Divers Club Azores

Located in Lajes do Pico, Divers Club Azores provides a gateway to the unique volcanic underwater landscapes of the Azores. The centre operates with a focus on personalised service, moving away from mass tourism to ensure every diver receives individual attention during their time on the water.

Based on the island of Pico, the centre is perfectly positioned for those looking to explore the surrounding Atlantic waters. Whether you are looking to start your training or seeking advanced drift dives, the focus remains on providing a deep connection to the local marine environment.

The centre is an SSI dive centre, managed personally by the owner, Lucie. This hands-on approach ensures that all bookings and requests are handled with care, maintaining a consistent standard of service for every guest.

Instruction is led by experienced SSI professionals who prioritise small group sizes. This allows for a more tailored experience, whether you are completing your first certification or heading out for a specialised shark dive.

The centre offers a comprehensive range of SSI training programmes. Beginners can start with Try Scuba or work towards their Open Water Diver certification, while more experienced divers can progress through the Advanced Open Water Diver course.

Beyond the standard recreational path, the centre supports various other certifications, allowing you to tailor your training to your specific interests in the Atlantic.

The centre utilises a RIB for its excursions, providing a stable and efficient platform for reaching offshore sites. These trips are designed to get you to the dive locations effectively, whether you are heading out for a two-dive day or a longer outing.

On board, you will find water and light snacks, as well as lunch provided during the trips. This setup is ideal for the longer excursions required to reach the more remote banks in the archipelago.

A full range of diving equipment is available for hire, including regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits. The centre uses well-maintained Mares kit, ensuring reliability for both novice and experienced divers.

For those travelling with their own gear, the centre is easily accessible in Lajes do Pico, located directly by the Rua dos Baleeiros breakwaters. Scooter rentals are also available on-site for easier movement around the island.

The waters around Pico are a magnet for large pelagics. You can encounter Blue sharks, Tuna, Bonitos, Amberjack, and Great barracuda. During the period from July to October, the presence of Mobula rays and Whale sharks becomes a significant highlight for divers.

In addition to these larger species, the area is home to a variety of other marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and various schools of fish. These encounters are a core part of the diving experience in the Azores.

For those interested in the smaller details of the reef, the volcanic structures provide various habitats for local marine life, though specific macro species are best discovered through active exploration of the reef flats and volcanic crevices.

The best time to visit the Azores for diving is between July and October. During this window, the marine life is most active, particularly the seasonal arrivals of Mobula rays and Whale sharks.

Visibility in the area is generally good, typically ranging between 15 and 30 metres depending on the specific site and current conditions.