Gruta dos Corais (Coral Cave)
A reef less than 100 m off the town of Velas, with the top at 5–10 m. The Coral Cave at 24 m has black coral around its wide entrance and inside, with narwal shrimp (Plesionika narval) and cardinalfish; the reef top has morays including the less common fangtooth moray, parrotfish and small schools of salema. The reef top is an easy dive; the cave is reserved for more experienced divers.
Facts
- Region: Azores – Central & West
- Area: São Jorge
- Depth: 5–24 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: reef, cave
- Coordinates: 38.6786, -28.2009 (approximate)
- Highlights: black coral at the cave entrance (24 m), narwal shrimp, cardinalfish, fangtooth moray
- Tips: 2 minutes by boat from Velas harbour. Position approximate (harbour waters; the exact spot is not published).