yawn...

I wrote this article about the Azores for a newsletter last year: it might
be of interest, if a little long for this forum.
I visited Pico and Faial in June 2003 for 2 weeks and had a great mixed
range of shore and rib diving. The mixture of cold and warm currents and the
intercontinental plate attracts a huge diversity of marine life and the
islands are famous as a stopping point for the lengthy migration of the Blue
Whale, not to mention Minke and Fin Whales, along with Common and striped
dolphin. Add to that the enormous variety of fish -and has anyone seen Sea
Hares at night? Take your camera!

Diving and Tourism are relatively new to the Islands so create your own
nightlife and don't expect any gastronomic treats. Ham and pineapple pizza
is fairly racy out there. That said, the unspoiled simplicity of the Azores
and friendliness of the locals is a stress buster in itself. You won't have
a problem finding any of the basic necessities or a beer at the end of the
day although the Siesta is well observed. English is not widely understood
by the but overall basic comms aren't an issue. The banks will change Euros
with a passport but we found simply to extract cash on your debit or credit
card from the hole in the wall was easist.

So,the diving. Remember this is the Atlantic. Average June Sea temps were
16/17. Those of our party who are more prone to the cold wished upon dry
suits but generally a 7mm suit was deemed ok. Viz is good and underwater
volcanic topography is stunning. Many dive sites are almost virgin.
Highlights were "The Cave of 1000 eyes" (35m cave full of shrimps), and
watching dolphins frenzy on a sardine baitball. Being battered from all
sides by Krill on a stop was actually strangely pleasant. We saw Blue, Fin
and Minke whales, common, striped and Risso's dolphins, tuna, barracuda,
jackfish, turtles, grouper, moray, boxfish, stonefish, starfish, octopus,
crabs, sea hares and an amazing array of anemones and corals. The Azores are
mostly a marine reserve so look but don't touch is the rule. Night dives are
stunning. Nitrox was not available with our outfit. DIN is the standard here
but donuts were provided.

Things to take; warm suit, hood and thin gloves, windproof top, camera,
jungle juice, bottle opener. Light clothes are fine -but do pack a fleece
and some light trousers for the evenings. Spares are hard to find if
needed - so take another mask strap, fin strap etc.

Watch out for; Whale watching trips - 40 euros, 3 hours, might not see a
thing.

Wreckies won't find much of interest - this is definitely a trip for marine
enthusiasts and for those who want something quite new, unspoiled and
different.