Azores · Portugal · Wall · Night
Ilhéu da Gaivota
Eagle rays resting on the sand at the foot of a sheltered islet wall
Ilhéu da Gaivota is a small islet on Graciosa's south coast, about 50 m offshore in front of the Carapacho spa's bathing area. Sheltered and shallow, it is the fallback when weather or currents close other sites, and it suits beginner dives, night dives and snorkelling.
Also known as Seagull Islet.
Where it is and how deep
39.0112° N, 27.9638° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive begins on the wall of the islet and follows it down to the sandy floor, finishing at 14 m. Cracks and holes along the wall house moray eels, common octopus, Azores chromis, blacktail combers and schools of salema porgies. At the foot of the wall common eagle rays typically rest on the sand, large schools of grey triggerfish are common, and Almaco jacks may pass.
Marine life and season
- Eagle rays
| 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
GaivotaAgo15 · H2OnTube on YouTube
Sources
- Ilhéu da Gaivota — Visit Azores
More dive sites in Azores
Reef
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Cave & cavern
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