Azores · Portugal · Cave & cavern
Gruta do Ilhéu das Cabras
A cave at an islet where eagle rays pass by
Gruta do Ilhéu das Cabras is a cave dive at the Ilhéu das Cabras islet off Terceira, with a bottom that reaches 30 m. Eagle rays are the draw, passing the cave alongside resident and pelagic fish, and the current here is weak and only occasional.
Also known as Ilhéu das Cabras cave.
Where it is and how deep
38.6303° N, 27.1434° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
The dive centres on a cave at the islet, where the bottom drops to 30 m. Eagle rays are watched around it together with sedentary reef fish and passing pelagic species. A weak current runs here only now and then.
Marine life and season
- Eagle rays
| 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.
Dive videos
Ilhéu das Cabras - Gruta · Nuno Machado on YouTube
Sources
- Mergulhos Costeiros — Terceira Adventures
- Mergulho — Terceira Adventures
- Ilhéus das Cabras — Wikipedia
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