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    Ponta do Albernaz (Flores) – Azores – Flores & Corvo (Western Extremes)

    35m Max
    15-30m Vis
    boat

    Site Overview

    Ponta do Albernaz on Flores has steep walls plunging into the deep Atlantic, covered in huge gorgonians and black coral, with large groupers, amberjack and the chance of mantas. Pristine and rarely dived. 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 point and descend the wall, admiring the gorgonians and groupers, then drift for pelagics 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. 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

    Gorgonian Coral

    high

    Paramuricea clavata

    Best: Year-round

    Black Coral

    high

    Antipathella spp.

    Best: Year-round

    Dusky Grouper

    high

    Epinephelus marginatus

    Best: Year-round

    Amberjack

    medium

    Seriola dumerili

    Best: Year-round

    Manta Ray

    low

    Mobula birostris

    Best: July, August, September

    Safety & Hazards

    • Moderate to strong currents
    • Depth management
    • Surface swell
    • Cool thermoclines
    • Remote assistance
    Nearest Chamber
    Hospital de Ponta Delgada (evac)
    200km away

    Traveler Notes

    Who is this for?

    For advanced divers wanting pristine, remote walls. It suits experienced photographers and explorers. 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.

    wall
    reef
    gorgonian
    azores
    advanced

    For Non-Divers

    Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks and local cuisine while divers explore the site.

    Quick Stats

    Difficultyadvanced
    CertificationAdvanced Open Water
    Currentmoderate
    Water Temp17-24°C
    Best TimeJune - September

    Dive Logistics

    Operators
    • Flores Dive
    Pricing Guide
    $95 - $160
    Per 2-tank boat dive

    Photography Info

    Recommended Gear
    16-35mm
    60mm

    Best for: wide_angle, macro

    Nearby Stay