Amazing Azores

Tom Burd · Issue 86, Sep/Oct 2015 · pp. 55–61

Products mentioned: Nikon D7000, Nauticam Housing, Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye, Sea and Sea YS-D1

Hovering under the dive boat, 900 nautical miles from the Portuguese mainland and with 200 metres of Azorean blue water between me and the bottom, I was certainly starting to question the sanity of this holiday choice. However, these fears disappeared soon enough as the first of five exquisitely beautiful blue sharks ascended from the depths to greet us. I was instantly lovestruck, completely amazed by their slender design and how effortlessly they cruise through the water. Their alluring curves exude the elegance of an Italian supercar but their cheeky, inquisitive nature is that of a mischievous young child! This is certainly a dive you won’t forget any time soon. I didn’t know it then, but I would be lucky enough to spend the entire next two summers getting to know these amazing creatures very well indeed. The tranquil archipelago of the Azores is one of Europe’s last pristine gems, c…