Log This Dive

Ilhéu de Vila Franca

Diving Ilhéu de Vila Franca feels like slipping into a secret, sun-drenched aquarium. The site is actually a collapsed volcanic crater, and you fin through the narrow channel that opens into its interior. It’s shallow, mostly five to fifteen metres, making it a dream for newer divers or those who just want a relaxed, long bottom time. We love drifting along the inner walls, which are covered in a surprising amount of invertebrate life, then heading out towards the mouth where the real action often happens. We’ve seen schools of juvenile barracuda shimmering like mercury here, and the resident boarfish are always darting in and out of the cracks. Keep an eye on the sandy patches for the occasional friendly stingray, and watch for passing loggerheads, particularly in late summer. Our favourite part is the light play; it filters down through the surface, illuminating the volcanic rock formations in incredible ways. Visibility is usually good, twenty metres isn't uncommon, and there’s rarely any current inside the crater, which is a big plus. It’s an ideal spot for macro enthusiasts, but equally enjoyable for anyone wanting a peaceful, pretty dive.