Ilhéu da Gaivota

Ilhéu da Gaivota

Located on the south coast of Graciosa Island, the Ilhéu da Gaivota (Seagull Islet) is a sheltered and shallow dive site which is a good alternative spot on days where the weather or currents prohibit dives in other areas. It is also perfect for beginner dives, night dives and snorkelling.

This small islet is right in front of the bathing area of the Carapacho Spa, about 50 meters from the shore. The dive starts on the wall of the islet and ends at a depth of 14 metres on the sandy seafloor. Several cracks and holes along the wall provide homes for the different species of moray eels, common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Azores chromis (Chromis limbata), blacktail combers (Serranus atricauda), schools of salema porgies (Sarpa salpa), as well as other species typical of the Azores.

At the end of the wall (about 14 metres deep), you will come across some typical species; common eagle rays (Myliobatis aquila) characteristically rest on this type of seafloor, and large schools of grey triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) are also common. You may even see Almaco jacks (Seriola rivoliana).