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Baixa dos Badejos

3
General Rating 
12345
Very Good
Marine Life Rating 
12345
Interesting
Seafloor/Scenery Rating 

Description

Access 

Boat

40 minutes from the Vila do Porto Marina

Depth

Average Depth 
20m
Maximum Depth 
35m
Currents 
Moderate
Dive Types 
Deep
Coastal Reef
Ideal place for 
Underwater photography
Diving Experience 
Advanced Open Water

Baixa dos Badejos

The Baixa dos Badejos (Island Grouper Reef) is located about 1 mile away from the coast, directly in front of Vila da Maia on the east coast of Santa Maria. The top of the reef is formed by a large platform located at a depth of 16 metres, which sits atop a vertical wall of about 35 metres. It is here that you can witness the main attraction of this dive - the countless island groupers (Mycteroperca fusca). There is every chance that you will also see barred hogfish (Pseudolepidaplois scrofa) and dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) in the large rock formations, pebbles and small stretches of sand.

The reef is located in an exposed area, with moderate to strong currents. This makes it ideal for schools of pelagic fish, including yellowmouth barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis) and Almaco jacks (Seriola rivoliana).  The maximum depth also makes this site suitable for more experienced divers.