Gruta Azul
A cave in a small sheltered bay on the east coast near São Lourenço bay, with three exits and about 150 m of stone corridors and varied light effects, described as ideal for photography. Large common stingrays lie on the sand or in narrow corridors, and colourful sponges and small nudibranchs cover the walls. The official level is Advanced Open Water. 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: Santa Maria
- Depth: 15–17 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: low
- Type: cave
- Coordinates: 36.92966, -25.03736 (approximate)
- Highlights: cave with three exits, 150 m of corridors, light effects, stingrays
- Tips: Calm seas allow exiting in open water at the tip of the bay; about 40 minutes from Vila do Porto marina. Cave diving only with a guide and suitable training.