Baixa da Vila Nova

Baixa da Vila Nova lies off the north coast of Terceira, approximately two miles from shore. It can only be reached by boat, about 20 minutes from Porto da Praia da Vitória or around one hour from Angra do Heroísmo. This is a dive suited for experienced divers with Advanced Open Water certification, particularly because currents can be strong on certain days.

The depth varies considerably, ranging between 12 and 30 metres, with an average around 20. This variation creates a seabed full of contrasts, where rocky walls and wide canyons, also known as gorges, alternate. This landscape diversity is what makes the site so interesting and makes it an excellent choice for underwater photography.

Marine life changes depending on depth and seabed type. In mid-water, pelagic fish such as amberjacks (Seriola rivoliana) and sometimes Atlantic bonito (Sarda sarda) pass through, accompanied by schools of Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus picturatus) and damselfish (Chromis limbata and Abudefduf luridus). Around the rocks appear slipper lobsters (Scyllarides latus), while in deeper areas you’ll find the colourful rainbow wrasse (Coris julis) and peacock wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), blackhead wrasse (Pseudolepidaplois scrofa) and schools of salema (Sarpa salpa).