Fradinhos

The Fradinhos form a small group of islets approximately 5 nautical miles southeast of Terceira and Pipas Harbour. What is visible at the surface is merely the summit of a submarine volcanic cone, and this origin explains the landscape that awaits the diver. It is a recognised spot for the abundance of bottom fish and, at the same time, for the passage of large pelagic species.

It is not a location for beginners. The distance from the coast, currents that sometimes intensify, and the depths involved reserve this dive for those with experience, at minimum at Advanced Open Water level. The current is usually moderate, the average depth is around 25 metres, and the seabed descends progressively until exceeding 60 metres, making it an ideal spot for technical diving and underwater photography.

As you descend, you are accompanied by the typical life of the Azores seabeds. True clouds of yellow damselfish (Chromis limbata) form and you cross paths with sizeable groupers (Serranus atricauda) and parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense). From 30 metres onwards appear the black coral branches (Antipathella wollastoni), impressive dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), colourful hogfish (Bodianus scrofa) and large scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa).

Offshore, it is not uncommon to encounter schools of pelagic fish, such as greater amberjack (Seriola rivoliana), bluefish (Pomatomus saltator), yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and even the elegant devil rays (Mobula tarapacana). You reach the Fradinhos by boat, approximately 20 minutes from Pipas Harbour or 35 minutes from Praia da Vitória Harbour.