Baixa das Castanhetas

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This dive site located at the South coast of S. Miguel Island presents lots of crevices, arches, caves, and canyons. Normally it presents moderate current. However, sometimes, it can be strong. The descending is done near a cave with three entrances where a school of big trevallys is regularly present. Leaving by one of the two other entrances, the diver would see slipper lobster and crabs hidden in the crevices. In the outside of the rock formation schools of damselfish that grant color to the dive. In the crevices different type of morays while in the bottom the common fauna of Azorean waters such as rainbow wrasses, ornate wrasses, damselfish, scorpion fish, breams, groupers, and parrot fish. At the south, east and west slopes, the depth goes suddenly to 40m and pelagic life will be present.  Along with barracudas, almaco jacks, and Atlantic bonito, in the summer mantas, Sun-fish and even loggerhead sea turtle can be seen. Definitely, one of the best dives in S. Miguel Island.

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