Day 6 & 7 – Snorkeling at Princess Alice Bank
Prepare for an unforgettable open-ocean adventure as you set off early for Princess Alice Bank, a legendary underwater seamount located about 80 kilometers southwest of Pico. Rising from depths of over 1,000 meters to just 35 meters below the surface, this isolated marine plateau is a magnet for large pelagic species and a hotspot of biodiversity.
After a 2.5 to 3-hour boat ride into the open Atlantic, you’ll reach this remote and pristine site, suspended in the vast blue. Snorkeling here is not your typical coastal reef experience, it’s blue water snorkeling in the truest sense: no land in sight, just the endless ocean below and around you.
What makes Princess Alice truly extraordinary is the chance to snorkel among majestic manta rays, graceful mobula rays, shoals of barracuda, and even curious tuna and jacks, all gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear waters. Visibility often exceeds 40 meters, allowing you to witness these animals in their natural element; calm, elegant, and utterly awe-inspiring.
This is the kind of place that few people will ever have the chance to visit and even fewer will forget.
Day 8 – Return Flight
Time to say goodbye to Pico and the unforgettable moments you’ve experienced. Fly home with memories of whales, dolphins, volcanoes, and the wild Atlantic forever etched in your heart.
Venture far offshore to Princess Alice Bank, a submerged seamount known for its extraordinary pelagic life. Snorkel in open ocean waters where manta rays, tuna, and other ocean giants pass beneath you in the deep blue. A truly world-class marine experience.
BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS
STANDARD ACCOMMODATIONS
4* ACCOMMODATIONS
Standing atop the summit means you’ve officially reached the roof of Portugal—with panoramic views across the central Azorean islands (Faial, São Jorge, and Graciosa) and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
During your stay on Pico Island, you’ll be staying in comfortable budget-friendly accommodations—clean, simple, and thoughtfully located to keep you close to the island’s natural beauty and marine adventure hubs.
These guesthouses and local apartments offer everything you need for a restful stay after your ocean and hiking excursions:
Private rooms, however mostly with shared kitchen
Basic amenities like Wi-Fi, hot water, and a kitchenette or communal kitchen
A warm, local atmosphere that reflects the island’s laid-back charm
Please note that breakfast is not included, giving you the flexibility to prepare your own meals or explore nearby cafés and bakeries at your own pace each morning.
Whether you’re watching the stars from the garden, drying your wetsuit on the balcony, or chatting with fellow travelers, these accommodations offer a practical and welcoming base for your Pico adventure.
For your stay on Pico Island, you’ll enjoy charming, mid-range accommodations that combine comfort with Azorean character. These carefully selected guesthouses or small hotels offer a relaxed and cozy environment, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring land and sea.
Expect:
Comfortable private rooms with en-suite bathrooms
Thoughtful touches like local decor, sea or mountain views, and outdoor sitting areas
Daily breakfast included, often featuring fresh local bread, cheeses, seasonal fruits, and regional specialties
Welcoming hosts who can offer local tips and insights
These accommodations are typically family-run or boutique-style, offering an authentic island experience while still providing the level of comfort and convenience you’d expect from a standard stay. They’re ideally located—within walking distance or a short drive from ports, restaurants, and activity meeting points.
Wake up to the sounds of the ocean or birdsong, fuel up with a hearty Azorean breakfast, and step out ready for another day of adventure.
For those seeking a more refined stay, Pico Island offers a selection of 4-star boutique hotels and upscale guesthouses that blend contemporary comfort with the island’s raw natural beauty.
These accommodations provide a higher standard of service and design, making your island adventure both exciting and relaxing:
Spacious, well-appointed rooms with stylish decor, quality linens, and en-suite bathrooms
Daily breakfast included, often with homemade pastries, local jams, fresh fruit, and regional delicacies served in a scenic dining area
Facilities may include on-site restaurants, ocean-view terraces, swimming pools, or wellness areas
Exceptional hospitality, with staff available to help arrange activities, transfers, or special requests
Set in peaceful locations with views of the Atlantic or Mount Pico, these properties are ideal for travelers who want to experience the island’s wild spirit without compromising on comfort or amenities.
