

Best for beginner divers, 15-18m, shore & boat entry, mild current.
Arcos da Caloura is a reef dive located on Sao Miguel, offering a manageable experience for beginner divers. The site features depths between 15 and 18 metres with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Divers can access the reef via shore or boat, with mild currents typically present. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17 and 24 degrees Celsius throughout the year, requiring a 3 mm to 5 mm wetsuit depending on the season. When diving here, remain aware of boat traffic when surfacing and exercise caution to avoid contact with rocks during entry and exit.
37.71287, -25.52172
The main attraction is an impressive cave with four entrances, where the ceiling is often covered in nudibranchs.
By boat, about 15 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo.
Recorded at this site
Depth
15-18m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore & Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
17-24°C
Current
Mild
Yes, the site is well-suited for newly certified divers due to its mild currents and manageable depth profile.
The reef reaches depths of 15 to 18 metres.
Yes, both shore and boat entries are possible at this location.
Divers should watch for boat traffic when surfacing and take care to avoid contact with sharp rocks during descent and ascent.
A 5 mm wetsuit is recommended for the cooler months, while a 3 mm wetsuit is sufficient during the summer.
Arcos da Caloura in Vila Franca do Campo typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Arcos da Caloura in Vila Franca do Campo typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.