About this place
Faial-Pico Channel / Faial Sector is a marine protected area in the Azores, Portugal, lying in the strait between the islands of Faial and Pico. It covers waters off the eastern coast of Faial, near Horta and the Angústias parish, and forms part of the region's network of marine protected areas.
Where is it and how large is it?
The Faial sector runs along the eastern shore of Faial, on the side facing Pico. According to the Azores Natural Parks, it covers about 17,385 hectares of sea, roughly 174 square kilometres. The Protected Planet registry reports a similar figure. The whole Faial-Pico Channel protected area, made up of two sectors, is described in scientific literature as about 240 square kilometres.
What makes this stretch of sea special?
The Azores parks authority highlights the unusual seabed along the coast. It features so-called giant pits, abrasion holes carved into the volcanic rock. This terrain supports rich marine life and draws the interest of both researchers and divers.
Which animals live here?
Observable shoals of several fish species have been recorded in the sector. Sightings also include the sicklefin devil ray (Mobula tarapacana), the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) and the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). For visitors to the Azores, this is one reason a boat trip across the channel can be an attraction in itself.
Legal basis and management
The boundaries of the Faial sector are set by regional decree DLR 47/2008/A, where the area is listed as FAI10. The Faial-Pico Channel is a resource-management area within the Azores protected-area system, which includes the Island Natural Parks and the Marine Park of the Azores. A 2014 technical report by GAMPA noted that data for the Faial sector is more robust than for the Pico sector.
Is it worth visiting?
This is not a classic attraction with a ticket gate and car park. It is a stretch of sea best experienced from a boat, a kayak or underwater. The easiest starting point is Horta, the island's main town, with views across to Pico and its distinctive volcanic cone. Before heading out, check the local rules for the protected area and choose licensed operators.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the Faial sector? In the channel between Faial and Pico, along the eastern coast of Faial. Its centre point is roughly 38.489 N, 28.610 W.
How big is it? About 17,385 ha, or around 174 km².
What species have been recorded? Among others the sicklefin devil ray, loggerhead turtle and bottlenose dolphin, plus shoals of fish.
Is it the only sector of the channel? No. The other is the Pico sector, which includes the Ilhéus da Madalena Natura 2000 site.
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