Enjoy quiet evenings on a private balcony, a glass of local wine under the stars, or a dip in a pool with volcanic peaks in the distance—this is Pico at its most serene and stylish.
Pico Island is one of the best places on Earth to meet giants of the deep. With over 20 species of whales and dolphins passing through or living in these waters, you’re in one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world!
From playful pods of dolphins to towering sperm whales, these waters are full of life. In fact, Pico was once a major hub for sperm whale hunting; but today, it’s a shining example of how marine wildlife can be protected, respected, and celebrated. What was once a hunting ground is now a hotspot for responsible eco-tourism and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Whale and dolphin watching happens year-round, but the best season for ocean adventures is from mid-March to late October, when the weather is warmer and the seas are generally calmer. During the winter months (November to February), tours still run when conditions are safe—so if the ocean plays nice, the whales are still out there!
Watching dolphins glide through the ocean is already magical, but how about joining them in their world?
Here in Pico, you don’t just watch from the boat, you can slip into the blue and swim alongside wild dolphins in their natural habitat. For many, it’s a deeply moving, almost mystical moment. For others, it feels like reconnecting with something ancient and wild. Either way, it’s a memory that stays with you forever.
Our dolphin swim trips last around 3 to 4 hours, and you’ll usually get the chance to enter the water 2 to 3 times—sometimes even alongside multiple dolphin species at once. It’s intimate, respectful, and unforgettable.
You don’t need to be an expert freediver, but you should feel confident using fins, a mask, and snorkel. If you’re a bit rusty or new to it, no worries, we offer quick intro sessions in calm, shallow water to get you ready for the adventure.
So… ready to take the plunge?
Welcome to Princess Alice, one of the most legendary dive sites on the planet; and it’s just a (pretty epic) boat ride away from Pico Island. Located about 70 km (or 45 nautical miles) offshore, this mid-Atlantic seamount rises from the deep ocean floor—over 1,000 meters deep—to just 35 meters below the surface. That dramatic rise creates a magical hotspot for marine life, and trust us, it’s worth every minute of the journey.
What makes Princess Alice so famous? One word: Mobulas. Dozens of these graceful rays often swirl in an underwater “carousel,” gliding in perfect unison around you. But they’re not alone—expect to see huge tuna, jacks, wahoo, and barracudas patrolling the depths like ocean royalty.
The best part? You don’t need to dive to experience it. Snorkelers are welcome to join the adventure, under the careful eye of our snorkeling guide. You’ll float above a blue abyss, surrounded by big, bold, breathtaking wildlife in crystal-clear waters. It’s surreal. It’s thrilling. It’s one of nature’s best shows, and you’re in the front row.
Oh! And from July to September, the chances of seeing mobulas? Almost a 99% succes rate.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Mount Pico Day Climb to the summit of Portugal’s highest peak as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Climb through volcanic landscapes bathed in golden light, reaching the top just in time to witness breathtaking panoramic views at sunset. As night falls, descend under a starlit sky, making this a magical experience that combines challenge, beauty, and the thrill of exploring Mount Pico from day to night.
Highlights
• Mountaineering activity
• Medium to high difficulty level
• Maximum altitude: 2,351 m / 7,713 ft
• Active and adventure tourism experience
• Insights into volcanology
What’s Included
✔ Professional and Certified Mount Pico Guide
✔ Mount Pico Natural Reserve access fee
✔ Hiking poles
✔ Crampons (Winter)
✔ Informative Manual Climb
✔ Personal Accident Insurance
✔ Climbing Certificate of Achievement
Whale & Dolphin Watching: Pico is one of the best places in the world to spot cetaceans. Expect to see sperm whales, blue whales (seasonally), and several species of dolphins in their natural habitat.
You can fly to the Azores from:
Lisbon or Porto (mainland Portugal) – daily direct flights to multiple islands
International hubs – seasonal flights from major European cities (e.g., Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris)
For Pico Island specifically:
Direct flights from Lisbon (usually daily)
Or fly to Faial (Horta) or São Miguel (Ponta Delgada) and take a connecting flight or ferry
If you’re from the EU, UK, US, Canada, or most Schengen countries, you can enter Portugal (and the Azores) visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check current requirements for your nationality.
