Dive Site: Formigas Islets (Azores)

About Formigas Islets (Azores)

The Formigas Islets are a chain of small, low-lying rocky outcrops and submerged pinnacles situated approximately 40 kilometers east of São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores. This remote location in the Atlantic anchors a significant submarine reef system that serves as a vital biological magnet, drawing a remarkable concentration of pelagic species to its nutrient-rich waters. The diving experience focuses on these submerged pinnacles and seamounts, which rise from considerable depths to within eight meters of the surface. These geological formations create a unique environment where schools of yellowmouth barracuda spiral around the peaks, and large dusky groupers find refuge in the rocky crevices. The isolation and protected status of the Formigas marine reserve, established in 1988, contribute to a thriving ecosystem with significantly higher fish biomass compared to many other Azorean dive sites. The highlight for many divers visiting Formigas is the seasonal aggregation of mobula rays. From July through September, hundreds of Mobula tarapacana gather here, forming one of the largest known schools in the North Atlantic. Beyond the rays, encounters with blue sharks and occasional shortfin mako sharks are possible, underscoring the health and productivity of this mid-ocean environment. Loggerhead turtles and common dolphins are also frequently sighted during the two-hour boat journey to the site. Formigas Islets offer an advanced diving experience, often characterized by strong currents and exposed conditions. The two-hour boat crossing from either Vila Franca do Campo or Ponta Delgada on São Miguel emphasizes the site's remoteness. However, for those prepared for the challenging logistics and conditions, Formigas provides unparalleled big animal encounters, rivaling some of the world's most renowned pelagic hotspots.

Dive site facts: Formigas Islets (Azores)

Depth

8–40 m

Typical dive

15–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Strong

Visibility

15–40 m

Water temperature

17–24°C

Entry

Tender / negative entry

Level

Advanced, current experience required

Dive type

Pelagic, seamount, drift

Night dive

Not typical due to remoteness

Region / port

Azores, Portugal

Coordinates

37.2667, -24.7833

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Formigas Islets can be very strong and unpredictable, particularly around the pinnacles. Divers should be prepared for drift diving conditions and potential surge, which demands experience in open-water and current environments. Negative entries are often employed to manage the currents, and divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control.

Marine life & sighting chances

Mobula ray

July–September · common

Blue shark

July–October · occasional

Shortfin mako shark

rare

Yellowmouth barracuda

common

Dusky grouper

common

Amberjack

common

Loggerhead turtle

occasional

Common dolphin

common

Bottlenose dolphin

occasional

Azorean limpet

common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Formigas Islets typically begins with a descent directly onto the top of a submerged pinnacle, often requiring a negative entry due to strong currents. The shallowest points of these pinnacles are around 8-15 meters, where schools of barracuda frequently congregate. Divers then circumnavigate the pinnacle, exploring its walls and crevices, which house large dusky groupers. The dive progresses along the slopes to a deep base at around 25-40 meters, where the nutrient-rich waters attract pelagic species such as mobula rays and sharks. The exact route and depth profile are highly dependent on current conditions and the specific pinnacle being explored. The safety stop is conducted in the blue, usually around 5 meters, before ascent, often as a drift. Dives are typically limited to 50-60 minutes.

Underwater photography

Formigas Islets provide outstanding opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially during the peak season from July to September when mobula rays aggregate in large numbers. A wide-angle lens (e.g., fisheye or 16-35mm equivalent) is essential to capture entire schools of rays or sharks against the clear blue water. Given the depths and potential for overcast days, strobes are recommended to bring out color and reduce backscatter, particularly when photographing fast-moving pelagics. Excellent buoyancy control is critical due to strong currents and to avoid disturbing marine life around the pinnacles. Be patient and anticipate animal movements for the best shots. During early and late seasons, macro photography can be rewarding for smaller reef inhabitants, but the primary draw here is wide-angle pelagic action.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Dollabarat

  Often combined with Formigas Islets as part of a multi-day trip for pelagic encounters.

• Princess Alice Bank (Azores)

  Another renowned offshore seamount for mobula rays and other pelagics, typically accessed from Pico or Faial.

• Banco D. João de Castro

  A submerged seamount between Terceira and São Miguel, known for its unique volcanic activity and marine life.

• Ilhéu de Vila Franca

  A protected islet near São Miguel, offering varied coastal dive spots with different depth ranges.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Formigas Islets is exclusively by boat, typically a two-hour crossing from Vila Franca do Campo or Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, the main island of the Azores. International visitors usually fly into João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on São Miguel, which has direct flights from Lisbon, Porto, London, Paris, Boston, and Toronto. Day trips to Formigas are weather-dependent and usually operate only from June through October. Booking in advance (3-6 months) is highly recommended, especially for peak season, as boat capacity is limited. Trips are often run by dive operators on São Miguel. No special permits are generally required for diving, but operators will manage any necessary access for the marine reserve.

Safety & environment

Diving at Formigas Islets requires advanced certification and significant experience with strong currents and open-ocean conditions. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel, approximately two hours away by boat. Divers must carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency evacuation and recompression treatment. Sea sickness medication is often advisable due to potentially rough crossings. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and trips may be cancelled or altered at short notice for safety. Always follow your dive guide's instructions, maintain excellent buoyancy, and stay within designated depths and times, especially given the remote nature of the site and the challenges of evacuation.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Formigas Islets (Azores) FAQ

Liveaboards diving Formigas Islets (Azores)

These liveaboards may visit Formigas Islets (Azores) on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m