Baixa da Barca
One of three reefs in the Pico–Faial channel, about 2 nautical miles north of the Madalena islets. The peak is at about 20 m, and the 30–50 m flank has corridors and platforms with dusky grouper, forkbeard, barred hogfish and island grouper. Seasonal schools of barracuda, Almaco jack and bonito at the top; schools of blue jack mackerel draw devil rays, ocean sunfish and other pelagics. A challenging dive.
Facts
- Region: Azores – Central & West
- Area: Pico
- Depth: 20–55 m
- Level: advanced
- Current: strong
- Type: reef, pinnacle, channel
- Coordinates: 38.569, -28.5458 (approximate)
- Highlights: peak at 20 m, dusky groupers and forkbeard on 30-50 m flank, devil rays, ocean sunfish
- Tips: Advanced divers only; moderate to strong current. About 20 minutes by boat from Porto da Madalena. Position approximate (2 nm north of the Madalena islets).