The Formigas Islets (Ilhéus das Formigas) are a small group of islets that barely stretch 170 meters long and reach less than 15 meters at their highest point. They are lost in the Atlantic, a 1.5-hour boat ride from Santa Maria. These islets, a marine reserve, provide access to a submarine mountain of great interest for divers: Banco Dollabarat.
This bank experiences strong currents and can only be dived when the sea allows it, recommended only for experienced divers. This submarine mountain differs from others in the Azores archipelago due to its varying depths, with several plateaus and pinnacles between 5 and 20 meters before dropping to depths of over 40 meters.
T-shirts designed by divers for divers
VIEW MORE T-SHIRTS FOR DIVERS
Its high visibility allows us to have beautiful panoramic views of a blue filled with mobulas and other pelagic species such as Galapagos sharks, schools of tuna, bonitos, manta rays, and even hammerhead sharks. Along the walls and mounds, we can also see remarkable specimens of typical Atlantic fauna such as groupers, hogfish, or dogfish.
During the summer months, we can also see manta rays in Banco Dollabarat. Image by jome jome
In the Formigas Islets, there are also interesting dive spots where we will also see mobulas. We can approach the wreck "Olympia" and take advantage of excellent visibility to marvel at schools of gray triggerfish. One of the most interesting aspects of these islets is the possibility of practicing deep-sea diving through their walls that reach depths of 70 meters. Through these walls full of cavities, moray eels, conger eels, or hake, and even beautiful formations of black coral, keep appearing.
But undoubtedly, the spectacle is provided by the pelagics, from the smallest to the largest, in groups or solitary, all in a blue that provides us with more than 50 meters of visibility.
