Swimming with Blue Sharks in Faial, visiting Princess Alice
Summer 2025
Price
2100 EUR
Email:
Space
Total: 2, larger groups on requests.
Location
Horta, Faial, Azores Islands.
What should you Expect?
The Azores are having a moment—and for good reason. Pristine waters, wild marine life, and volcanic landscapes make it a magnet for nature lovers. But let’s be real: nothing kills the magic faster than overcrowded boats and rushed tours. How can you truly connect with the ocean when you’re just another face in a crowd?
That’s why we built this expedition differently. With only two guests per trip, we ditch the conveyor-belt tourism for something deeper. Over ten days, you’ll learn to navigate the Atlantic like a local, freedive safely alongside sharks, mobulas and explore seamounts with the precision of scientists—not just tourists. This isn’t a sightseeing trip; it’s an immersion in the Azores’ underwater world, guided by those who know it best.
We’ll teach you how to read the ocean’s rhythms, master responsible freediving, and protect what you explore. By the end, you won’t just leave with photos—you’ll leave with knowledge (and maybe a newfound obsession with sharks & mobulas).
The Itinerary
Day 1
Your expedition begins with a welcome dinner, where we'll gather as a group to connect and prepare for the adventures ahead (included in the price).
Day 2
Your second day features an island tour and gentle snorkeling to build comfort in the water, followed by a picnic where we'll evaluate the group's needs for the coming days.
Day 3
On day three, we’ll head to Monte da Guia—a protected marine reserve perfect for coastal freediving. This isn’t about depth or skill; it’s simply a chance to see how you feel in the ocean, check your equalization, and make sure you’re comfortable in the water. Afterward, we’ll take a coastal walk to soak in more of Horta’s stunning views.
Day 4
In the morning, we'll dive into our 'Islands Seascapes' experience—four hours of exploring the coastal sites between Faial and Pico. The afternoon is yours to relax, reflect on your time in the water, or simply enjoy the island's rhythm at your own pace.
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
ADDITIONAL DAYS
On day 5, we'll freedive the open Atlantic before a hands-on shark workshop decoding their underwater world - with the afternoon free to relax or discuss your questions with our team.
You will spend the day freediving with blue sharks during a 5-hour ocean expedition, observing their natural behavior in the wild. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and process this extraordinary adventure.
On Day 7, we will admire mobulas at Princess Alice Bank. It’s a 45-mile journey on a shared boat (we team up to reduce fuel and impact), but we keep the group tight and the focus sharp. We will spend ten hours in this blue wilderness, surrounded by divers who respect the experience as much as you do (snack included).
Your final day is free to relax - revisit favorite spots, soak up the island vibes, or simply rest. We'll end our adventure together with a sunset farewell dinner, sharing stories and memories from our week in the water
You might’ve noticed something curious—our 10-day trip has an 8-day program. Here’s why:
Freediving isn’t something you rush. It needs the right conditions: your comfort in the water, the ocean’s mood, and time to adapt. That’s why we strongly recommend staying the full 10 days.
Those extra days aren’t empty—they’re your insurance policy against bad weather, equalization hiccups, or simply wanting to revisit a magical spot. No one should feel pressured chasing bucket-list moments against a ticking clock.
Want in? Just bring these
To join this trip, you’ll need full travel insurance covering both water and land activities, along with a basic medical clearance from your doctor (just a simple form). Certified freedivers must show proof of AIDA 2 or equivalent - if you need certification, plan to arrive two days early for training.
Most importantly, bring patience and respect for the marine environment we’ll be visiting - we’re guests in their world, and calm energy makes all the difference. That’s really it - besides your sense of adventure, of course.
Adventure Add-ons
Let’s be honest - the Azores are quite far, and for those of you who’ve already visited the islands, you know that 10 days is the minimum to spend here. That’s why we’ve created additional activities for you to enjoy.
Marine Biology Workshops
Freediving Certification
Repetition of a freediving experience
Coastal Trekking
Caldeira descent
Dive deeper into the Azores' underwater world with our expert-led marine biology sessions. These interactive workshops cover shark behavior, mobula ecology, and oceanic conservation—combining classroom theory with in-water observation.
Freediving is a magical sport shared by a growing yet close-knit community. Whether you're new to the ocean or already certified, there's always room to grow. That's why we offer two optional days of Certification or Training before your expedition. Beginners can complete the Apnea Experience course, while certified divers can use the time for line training and technique refinement.
For those who can't get enough, we offer the chance to revisit our most extraordinary encounters. Add extra days to swim with blue sharks again, return to the mobula hotspots at Princess Alice Bank, or dive back into the open ocean's blue expanse. These repeats follow the same careful approach as your initial dives—respect for the animals and conditions always comes first.
Walk scenic trails through the lush interior of Faial, where native plants line the paths and seabirds glide overhead. These 3–4 hour guided hikes reveal panoramic viewpoints perfect for photography, with opportunities to stop by natural pools along the way. Your guide will share stories of the island’s volcanic origins and highlight unique local flora like the Azorean heather.
Walk into the crater of an ancient volcano through lush native forests. Discover plants and birds that exist only in the Azores as your guide explains how these islands formed. The pace is relaxed with plenty of stops for photos of the dramatic landscapes.
Hike Pico island tour
Astrological night
Discover the diverse beauty of Pico Island on a guided van tour with stops at the island’s most iconic landmarks. You'll explore volcanic landscapes, learn about local culture and geology, and have time to swim in natural pools along the way.
When the sun sets, our freediving instructor Stefani—also an avid astrophotographer and storyteller—guides you through the Azores' dazzling night skies. These intimate 2-hour sessions blend stargazing, local legends, and basic astronomy, with opportunities to photograph the Milky Way over volcanic landscapes using provided telescopes.
What We Take Care Of
We provide dinner on your arrival day, all activities booked during your expedition days, and a final farewell dinner on our last evening together.You'll have access to freediving equipment (unless you prefer your own), expert guides for every activity, certified safety instructors, and dedicated boats for all dives.
Consider every detail handled—from your first underwater breath to your last sunset toast.
What You Take Care Of
You’ll arrange flights to/from the Azores and secure your own accommodation—though we’re happy to recommend trusted options if you contact us in advance (our small-group expeditions don’t include lodging). Pack your land gear, including snacks and drinks for between dives. Lastly, handle travel essentials: insurance, visas, and any documentation required for visiting Europe.
Expeditions Leaders
If you've researched us, you know we don't just find great ocean expeditions - we also create them. Our collaboration with Sea Therapy and Janaina started exactly this way.
A year ago in Greece, someone recommended Janaina to Stefani (our founder). We quickly realized we had to work together. Janaìna's approach is everything we believe in: freediving education, wild marine encounters, and exploring the Azores' beauty - all while learning to protect it.
