Baixa da Penedia
Description
Boat
35 minutes from the Vila do Porto Marina
Depth
Baixa da Penedia
The Baixa da Penedia (Penedia Reef) is located 50 metres from the shore. With the top of the reef just 3 metres deep, and a maximum depth of 32 metres, this site offers different dive circuits and profiles depending on the experience of the diver. It is also an excellent spot for snorkelling.
At the top of the reef it is possible to observe a multitude of small colourful fish. Ornate wrasses (Thalassoma pavo), common octopuses (Octopus vulgaris) and several species of moray eels swim through the recesses of the rocky seafloor, which is covered with barnacles (Megabalanus azoricus). You may also spot small Mystery blennies (Parablennius incognitus) hiding in the crevices.
An oval cave is located at a depth of about 15 metres, featuring sponges of various colours. Continuing the descent along the reef flank, you will find a crack near the bottom where it is usual to spot a large dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and a school of white trevallies (Pseudocaranx dentex), as well as several stretches of black coral (Antipathella Wollastoni) and small schools of colourful swallowtail seaperches (Anthia anthia).