With amazing landscapes that stretch out for miles, steep ocean cliffs, rocky islets, and a history that dates back to approximately 2,000 years ago, Terceira Island is a destination few have considered visiting. More than just charming, this place has historic allure as well as a treasure trove of natural wonders. Let’s take a look at just three of the most significant dive sites Terceira has to offer.
Fradinhos - Portugal Dive Sites
Definitely not a site for the fainthearted, nor for the inexperienced, Fradinhos is located off Terceira’s southern coast almost directly in front of Porto Judeu. This rocky islet is washed by strong currents that bring in rich upwellings that nourish a fascinating array of life that’s a veritable who’s who list of Azorean marine creatures. Along the bottom and among the huge rock formations, you’ll find recalcitrant octopuses, more gregarious conger eels, and some fairly skittish black morays, along with a colorful array of slipper lobsters, crabs, and nudibranchs. Out in the blue distance, you’ll be amazed at the number of larger pelagics that pass by. White trevally, almaco jacks, derbios, and other large fish can be seen, often joining forces with stealthy barracuda that hunt from massive swirling schools of mackerel and other small baitfish. Depths here range from 15 to 30 meters, and visibility is usually good, sometimes reaching 25 meters or better.
Cemiterio das Ancoras - Portugal Dive Sites
This is one of the most historically interesting dive sites the Terceira Island area has to offer. Cemiterio das Ancoras has the distinction of being both located within the boundaries of an underwater archaeological park and a UNESCO world heritage site! From the 16th century forward, the Bay of Angra do Heroismo served as a support harbor to ships making their way to the Americas and to India. Over the years, many ships lost their anchors at depths between and 35 meters, sometimes due to poor handling techniques, and sometimes because of bad weather. On good days, this site is wonderfully easy to explore, with very little current present. There are two yellow buoys that mark the beginning and end of the Anchors’ Cemetery dive site. You’ll descend at one end and ascend at the other; a series of slates are located along the bottom near the anchors, with descriptions of the various anchors located there. While there are plenty of fish throughout the water column, the anchors are definitely the main point of interest on this dive.
Naufragio Lidador - Portugal Dive Sites
Located in the same vicinity as Cemiterio das Ancoras, and part of the same underwater archaeological park, Naufragio Lidador is a historic shipwreck that dates back to 1878. Built in 1873, this venerable steamer was just over 78 meters long, and was built in London. Today, the ship is still in fairly good condition, and makes an outstanding site for underwater photography. Marked by a pair of yellow buoys and featuring several interpretive slates and a guideline, this wreck is home to a splendid array of marine life large and small. Watch for Guinean puffer fish, mullet, parrot fish, and wrasse, and be careful about touching anything as there are lots of scorpionfish guarding the wreck. This is a very easy dive, with maximum depth at just 10 meters, and there is rarely any current. Naufragio Lidador is easy to access from shore.
Terceira Island is one of the largest in the Azores, and it is home to a number of fascinating historic sites as well as four different volcanic complexes, vineyards, scenic farms, and spectacular inland lakes. The people are friendly, the food and wine amazing, and the diving incomparable. If you’re ready for something different, make the journey to Terceira Island – a place like none other.