This dive site, known as Buraco S. Pedro or São Pedro crack, is located off São Miguel Island in the Azores, Portugal. Accessible via a 15-minute boat ride, divers can begin their descent in shallow waters around 2 meters and explore depths up to 17 meters. The underwater topography offers a captivating mix of sandy bottoms, intricate rock formations, and dramatic wall sections, providing varied environments for exploration. The 'crack' likely refers to a geological feature, a fissure or canyon, that creates the diverse landscape and offers interesting routes.
The marine life here is diverse and interesting, appealing to macro enthusiasts and those looking for larger creatures. Notable species include various seaslugs, the elusive seahorse, and different types of rays such as the common stingray and the round stingray. Schools of fish like red mullet, grey mullet, axillary seabream, red porgy, wrasse, bastard grunt, and blacktail comber are commonly observed, along with the distinctive Triton shell.
The best time to visit São Pedro crack for diving typically aligns with the warmer months in the Azores, from late spring to early autumn, when water temperatures are milder and weather conditions are generally calmer. This site is highly suitable for both scuba divers and freedivers, with its shallow starting points and manageable depths. Its varied bottom structure makes it excellent for underwater photography, particularly for macro subjects due to the abundance of small creatures. Divers should always be mindful of local conditions and consult with dive operators for the best experience.
