Ilhéu da Rocha dos Bordões (Flores) – Azores – Flores & Corvo (Western Extremes)
Site Overview
Rocha dos Bordões is an iconic underwater field of basalt columns, with dramatic geology and abundant macro life. A unique Flores dive blending scenery and critters. 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. 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 columns and descend, exploring the basalt formations for macro life, then 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. 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
Nudibranch
Chromodoris spp.
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Azorean Chromis
Chromis limbata
Best: Year-round
Octopus
Octopus vulgaris
Best: Year-round
Spiny Lobster
Palinurus elephas
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate currents
- Depth management
- Surface swell
- Sharp basalt
- Remote assistance
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
For intermediate divers who love geology and macro. It suits photographers and Flores visitors. 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
- Flores Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro