Pesqueiro-Alto

Pesqueiro-Alto is located on the south coast of Pico, in the stretch between Terreiro and Urzelina. You reach it by boat, in a journey of around 20 minutes from Porto das Madalena, and the current is usually weak. It is a dive open to those with Open Water level certification, although the descent to the deeper zone, around 35 metres, should be reserved for more experienced divers. With an average depth of around 17 metres and a maximum of 25, it is also a good spot for those who enjoy underwater photography.

The seabed has a topography that is a pleasure to explore, shaped mainly by lava flows and rounded boulders. Along the way you will find several sizeable caves, which are worth the visit in themselves and serve as refuge for much of the local marine life.

It is within these caves that resident groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) appear. Around them, you will encounter the usual fauna of Azores waters, from various types of moray eels to schools of salema (Sarpa salpa), passing by the striking rainbow wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), dusky groupers (Serranus atricauda) and parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense).

If you look out into the blue, it is common to see schools of pelagic fish passing by, such as greater amberjack (Seriola spp.), yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and white trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex), reminding you that this is a dive where life also happens away from the seabed.