Dive Site: Silveira

About Silveira

Silveira is a welcoming beginner-friendly dive site located off Terceira Island in the Azores archipelago, Portugal. Situated on the mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Azores offer a unique diving experience defined by ancient volcanic basalt landscapes, and Silveira exemplifies this character with its impressive walls, ledges, and small overhangs at accessible depths. The topography consists of volcanic basalt formations, irregularly shaped by centuries of oceanic activity, providing a rich habitat. These structures are colonized by marine life specific to the Atlantic, differing notably from Mediterranean or tropical Atlantic environments due to the islands' mid-ocean location and the influence of both warm southern and cool northern water masses. Divers frequently encounter almaco and amberjack, large schools of salema, and abundant Azorean chromis in the water column. Moray eels inhabit the many rock crevices, while colorful sponges, anemones, and bryozoans encrust the basalt, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Although the Azores are known for large pelagics, Silveira often hosts common octopuses and even parrotfish, which appear here at the edge of their Atlantic range, adding a subtropical touch to the temperate assemblage. The site offers outstanding value for divers seeking genuine adventure in pristine, wild Atlantic waters. Water temperatures range from 16°C in winter to 24°C in summer, necessitating appropriate wetsuit thickness. Generally, conditions are favorable with typically mild currents and good to exceptional visibility, making it an excellent introduction to Azorean diving.

Dive site facts: Silveira

Depth

2–15 m

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

18–30 m

Water temperature

16–25°C

Entry

Boat dive

Level

Beginner friendly

Dive type

Volcanic reef, macro, pelagics

Region / port

Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal

Coordinates

37.7192° N, 15.2517° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Silveira are typically mild, which contributes to its suitability for beginner divers. However, moderate currents can occasionally occur, particularly when Atlantic activity is heightened. The site is accessed via boat, allowing dive operators to select optimal entry and exit points based on prevailing conditions. Visibility is consistently good, often exceeding 25 meters, and can reach up to 30 meters on exceptional days, providing clear views of the underwater landscape. While Silveira is generally considered sheltered, Atlantic swells can still influence certain areas. Divers should consult with local dive centers for daily updates on localized current patterns and conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive, as these can impact the ease of navigation and overall experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Almaco jack

common

Amberjack

common

Salema

common

Azorean chromis

common

Moray eels

common

Sponges

common

Anemones

common

Bryozoans

common

Common octopus

occasional

Parrotfish

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Silveira is typically by boat, allowing divers to be positioned directly over the volcanic reef formations. Upon descent, you will explore a landscape characterized by basalt ridges, boulders, and low walls, which offer varied depth ranges. The dive usually involves navigating through intricate crevices, perfect for spotting invertebrates like moray eels and octopuses, while also observing the vibrant schools of Azorean chromis and other reef fish that populate the water column. A significant part of the dive includes traversing sandy patches interspersed among the rock formations, where you may frequently encounter Atlantic rays resting or moving across the seabed. Given the generally mild currents and excellent visibility, divers can explore the reef at a comfortable pace, gradually ascending as the dive progresses. Safety stops are typically performed in the shallower sections of the reef, providing additional opportunities for marine life observation before surfacing.

Underwater photography

The clear Atlantic waters and the dramatic contrast of the dark volcanic substrate at Silveira create excellent conditions for underwater photography. For wide-angle shots, consider capturing the expansive reef landscape with its unique basalt formations, or the dense schools of Azorean chromis that often cloud the reef. A dome port is highly recommended to enhance clarity and capture the full scope of the underwater scenery. Macro enthusiasts will find ample subjects in the crevices and on the encrusted volcanic rock, including moray eels, common octopuses, and a variety of colorful sponges, anemones, and bryozoans. Focus on the intricate textures of the volcanic formations and the subtle behaviors of the smaller inhabitants. When photographing the reef, maintain excellent buoyancy to avoid stirring up sediment and preserve the pristine visibility for both yourself and other divers.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Poente

  Another site on Terceira Island

• LIDADOR

  Advanced site with an 11m depth reference, also on Terceira

• Cinco Ribeiras

  Advanced site with a 16m depth reference, also on Terceira

Getting there & logistics

Silveira is located off Terceira Island in the Azores, Portugal, and is accessed via boat from local dive centers. Several PADI and SSI certified centers operate in the vicinity, particularly in Angra do Heroismo, which is approximately 1.4 to 8.1 kilometers away, and Praia da Vitória, about 17.7 kilometers away. These centers facilitate day trips to the site. Divers typically arrive in the Azores via air travel to one of the island's airports, such as Lajes Field (TER) on Terceira. Dive trips to the Azores often involve exploring multiple sites around a single island or island hopping. There are no specific park fees mentioned for Silveira, but dive package costs will cover boat charters and guiding services.

Safety & environment

Diving at Silveira, while beginner-friendly, still requires adherence to standard safety protocols. The nearest recompression chamber would be found on a larger island in the Azores archipelago, but specific locations are not detailed in the provided sources. Divers should always carry comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, especially when diving in remote island locations like the Azores, where advanced medical facilities may not be immediately accessible. Site-specific hazards are primarily limited to potential moderate currents, which, though usually mild, can become stronger with increased Atlantic activity. Always listen carefully to the dive briefing from local operators regarding current patterns and entry/exit procedures. Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the volcanic reef formations and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Silveira FAQ

Liveaboards diving Silveira

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

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m

$494/day