Azores · Portugal · Wall

Morro das Capelas

A north-coast volcanic wall running to 35 metres

A volcanic rock wall on the north coast that drops easily to 35 metres, though the dive can be carried out shallower by staying up along the face. Strong currents are possible here, and they set the demands of the site more than the depth does. The rock holds island grouper, wrasse, seabream and slipper lobster in its cover.

Where it is and how deep

Depth profile of Morro das Capelas: typical dive to 35 m (to 115 ft) 18 m · Open Water30 m · Advanced40 m · Recreational limit35 mtypical dive
Depths on a shared scale to 40 m (130 ft); dashed lines mark common certification limits.

37.8462° N, 25.6854° WPublished position for this site.

The dive

The site is a single feature: a volcanic rock wall that goes easily to 35 metres. How deep the dive runs is a choice, because it can be carried out at a shallower depth along the same face. Either way the route is the wall itself, followed with the rock on one shoulder, and the turn is made on gas and time rather than on any landmark.

Strong currents are possible here and they decide the shape of the day: the entry, the direction along the wall and the pick-up all follow what the water is doing. On the stone, island grouper and ballan and axillary wrasse hold in the cover, barred hogfish work the face, white seabream sit off it and slipper lobster tuck into the cracks, so the wall rewards looking into it.

Marine life and season

  • Groupers
  • Reef fish swarms
  • Macro critters
Month-by-month season rating for Morro das Capelas
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FairFairFairFairGoodPrimePrimePrimePrimeGoodFairFair

Season follows Azores: June to September is the settled season and August into October the clearest water; diving carries on through winter in a 7-10mm or dry suit when swell allows.

Know before you go

  • Strong currents are possible along the wall; run the dive on the boat's call, stay close to the rock and carry an SMB for the pick-up.

Sources

  1. Morro das Capelas — Scubago

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