Princess Alice Bank (mobula dive)
Princess Alice Bank is the best-known dive in the central Azores: a deep-ocean seamount about 45 nautical miles (83 km) southwest of Pico/Faial, rising from over 1,500 m to about 32 m below the surface. In summer groups of 20–40 sicklefin devil rays (Mobula tarapacana, 'giant mobulas') gather here with barracuda and other pelagics; oceanic manta rays are also reported at the site. An expedition-level, exposed dive with current, usually done from a descent line.
Facts
- Region: Azores – Central & West
- Area: Offshore banks (Condor, Princess Alice)
- Depth: 32–60 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: pinnacle, drift, manta
- Coordinates: 37.97, -29.33 (approximate)
- Highlights: sicklefin devil rays (Mobula tarapacana), July-October, oceanic manta, barracuda, open-ocean seamount
- Tips: Season: early July to mid-October, best in August–September (Fauneya sighting odds: Aug 88%, Sep 85%, Jul 78%, Oct 72%). A full-day, two-dive boat trip (about 2 hours each way), for experienced divers only, with a prior check dive. Sources disagree on the position (37.87–37.97 N), so it is approximate. Check Marine Park rules with the operator.