Top Dive Sites

Vila Franca Islet

Description: Just off the coast of São Miguel, Vila Franca Islet is a marine reserve offering a rich underwater landscape teeming with life. The dive site is defined by its volcanic origins, presenting extraordinary rock formations and a variety of habitats.

Marine Species: You’ll often encounter octopuses, moray eels, and colorful wrasses. Schools of barracudas and jacks are frequently seen patrolling the outer edges.

Unique Encounters: A signature feature is the presence of large groupers and occasional sightings of stingrays. Divers might also spot the elusive dusky grouper and various nudibranchs.

Photography: The marine scenery, coupled with the clarity of the water, provides prime conditions for underwater photography. The contrasting colors of volcanic rocks and marine life create dramatic shots, ideal for both macro and wide-angle photography.

Suitability: This site is quite versatile, offering conditions suitable for beginners in the sheltered lagoon. Advanced divers can explore the deeper external walls of the islet, and there’s potential for tech divers to delve into underwater caves and more profound formations.

Santa Maria Cave

Description: Santa Maria Cave is an underwater cavern, offering a mystique and variety of topographies perfect for exploration. Within the cave, divers can find pillars, gullies, and a plethora of geological structures, making it a favorite among adventurous divers.

Marine Species: Inside the cave, expect to find lobsters, crabs, and cardinalfish. The cave walls are often adorned with sponges and corals. Outside, parrotfish, wrasses, and damselfish dominate the scene.

Unique Encounters: The cave’s ceiling occasionally provides shelter to small schools of soldierfish. Seasonal sightings of monk seals, though rare, add an element of excitement.

Photography: The diverse lighting within the cave due to natural openings creates unique photo opportunities. Macro enthusiasts will revel in the abundant small life on the cave walls, while wide-angle photographers can capture the breathtaking inner structures.

Suitability: This dive is better suited for intermediate to advanced divers due to the overhead environment and possible strong surges outside the cave entrance. Proper buoyancy control is essential to avoid disturbing the cave ecosystem.

Dori Wreck

Description: The Dori Wreck is a WWII Liberty ship that now rests at approximately 20 meters deep off the coast of São Miguel. The wreck has become an artificial reef, offering divers a fascinating glimpse into underwater history.

Marine Species: The wreck is home to a variety of marine life, including conger eels, nudibranchs, and a myriad of reef fish. Schools of bream and barracudas are often seen circling the structure.

Unique Encounters: Besides the typical inhabitants, the wreck occasionally attracts larger pelagic species such as amberjacks and even dolphins upon ascent.

Photography: The Dori Wreck provides ample opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography. The ship’s structure, with its encrusting corals and resident marine life, offers dramatic and poignant photographic subjects.

Suitability: Accessible to divers of various experience levels, the moderate depth makes it excellent for both beginners and seasoned divers. However, stronger currents can occur, requiring careful planning or guidance for less experienced divers.

Considerations for Each Dive Site

Water Temperature: When diving in São Miguel, Azores, expect water temperatures to vary with the seasons. During the summer months (July to September), temperatures can range from 68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C), providing a comfortable diving environment. In the cooler winter months, temperatures typically drop to between 60°F and 64°F (16°C and 18°C). A 5mm wetsuit is usually adequate for summer, while a 7mm or semi-dry suit is recommended for winter diving.

Visibility: Visibility in the waters around São Miguel can be quite impressive, often ranging from 60 to 100 feet (18 to 30 meters). The best visibility typically occurs from mid-spring to late autumn, coinciding with calmer sea conditions. However, certain factors like plankton blooms or recent rainfall can impact visibility, so it’s vital to check local conditions before diving.

Currents and Tides: The dive sites around São Miguel experience varying levels of current and tidal influence. Some sites, such as shallow coastal reefs, have minimal currents, making them suitable for less experienced divers. Conversely, more advanced dive sites, including offshore pinnacles and deeper wrecks, might experience stronger currents. It’s recommended to dive during slack tides for optimal conditions, especially for those less accustomed to dealing with strong currents.

Safety Tips: To ensure a safe diving experience in São Miguel, adhere to the following tips:

• Plan Your Dive: Always dive with a buddy and ensure you both understand the dive plan, including entry and exit points, maximum depth, and bottom time.
• Equipment Check: Before diving, perform thorough checks on all your equipment. Ensure your regulator, BCD, and dive computer are functioning correctly.
• Local Advice: Seek advice from local dive operators who possess intimate knowledge of the sites, conditions, and potential hazards.
• Stay Hydrated: Long dives and exposure to saltwater can dehydrate you. Drink plenty of water before and after your dives.
• Avoid Overexertion: Conserve your energy and monitor your breathing rate. Overexertion can lead to rapid air consumption and fatigue.
• Respect Marine Life: Maintain neutral buoyancy to avoid damaging coral reefs and keep a respectful distance from marine life.

Regulations: Divers must respect local regulations, which are in place to protect both the divers and the environment:

• Permits: Certain dive sites, particularly those within protected marine areas, may require permits. Check with local authorities or dive operators for necessary paperwork.
• Protected Species: It is illegal to disturb marine life, including taking souvenirs. Many species around the Azores are protected under local and international laws.
• Spearfishing: Spearfishing activities are strictly regulated. Ensure you are aware of and comply with all regulations if you engage in this activity.
• Anchoring: Anchoring on coral reefs or sensitive underwater habitats is prohibited to prevent damage. Use mooring buoys where provided.
• Waste Disposal: Practice eco-friendly diving by ensuring no waste, including plastic and other materials, is left in the sea.