Cemitério das Âncoras

The Anchor Cemetery is one of the sites that make up the Underwater Archaeological Park of Angra do Heroísmo Bay, on the island of Terceira. It is a site of great historical value, where more than 40 anchors rest, accumulated over several hundreds of years. Access is by boat, just 3 minutes from Angra do Heroísmo Port (approximately 45 minutes from Praia da Vitória), and at the surface there are two buoys marking the start of the route.

Although the site is open to divers of all levels, including Open Water certificate holders, visits to the deeper anchors are reserved for those with more experience. The current is usually weak and the dive takes place at an average depth of 18 metres and a maximum of 35 metres.

Starting from the buoy located further north, you descend to 16 metres, where the “555” anchor rests on a large rocky block. Moving then towards the southwest, you cross several anchors from different periods, until you reach a vertical wall that descends to a sandy bottom. Along this wall it is common to spot white seabream (Diplodus sargus), juvenile red seabream (Pagellus acarne), large groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), spotted moray eels (Muraena helena), salema (Sarpa salpa), greater amberjack (Seriola rivoliana) and even stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca).

Those who continue down the wall to 35 metres will find a large anchor resting in an inverted position. With this diversity of remains and marine life, it is a highly sought-after spot for night diving and underwater photography.