Cw Azores

CW Azores has been operating in the archipelago since 2007, providing a dedicated base for divers and marine life enthusiasts. Situated in Madalena do Pico, the centre is strategically positioned to access the waters south of Pico, the channels around Faial, and the S. Jorge canal. Its location in the tourist marina, just opposite the maritime station, allows for easy transfers between the islands.

Beyond standard diving, the centre is a recognised operator for whale watching and dolphin swimming. They are deeply committed to sustainable tourism and scientific research, ensuring that all encounters with the local cetaceans are conducted with strict adherence to environmental protection protocols.

The centre is an SSI Dive Centre run by a team with nearly two decades of experience in the Azores. They focus heavily on education and the protection of the marine environment, integrating research-led practices into their daily operations.

Staff members are highly trained to handle the specific requirements of pelagic diving and whale watching. The team supports local community initiatives, such as the Pico Dogs charity, reflecting their long-term commitment to the island of Pico.

CW Azores offers a range of training through the SSI framework. They provide everything from initial certifications to more advanced training for those looking to specialise in the unique conditions of the Azores.

Specific expedition-based training is also available, including shark expeditions, cavern diving, and specialised coastal dive programmes.

The centre is well-equipped with spacious shore-based facilities to prepare for your dives. A full range of rental kit is available, including regulators, wetsuits, fins, and masks, so you can travel light.

For night diving, torches are available for hire on-site. All dives include the use of a Divemaster, weights, weight belts, and cylinders.

The Azores are a premier destination for large pelagics. From July to October, you can target blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) during open-water expeditions. The Princess Alice seamount is famous for its frequent sightings of mobulas.

Cetacean life is abundant throughout the region. You can encounter sperm whales, common bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and striped dolphins. Seasonal visitors include blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and North Atlantic rorquals between March and May. Between July and August, the waters also host various species of beaked whales, such as Sowerby's beaked whale, Cuvier's beaked whale, True's beaked whale, Blainville's beaked whale, and Gervais' beaked whale. Atlantic spotted dolphins can be seen from June to October.

In the summer months, specifically from July to October, blue sharks are a regular presence in the area.

Diving in the Azores is heavily influenced by seasonal weather patterns. The most favourable period for diving is from March to October, while the months from November to February are generally avoided due to more challenging maritime and weather conditions.

For those specifically seeking shark encounters, the optimal window is from early July to mid-October. During these trips, visibility is typically between 20 and 30 metres.