Dollabarat Bank (Formigas) – Azores – São Miguel & Central Group
Site Overview
Dollabarat is the shallowest part of the Formigas bank, with a plateau at just 5 m and dense coral and reef life below. Pelagic action mirrors the nearby islets, with jacks, barracuda and the seasonal chance of mobula and whale sharks over the drop-offs. 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
"Descend on the shallow plateau and work the edge where the reef drops into blue water, hooking in if current builds. Watch the blue for rays and sharks, then drift back 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
Mobula Ray
Mobula tarapacana
Best: July, August, September
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Atlantic Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Gorgonian Coral
Paramuricea clavata
Best: Year-round
Whale Shark
Rhincodon typus
Best: July, August, September
Safety & Hazards
- Strong currents
- Surface swell
- Long distance offshore
- Cool thermoclines
- Boat traffic
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For advanced divers who want the Formigas pelagic action with some shallow reef life. It suits photographers and experienced blue-water divers. 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
- Santa Maria Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro