Portugal
TOP DIVE SITES – AZORESThe archipelago of the Azores consists of nine major volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean, 1 500 km from Lisbon. This region used to be uninhabited until 15th century and thus visitors may admire its unspoiled landscapes and nature. Divers will be delighted by amazing rock formations and abundant marine life. The archipelago comprise islands of São Miguel, Pico, Terceira, São Jorge, Faial, Flores, Santa Maria, Graciosa and Corvo.
Baixa do Buraco – this place offers astonishing large rocks. There is also a plenty of marine fauna and flora in this area. Divers may see here mackerels, hogfish, small salmons and many other fish species. The maximum depth is 25 m.Location: Vila do Corvo, Corvo IslandType of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water
Baixa do Canal – this site has very interesting geological formations of volcanic origin. There is also a plenty of marine life such as barracudas, groupers, dogfish, eels and many other species. The maximum depth is 18 m.Location: Horta, Faial IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterCaldeirinhas – a great spot for cave diving in a sheltered bay full of marine species such as hogfish, sargus, eels and corals. The maximum depth is 24 m. Diving in this area requires a permission from local authorities.Location: Caldeirinhas Bay, Faial IslandType of dive: shore diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterCaneiro dos Meros – attractions of this spot include beautiful rock formations such as vertical walls, large boulders and caves. There is also a plenty of marine life. The maximum depth is 30 m. This spot is rather sheltered but due to the depth it is suitable for advanced divers.Location: Corvo IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterDori (Edwin L. Drake) – the wreck of a cargo ship lies at a depth of 22 m. The ship participated in D-Day invasion 1944 as Edwin L. Drake. Later she was renamed Dori. She sank in 1964 and now gives shelter to many marine species such as sardines, mackerels, congers, octopi, flatfish, groupers and many other. The wreck is pretty damaged but there is still a lot to see.Jacks, pen shells, wormsLocation: São Miguel IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterGruta Profunda – a great spot for advanced divers. There is a beautiful cave with an entrance at a depth of 35 m. Residents of this area include sponges, shrimps, crabs and corals.Location: Porto Pim, Faial IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: pebblesRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterMoldinho – this dive site is famous for beautiful volcanic rock formations such as walls, large boulders and caves. There is also an abundance of marine species including various types of algae and crustaceans (e.g. Azorean barnacle which is the endemic species of the Azores). The maximum depth is 33 m. This spot is recommended only for advanced divers due to the depth and strong currents.Location: Canto da Carneira, Corvo IslandType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterOlympia – the wreck of a steamship lies at a depth of 20 m. The ship sank in 1921. The wreck is covered by marine life and many fish species hide in the holes. Some parts of the wreck can be penetrated.Location: Formigas IsletsType of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterPorto da Casa – one can enter this dive site through a commercial harbour and it is necessary to notify the harbour authorities about the dive. The attractions include rock formations of volcanic origin and plenty of marine life, mainly algae. The maximum depth is 30 m.Location: Corvo IslandType of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterTerceirense – the wreck of a ship lies at a depth of 20 m. The ship is broken into two. This spot is great for underwater photography. There is plenty of marine life in this area (mackerels, sargus, eels, groupers, hogfish, etc.).Location: near Santa Cruz harbourType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open Water