

Best for advanced divers, 25-29m, boat entry, strong current.
Cabeços Ilhéu Mosteiros is a deep reef and drift dive site located 930 metres off the coast of São Miguel. Designed for advanced divers, the site features working depths between 25 and 29 metres. The defining characteristic is a strong current that requires careful planning and coordination with a boat skipper for entry and surface recovery. Visibility at the site fluctuates between 10 and 30 metres depending on prevailing conditions. Due to the depth and current, divers must manage air consumption and bottom time effectively. The site is accessible year-round, though current strength and direction can shift rapidly, necessitating a clear drift-and-surface plan before every descent.
37.88920, -25.83540
Current strength and direction can shift with little warning at this depth, so agree on a clear drift-and-surface plan with your skipper before you enter. Confirm current conditions with the local operator on the day, as they vary significantly across seasons even though the site is diveable year-round.
10 minutes by boat from the marina of Vila Franca do Campo, or 50 minutes from the marina of Ponta Delgada.
Recorded at this site
Depth
25-29m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
17-22°C
Current
Strong
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
The site has working depths ranging from 25 to 29 metres.
No, this site is intended for advanced divers due to the depth and strong currents.
Access is by boat only, as the site is located 930 metres from the shore.
No, this is a deep reef and drift dive site intended for scuba diving.
Water temperatures range from 17C to 22C throughout the year.
Diving at Cabeços Ilhéu Mosteiros in Vila Franca do Campo requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 7mm wetsuit or semi-dry is recommended for diving at Cabeços Ilhéu Mosteiros in Vila Franca do Campo. Water temperatures range from 17°C to 22°C.
The best months to visit Cabeços Ilhéu Mosteiros in Vila Franca do Campo are June, July, August, and September. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.