In 2014, as the European Rolex Scholar, I had the opportunity to visit Pico Island in the Azores. The experience was significant for both my professional development and personal life. As part of a year dedicated to learning from leading professionals in marine science and diving, I joined the team at CW Azores to dive with blue sharks. It was also on this trip, aboard a boat heading out to sea, that I met my future husband, Dan.

CW Azores was one of the first dive centers in the region to offer shark diving, and their work has set a high standard for professionalism and conservation-minded tourism. Diving with Prionace glauca, the blue shark, was an unforgettable experience. These oceanic predators are among the most graceful and inquisitive species I have encountered. They often approached us confidently and calmly, swimming just inches from our cameras. Their vivid blue coloration and smooth, fluid movements made each dive both scientifically fascinating and visually striking.

Although scuba diving can sometimes produce noise and bubbles that disturb marine animals, the blue sharks around Pico seemed largely unbothered. Their behavior allowed for prolonged observation, offering valuable insight into how minimally invasive encounters can foster better understanding and appreciation of these species.

In addition to the sharks, I had the opportunity to observe mobula rays, dolphins, and both pilot and sperm whales. Before leaving Pico, I visited researchers at the University of the Azores who were studying the economic value of marine tourism. Our discussions reinforced the importance of sustainable shark diving in supporting both local economies and long-term conservation goals.

The impact of that trip stayed with me. Daniel and I returned to Pico in 2016 and again in 2017, not for research or work, but simply because we love it there. The island, the people, and the richness of the surrounding ocean continue to draw us back.

Pico Island will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the first place I dived with blue sharks and the place where I met the person who would later become my partner in both life and the sea.

What makes the Azores even more special is how unknown and underrated they are. Before my visit, I had no idea such a magical place existed, until a friend suggested it to me. Pico, like much of the archipelago, is incredibly green, peaceful, and rich with biodiversity. The islands offer the chance to see a stunning variety of ocean life while also being impressively well prepared for visitors. The roads are in perfect condition, the towns are spotless, and the tourism infrastructure blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. It felt like a well-kept secret: a place where marine encounters are extraordinary, but where the pace of life remains slow, grounded, and authentic.