Gruta do Carapacho
A large crack on the south-facing wall of the biggest of the Carapacho islets; much of the 'cave' is actually a cavern with access to the surface, so it suits all levels. Light reaches about 17 m inside, and the walls host nudibranchs (including Hypselodoris picta azorica), dusky grouper and brown morays. Leaving the cave, heading east along the wall down to 32 m leads over a pebble seafloor with salema porgies, parrotfish, Almaco jacks and barracuda.
Facts
- Region: Azores – Central & West
- Area: Graciosa
- Depth: 0–32 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: cave, reef
- Coordinates: 39.009, -27.964 (approximate)
- Highlights: cavern open to the surface, Hypselodoris picta azorica, dusky grouper, brown morays
- Tips: About 15 minutes by boat from Praia harbour. Position approximate (off the Carapacho bathing area).