Baixa dos Badejos

Off the east coast of Santa Maria, approximately one mile from shore and facing the village of Maia, lies Baixa dos Badejos. Its upper section forms a broad platform extending to around 16 metres depth before dropping away abruptly: from there, a vertical wall descends to nearly 35 metres.

It is along this wall that diving interest is concentrated. Among large rocky blocks, rolled boulders and small patches of sand, you will frequently encounter various groupers (Mycteroperca fusca), which give the site its name, as well as dogfish (Pseudolepidaplois scrofa) and dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus).

Being an exposed area, currents range from moderate to strong. This factor, combined with depths reaching 35 metres, makes this a site suited for experienced divers, from Advanced Open Water level onwards. In return, it is this same current that brings pelagic fish into the water column, with schools of Atlantic mackerel (Sphyraena viridensis) and greater amberjacks (Seriola rivoliana) passing through here.

Access is by boat, with approximately 40 minutes of navigation from Vila do Porto marina. Between the wall landscape and the fauna that inhabits this location, it is a highly appreciated spot for those who enjoy underwater photography.