The best months are from July till the begin of October, especially to snorkel at Princess Alice Bank.
The official language is Portuguese. English is commonly spoken in tourism areas, especially by younger people and tour operators.
The Euro (€) is the official currency. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s wise to carry some cash, especially in smaller villages or for ferries and local cafés.
Yes. The Azores have good 4G coverage in most areas and Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations and cafes. EU visitors can use roaming at no extra cost.
The roads are generally well-paved and well-maintained, but the island geography makes driving a bit different from what you might be used to in much of Europe. Flat land is scarce, which means you’ll often find yourself driving on hilly or even steep roads. Fortunately, you’ll get used to it quickly.
Before your trip, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re comfortable with hill starts, as they can be common. Additionally, highway on- and off-ramps are often very short, and in some places, there’s no merge lane at all—so don’t assume you’ll always have one.
The good news is that nearly all key sights, restaurants, and accommodations are easy to locate via Google Maps, making navigation around the islands straightforward.
Yes! Snorkeling with dolphins in Pico is both safe and conducted responsibly, following strict local regulations that prioritize animal welfare and marine conservation.
Licensed tour operators in the Azores are highly experienced and follow guidelines that ensure minimal disturbance to the dolphins. This includes:
Approaching dolphin pods slowly and respectfully
Limiting the number of swimmers in the water
Avoiding physical contact and never feeding or chasing the animals
Only entering the water when conditions are calm and safe
The experience is guided by marine biologists or trained crew who monitor dolphin behavior and will cancel or adjust the activity if the animals show signs of stress.
While you’re entering the dolphins’ natural environment, they are free to come and go as they please. This makes each encounter unique and often deeply moving.
Safety equipment and full briefings are provided beforehand, making it suitable for confident swimmers with basic snorkeling experience.
No prior diving or snorkeling experience is required to join the holiday package. Most activities—like snorkeling with dolphins or at Princess Alice Bank—are suitable for confident swimmers with basic snorkeling skills.
Before entering the water, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and guidance from experienced crew members or marine guides. Snorkeling is always done under supervision, and all the necessary equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit) is provided.
However, to enjoy the experience fully and safely, you should:
Be comfortable swimming in open water
Be able to breathe calmly through a snorkel
Have a moderate level of fitness, especially for boat trips and climbing in and out of the water
If you’re unsure, we recommend practicing basic snorkeling in a pool or shallow sea before your trip. No scuba diving license is needed for any part of the itinerary.
Lightweight, breathable clothing (t-shirts, shorts)
Warm layers (fleece or sweater — evenings can be cool)
Waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket
Long pants or leggings for hiking
Swimwear (2 sets recommended)
Light scarf or buff (for sun/wind)
Undergarments and socks
Casual wear for dinners or relaxing
Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners (for city walks and light hikes)
Sturdy hiking boots (recommended for Mount Pico climb)
Water shoes or sandals with grip (optional, for rocky beaches or boat landings)
Flip-flops or sandals (for relaxing)
Snorkeling gear (optional – provided by tour operators, but you can bring your own mask/snorkel for better fit)
Wetsuit (optional – usually provided, but bring your own if you prefer a specific thickness/fit)
Towel (quick-dry travel towel ideal)
Reef-safe sunscreen (biodegradable, ocean-friendly)
Waterproof dry bag (for boat days)
Motion sickness tablets or bands (for long boat rides)
Daypack or small backpack
Headlamp or flashlight (required for early-morning Pico summit)
Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (at least 1.5L for hikes)
Trekking poles (optional but helpful for steep volcano climb)
Snacks or energy bars
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves and light jacket (for summit — it can be cold and windy)
Mobile phone + charger
Power bank
European plug adapter (Type C or F, 230V)
Camera or GoPro (optional, especially for wildlife)
Travel documents (passport, insurance, itinerary)
Credit/debit cards and some cash (Euros)
Basic toiletries (toothbrush, shampoo, etc.)
Lip balm with SPF
Personal medications (and seasickness pills if needed)
Small first-aid kit (plasters, blister pads, antiseptic)
Binoculars (for whale/dolphin watching)
Travel journal or book
Lightweight laundry kit (soap, travel clothesline)
Earplugs and sleep mask (for light sleepers)
