Azores · Portugal · Reef
Baixa do Farol
Black coral on a second reef north of the Ponta da Barca lighthouse
Baixa do Farol is a long reef about 100 m off Graciosa's north coast, in front of the Ponta da Barca lighthouse that gives it its name. With moderate depths it suits divers of all experience, and it is a good choice on days of south wind and waves.
Also known as Lighthouse Reef.
Where it is and how deep
39.0936° N, 28.0494° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The top of the main reef lies at 14–15 m, where salema porgies, grey triggerfish, moray eels, blacktail combers, parrotfish and Azores chromis gather and schools pass in the blue. Heading north, a second reef tops out at 17 m and drops to 25 m, with stretches of black coral. A small cave in this second reef is the place to find dusky groupers and barred hogfish, species that live at a greater depth.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Azores: June to September is the best time to dive; the clearest water runs from August into October, and in spring visibility drops to an average of 10–15 m.
Dive videos
Baixa do farol · Joao Cadilha on YouTube
Sources
- Baixa do Farol — Visit Azores
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Cave & cavern
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