Âncoras & Arcos (São Miguel) – Azores – São Miguel & Central Group
Site Overview
Âncoras and Arcos are coastal lava arches and swim-throughs on São Miguel, perfect for macro lovers. Octopus, moray eels and nudibranchs hide in the rock, and the shallow depth makes it a relaxed, all-level dive. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life.
Dive Briefing
"Boat to the arches and descend to the swim-throughs, shining a torch into the crevices for octopus and eels, then drift along the reef and ascend with a safety stop. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."
Signature Marine Life
Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Azorean Chromis
Chromis limbata
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodoris spp.
Best: Year-round
Cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Mild current
- Boat traffic
- Sharp lava edges
- Limited visibility after rain
- Sun exposure
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Perfect for open-water divers and macro photographers wanting a relaxed coastal dive. It suits beginners and critter hunters. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Azores Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro