

Best for beginner divers, 8m, boat entry, mild current.
Ilhéu de Vila Franca is a reef site located 100 metres from the shore of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Accessible only by boat, this site features a consistent depth of approximately 8 metres. Divers can expect mild currents, though conditions are subject to variations in visibility, which ranges from 5 to 20 metres, and occasional surge. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving, with typical dive durations around 40 minutes. Water temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 17C in the winter months to 24C in late summer. Local facilities include air fills, equipment rental, and boat charters.
37.73490, -25.61600
The islet offers various diving options along the major cracks and canyons, which mean you can tailor your dive depending on the direction of the waves.
5 min from the Vila Franca do Campo Marina, 45 minutes from the Ponta Delgada Marina.
Recorded at this site
Depth
8m
Visibility
5-20m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
17-24°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
40 min
Best Time
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Yes, this site is suitable for beginner divers.
The average depth at Ilhéu de Vila Franca is 8 metres.
This is a boat dive; a boat is required to reach the site located 100 metres from the shore.
Water temperatures range from 17C in the winter to 24C during the months of August and September.
Divers should be prepared for variable visibility and potential surge.
Diving at Ilhéu de Vila Franca in Vila Franca do Campo requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Ilhéu de Vila Franca in Vila Franca do Campo. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Ilhéu de Vila Franca in Vila Franca do Campo. Water temperatures range from 17°C to 24°C.
The best months to visit Ilhéu de Vila Franca in Vila Franca do Campo are June, July, August, September, and October. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.