Baixa das Castanhetas (Damselfish Reef)
A reef less than 500 m from the coast off the Caloura bathing area: a maze of interlinked caverns, tunnels and gorges. The first cavern starts at 12 m with three wide entrances, and the flank drops vertically to over 45 m. Clouds of Azores chromis, white trevally, cardinalfish, nudibranchs and groupers live here; schools of pelagics and occasional devil rays pass in summer. The position is approximate (the official guide publishes no coordinates) and is for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Azores – East (São Miguel, Santa Maria, Formigas)
- Area: São Miguel
- Depth: 12–44 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: moderate
- Type: reef, cave
- Coordinates: 37.71034, -25.49645 (approximate)
- Highlights: maze of caverns and tunnels, clouds of Azores chromis, dusky grouper, summer devil rays
- Tips: Varied depths suit different levels (the deep flank is for experienced divers); about 15 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo marina.