Princess Alice Bank, Faial, Azores: Pelagic Seamount

Princess Alice Bank is a submerged volcanic pinnacle, standing as an isolated beacon in the vast Atlantic. Located a significant 45 nautical miles offshore from Faial, this seamount acts as a natural aggregation point for pelagic life. The journey itself emphasizes the remote nature of the site, typically requiring around two and a half to three hours of travel each way, marking it as a dedicated full-day excursion.

When you approach the top of the seamount plateau, the absence of surrounding topography amplifies the feeling of being in the open ocean. The dive primarily focuses on the plateau itself, where you'll find yourself amidst schools of fish, drawing in larger predators. Mobula rays (Mobula tarapacana) are a consistent presence, often seen feeding or circling near the surface, providing opportunities for prolonged encounters as they cruise through the clear water column.

Currents at Princess Alice can range from moderate to strong, a force that dictates much of the marine life behavior and demands respect from divers. This constant flow of water, rich with nutrients, is precisely what aggregates the immense schools of fish that define the bank. Large banks of serious (Seriola rivoliana) are a common sight, swirling in unison, their movements a testament to the power of the ocean and the abundance of this unique habitat.

Beyond the mobulas and seriola, the bank attracts a range of pelagic hunters. You can expect to encounter large schools of tunas (Katsuwonus pelamis) and powerful barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis) moving swiftly along the contours of the seamount. Wahoos are also frequently observed, and triggerfish add splashes of color against the deep blue backdrop.

Occasionally, the oceanic ballet expands to include rarer and larger visitors. While not a guaranteed sighting, the possibility of encountering whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) during the August months adds another layer of excitement to an already thrilling dive. The bank's remote location and deep-water surroundings make it a crucial feeding ground and aggregation point for a wider spectrum of large marine life.

Visibility at Princess Alice Bank is consistently good, often ranging from 15 to 30 meters, typical for an offshore location far from terrestrial runoff. The deep blue water column emphasizes the scale of the pelagic inhabitants. Since 2025, Princess Alice has been designated as a fully protected marine area, safeguarding its rich biodiversity for future generations.