Gruta do Ilhéu das Cabras (Sheep Islet cave)
Sheep Islet lies about half a nautical mile off Terceira's south coast; the cave is on the islet's north slope. The entrance is at about 15 m and the cavern, large enough to enter by boat, rises to about 12 m inside. It is named for the summer sightings of up to a dozen stingrays swimming inside, with a strong backlight crossed by their shadows. At the deepest point, 24 m, schools of Almaco jacks, yellowmouth barracuda and bluefish pass.
Facts
- Region: Azores – Central & West
- Area: Terceira
- Depth: 12–24 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: cave, reef
- Coordinates: 38.63325, -27.14096 (approximate)
- Highlights: boat-sized cavern, stingrays (Myliobatis, Taeniura), Almaco jacks, barracuda
- Tips: No special certification needed, but it is a cavern: stay with the group and the light. About 10 minutes by boat from Angra harbour (35 from Praia da Vitória). Position approximate (north side of the islet).