Baixa do Ferreiro de Dentro

Off the coast of Graciosa, this underwater reef ranges from 5 to 28 metres deep, allowing each diving team to adjust the profile to their level. This makes the site accessible to all divers and also to those who prefer to stay at the surface snorkelling. The current is usually moderate, and access is by boat, approximately 5 minutes from Santa Cruz da Graciosa Port or 20 minutes from Praia Port.

The highest point of the reef is at 5 metres and is a practical spot for safety stops or decompression stages. While waiting, it’s worth observing the cloud of small colourful fish that gather there, with rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), peacock wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) and yellow damselfish (Chromis limbata) always present.

A little further down, between 10 and 15 metres, there are several platforms where it’s common to encounter schools of pelagic fish, such as greater amberjack (Seriola rivoliana), white trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex) and sennet (Sphyraena viridensis). Those who descend to depths of 25 to 30 metres reach the bottom zone, the territory of deeper-water species, with dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and blackhead wrasse (Bodianus scrofa) making their presence known.

During the summer months there is also the possibility of larger surprises, when small groups of devil rays appear swimming around the reef.