Azores · Portugal · Reef · Cave & cavern
Fradinhos
Caverns and dusky groupers at bare islets in open ocean
Fradinhos is a group of four bare, uninhabited rock escarpments that rise to the surface off the southeast coast of Terceira. The islets stand in open ocean with excellent visibility and caverns down to 30 m, but strong currents keep the site for experienced divers only.
Also known as Os Fradinhos, Fradinhos islets.
Where it is and how deep
38.6019° N, 27.1017° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Around the islets the rock opens into caverns that reach 30 m. Dusky groupers and barred hogfish glide through the clear water among the escarpments, and large schools of pelagic fish pass by. Because the islets stand in open ocean relatively far off the coast, strong currents run across them.
Marine life and season
- Groupers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Prime | Prime | Prime | Prime | Good | Good | Good |
Season follows Azores: June to September is the best time to dive; August to October has the clearest water, and spring nutrients turn it green.
Know before you go
- Strong currents sweep the islets, which sit in open ocean relatively far off the coast.
Dive videos
Fradinhos Terceira - Azores - Site Characterization · Project Baseline on YouTube
Sources
- Fradinhos — Wikipedia
- Terceira diving — Azores Tourism Directorate
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