DIVE & EXPLORE Association
Azores 2025
Expedition
19.–26.July, Faial Island
Get the ultimate dive experience, participate in a scientific project and learn from local experts and scientists!
The Azores Archipelago
In 2021, the Azores were designated a “hope spot” by Mission Blue, an organization founded by renowned marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earle, in recognition of their ecological importance.
The islands are considered to be one of the most popular destination for diving with sharks, particularly blue sharks and shortfin mako sharks. Probably the most famous dive site in the Azores, Princess Alice Bank attracts divers year after year to see mobulid rays.
The Azores are a remote, volcanic island chain rising from the deep North Atlantic seafloor. Situated at the meeting point of three tectonic plates in the middle of the North Atlantic Gyre, they offer breathtaking views, excellent diving conditions, and vibrant marine life.
join us for a scientific dive week
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Experience a Unique Dive Excursion – See how the science that improves our understanding of the planet is actually done, all while immersed in the beauty of the natural world.
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Take Part in a very first Plankton Survey – As a Citizen Scientist, you will collect plankton data around the islands to set up the very first plankton monitoring to better understand the base of the marine food, and its pivotal role in global oxygen production, nitrogen fixation, carbon sequestration and ultimately global climate dynamics. All participants will be trained in how to collect plankton samples, data collection, and data analysis using the PlanktoScope device (image on the right).
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Engaging Lectures on Ocean Health - Regular talks covering topics like Mobulid rays, blue sharks, hammerhead sharks, plastic pollution’s environmental and health impacts, the marine ecosystem’s structure, and the vital role of plankton.
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Connect with Local Researchers - Meet local researchers and discover first-hand the scope and significance of their work in marine science and conservation.
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Explore the Beauty of Nature - Take part in a whale watching tour and encounter numerous species of whales, including sperm whales, tropical pilot whales, various dolphins, and the Portuguese man o' war.
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Explore the Volcanic Area - Join us on the last day of our trip to the stunning site of the volcano of Capelinhos and dive into the geological history of the Azores.
*As with any expedition, we are always at the mercy of unpredictable weather and circumstances, which may alter the itinerary or ability to complete certain activities.
The costs per week
The expedition costs are CHF 1’650.- per person per week. The expedition costs for Students are CHF 1’500.- per person per week (proof of student status must be provided).
Included in the price are:
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2x shark dives, 2x Princess Alice Bank dives, 4x coastal dives, 1x night dive
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Training in plankton sampling and active participation as a Citizen Scientist in the very first plankton monitoring study
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A half day whale watching tour
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Whale museum visit with guided tour
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Daily lectures on marine ecology, sharks, cetaceans and plankton by local researchers
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Excursion to the vulcano Capelinos
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A Dive & Explore Expedition T-shirt
Not included in the price are:
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Outward and return journey
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Accommodation
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Food and drinks while not on board
Requirements:
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You need a minimum of 50 logged dives and an advanced open water (AOW) dive certificate
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You don't need any PREVIOUS scientific experience, we will teach you
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ANYONE CAN JOIN AND BECOME PART OF THIS ADVENTURE!
*The expedition only sails if there are enough participants. Confirmation will be communicated at least one month before the start.
Foto credits: https://www.norbertodiver.pt/
EXPEDITION PARTNER
This expedition will take place in collaboration with Norberto Diver. Norberto Diver offers you unforgettable experiences above or below the sea! Created in 1996, by Norberto Serpa, the “sea-wolf”, who has more than twenty years of experience working with marine life. He is a professional diver, free diving instructor and was a diving technician for the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of Azores. He is an active collaborator in several studies in the field of Marine Biology, with whales, devil rays and blue sharks.
take action and become part of our expedition crew!
For more information about the expedition and to register fill out "MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION". We will get back to you with the full registration, a detailed program for the week, accommodation opportunities, and what to bring, etc.
