Pedrinha

About this dive site

This dive site, Pedrinha, is a marine reserve located approximately 15 minutes from the marina of Vila do Porto on the island of Santa Maria in the Azores, Portugal. The entry point features a mooring buoy descending to the main rock at 8 meters. Navigation is relatively straightforward, following the rock formations down to the average depth of 15-25 meters. The site's main attraction is its rich biodiversity, but divers should be aware of the moderate currents that can occur.

Marine life is plentiful. You can expect to see dusky groupers hiding in crevices, barracudas and amberjack patrolling the open water column, and a variety of smaller creatures including shrimps in a small opening near the bottom rocks where a large yellow moray eel also makes its home. The abundant flora contributes to the overall richness of this underwater ecosystem.

The best time to visit Pedrinha is during the warmer months (June-September) when visibility is typically best and the water temperature is more comfortable. While suitable for freediving within shallower sections, divers should always be aware of the potential for moderate currents and maintain proper buoyancy control. Experienced freedivers might find deeper exploration challenging and need to be aware of their limits. For both divers and freedivers, it is recommended to check current conditions before entering the water.