Dive Site: Cinco Ribeiras

About Cinco Ribeiras

Cinco Ribeiras is situated on the western coast of Terceira Island in the Azores, named after a nearby village. This site provides an ideal introduction to Azorean diving, offering calm conditions and manageable depths suitable for newly certified divers while showcasing the archipelago's characteristic volcanic underwater landscape. It's a blend of subtropical Atlantic and cooler temperate marine life, creating a unique ecosystem. The underwater topography features volcanic basalt formations extending from coastal cliffs, with boulder fields, sand channels, and biologically rich lower-profile volcanic rock. Divers can explore intricate lava caves, arches, and tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity. Depths typically range between 5 and 16 meters, making the main reef structure accessible and well-lit. While invertebrate life like vivid sponges, serpulid worms, and various nudibranchs cover the basalt, fish species include ornate wrasse, bream, sea bass, and moray eels in crevices. Schools of Atlantic chub mackerel and salema are seen in deeper waters. Beyond the resident marine life, the Azores' open Atlantic position brings the potential for pelagic encounters like blue sharks, loggerhead turtles, or bottlenose dolphins, adding an element of excitement to every dive. Entry is often straightforward from the shore, sometimes via a natural swimming pool. The site offers both excellent shallow coastal exploration for snorkelers and less experienced divers, and more challenging cavern penetrations requiring specialized training, such as the "shrimp cave" and "Cavaco swim-through." It combines natural marvels with the subtle historical remnants of a shipwreck, including a scattered boiler from the Union which sank in 1911.

Dive site facts: Cinco Ribeiras

Depth

5–16 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

16–24°C

Entry

Shore entry / natural pool

Level

Beginner to advanced

Dive type

Reef, cavern, wreck, macro

Region / port

Terceira Island, Azores

Coordinates

38.6749, -27.3281

Conditions & Currents

Conditions at Cinco Ribeiras are generally calm, particularly on most days, making it accessible for newer divers. However, some sources suggest currents can be moderate, especially for specific entries or within certain cavern systems, where conditions can be more challenging. While shore entry is common and often straightforward, divers navigating the intricate network of caves and tunnels may experience varying water movements that demand good buoyancy control and specialized training. Visibility is often excellent, contributing to a pleasant diving experience, though like any coastal site, it can be influenced by weather conditions. Advanced divers engaging in cavern penetration should be prepared for potential tighter passages and current shifts inside.

Marine life & sighting chances

Ornate wrasse

common

Bream

common

Sea bass

common

Moray eel

common

Atlantic chub mackerel

occasional

Salema

occasional

Nudibranch

common

Sponge

common

Serpulid worm

common

Blue shark

rare

Loggerhead turtle

rare

Bottlenose dolphin

rare

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Your dive at Cinco Ribeiras typically begins with a straightforward shore entry, sometimes facilitated by a natural swimming pool, allowing for a gentle descent. The route navigates through distinct volcanic basalt formations, where you can explore boulder fields and sand channels at depths ranging from 5 to 16 meters. The primary path often involves traversing through lava caves, arches, and tunnels. For certified cavern divers, specific features like the famously tight 'shrimp cave' and the expansive 'Cavaco swim-through' offer unique explorations. The dive usually progresses, allowing time to observe the rich invertebrate life coating the rock faces and various fish species. A scattered boiler from the 1911 wreck of the Union serves as a historical point of interest. The turn point is determined by air consumption and diver comfort, maintaining plenty of bottom time in the shallower, well-lit areas. The safety stop is typically conducted in the calmer, shallower parts of the reef before a relaxed exit back to shore.

Underwater photography

Cinco Ribeiras presents excellent opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography due to its diverse topography and marine life. For capturing the dramatic volcanic arches, caves, and swim-throughs, a wide-angle lens is ideal. Be prepared for varying light conditions within the caverns; a powerful strobe or video light can illuminate darker areas and bring out the vibrant colors of sponges and growth. For macro subjects, including numerous nudibranchs, serpulid worms, and the detailed patterns of ornate wrasse, a macro lens will be highly rewarding. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially within confined spaces like the 'shrimp cave' and when hovering near delicate invertebrate communities. Ethical photography practices, ensuring no contact with the environment or disturbance to marine life, are essential.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Silveira

  Another dive site on Terceira Island.

• Poente

  An intermediate dive site also located on Terceira Island.

• LIDADOR

  A shallow historic steamboat wreck near Terceira Island, part of an archaeological park.

• Ilhéu de Vila Franca

  A well-known dive spot near Terceira Island, mentioned in general Azores diving context.

Getting there & logistics

To reach Cinco Ribeiras, divers typically fly into Lajes International Airport (TER) on Terceira Island. Most dive operations are based in towns like Angra do Heroísmo, approximately 18-20 km away, and offer transfers to the site. Cinco Ribeiras is primarily a shore dive, making access relatively easy, often through a natural swimming pool. Dive trips to the Azores often involve a combination of day boat dives to various sites around Terceira, or sometimes as part of a liveaboard itinerary exploring multiple islands. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this particular site, but standard dive operator costs apply for equipment rental and guide services. Trips typically range from single-day excursions to multi-day packages exploring the island's diverse underwater offerings.

Safety & environment

For diving at Cinco Ribeiras, the nearest recompression chamber is located in Funchal, Madeira, or Lisbon on mainland Portugal, emphasizing that emergency evacuation from the Azores can be a significant undertaking. Comprehensive dive insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and hyperbaric treatment, is therefore highly recommended. While Cinco Ribeiras is known for calm conditions and beginner-friendly depths, divers exploring its intricate cavern systems must possess specialized training and carry appropriate equipment, as these areas present unique navigational challenges and overhead environments. Always dive with a reputable local guide who understands the site's specifics. Pay attention to local weather and sea conditions, as wave heights and wind speeds, though generally calm in peak season, can affect accessibility and safety. Adhere to safe diving practices, monitor air consumption, and maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid damaging the delicate volcanic formations and marine life.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cinco Ribeiras FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cinco Ribeiras

These liveaboards may visit Cinco Ribeiras on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m