Cinco Ribeiras

Cinco Ribeiras, on the island of Terceira, is a sheltered dive site with shallow depths, averaging 12 metres with a maximum of 16. The current is usually weak and access is from the coast, about 15 minutes’ drive from Angra do Heroísmo and 35 minutes from Praia da Vitória. It’s a spot suitable for all levels, from introductory dives to snorkelling, though exploring the caves is reserved for those with more experience.

Everything begins within the natural pool of Cinco Ribeiras, which opens the way to the most renowned complex of submerged caves in the Terceira. There are several spacious galleries, connected by corridors and narrow passages. Descending gradually with the rocky wall always on your right, it’s common to encounter stingrays (Dasyatis pastinaca), very frequent here, and large schools of salema (Sarpa salpa).

Already at the entrance to the caves, the first chamber reveals moray eels of various species and nudibranchs, with walls lined with narwhal shrimp (Plesionika narval). From there you move into two larger chambers, where hakes (Phycis phycis) appear feeding on these shrimp and the striking red cardinalfish (Apogon imberbis).

The route can continue from cave to cave until you reach an exit at the opposite end. On the return there are two options: go around the outside, following the life-filled wall now on your left, or return through the interior of the complex, retracing your path in the opposite direction.