Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo – São Jorge Island

The Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo is located at the eastern tip of São Jorge Island. This area covers approximately 200,000 m², is flat, and lies just a short distance from the coast of the village of Topo, which is situated at the southwestern tip of the island.

The Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo is classified as a Special Protection Zone, mainly due to its rich diversity of seabird species. In summer, it is common to see cows being taken for a swim to the islet for grazing. The location is also well-known for diving, being one of the best spots on São Jorge Island for this activity.

Ilheu da Ilha São Jorge
Fotografia de António Faria

See also: Places to visit on São Jorge Island

History

The Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo is only 100 meters from the coast. The Ponta do Topo and the eastern region of the island form the oldest area of São Jorge. The islet was formed by lava flows over 1.32 million years ago.

The Ilhéu do Topo has a flat surface and is composed of basalts and tuffs from the Topo Volcanic Complex, having been separated from the island due to erosion.

The islet has been classified as a Partial Natural Reserve, with only 12.14 ha being designated as protected area. This zone exhibits a great wealth and variety of seabirds and flora.

Ponta do Topo
Fotografia de António Faria

Diving Spot

In addition to the beautiful scenery of Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo, diving is possible on both the north and south sides of the islet. This location is one of the most sought-after for diving on the island.

The water current is typically moderate, with dives occurring between depths of 5 and 25 meters. However, the area can sometimes experience stronger currents, requiring extra caution on those days.

Despite being close to the coast, reaching the islet requires a boat trip of about 25 miles from the Porto das Velas.

The southern area of the islet has a very gentle slope, with depths between 5 and 10 meters, while the northern side reaches depths of 12 to 25 meters.

At moderate depths, various common marine species of the Azores can be seen. In deeper waters, you can encounter large schools of fish that inhabit the depths, such as groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), hogfish (Bodianus scrofa), and black groupers (Mycteroperca fusca).

 

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The Legend of Ilhéu do Topo and the Bulls for the Holy Spirit

In this location, there is a well-known legend called “Ilhéu do Topo and the Bulls for the Holy Spirit.” The legend recounts that for many years, the population of São Jorge Island has had great faith in the Holy Spirit, and every year there was a lively festival in his honor.

In a certain year, it was expected that the festival would be even more enjoyable since one of the organizers promised to host a grand dinner for the entire parish. To this end, he had set aside two bulls to be taken by swim to Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo to fatten for the feast. As the celebration approached, they were to swim back with the help of men holding ropes in a boat, pulling the bulls’ heads above water to reach the island safely.

(C) José Luís Ávila Silveira/Pedro Noronha e Costa

As the festival drew near, a strong wind began to blow in the region, causing the sea to become rough. Thus, it became impossible to bring the bulls to the island for the feast. The man then had to take measures to fulfill his promise: he decided to buy two bulls instead of bringing the ones from the islet. He was sure that the Holy Spirit understood it was not due to a lack of will that he couldn’t bring the promised bulls and would sacrifice the other two.

Two days before the festival, the man, along with neighbors, prepared to slaughter the two purchased bulls. When they were there with the bulls, the two large and fat bulls from the islet suddenly appeared. They had jumped into the sea and swum to Pontinha, where the current lighthouse is located. Everyone present was amazed, especially since they appeared completely dry, as if they had not swum but rather had been brought by the Holy Spirit.

Many who were there cried tears of joy, and the festival organizer was so delighted that in addition to the purchased bulls, he also slaughtered the promised bulls. At that festival, the offerings were even greater, and the celebration was much more abundant and lively, with everyone discussing the miraculous appearance of the bulls.

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The Ilhéu da Ponta do Topo is a beautiful place filled with legends. It boasts a rich diversity of fauna and flora and is an ideal location for diving enthusiasts.