Vila Franca Islet (protected area)
Protected area. The Vila Franca islet lies less than 500 m off the coast and has a volcanic crater bay inside. Several dives follow cracks and canyons, chosen by wave direction, with Azores chromis, ornate wrasse, blacktail comber, parrotfish, moray, octopus and dusky grouper; open-water schools of white trevally, barracuda and almaco jack pass by. 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: 0–22 m
- Level: beginner
- Current: low
- Type: reef, cave
- Coordinates: 37.7025, -25.4455 (approximate)
- Highlights: volcanic-crater islet, cracks and canyons, dusky grouper, octopus
- Tips: Easy; about 5 minutes from Vila Franca do Campo marina. Protected islet: follow the guide and the code of conduct.