YELLOWSTONE - Azores

Yellowstone isn't your typical Azores dive. Forget deep volcanic walls for a minute; this is a big, shallow wreck with a real story. Built in 1918, this steamship ended up dragging anchors and being blown ashore in Ponta Delgada Harbour just two years later. You’re diving history, barely five metres down. We love it because it’s so accessible, yet feels like a proper wreck dive. Because it’s so shallow, you get incredible light, playing through the skeletal remains of the hull. You can swim right over the massive metal beams and plating, imagining the ship in its prime. This isn't a penetration dive, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies to peer into. Schools of damselfish shimmer around the rusted structures, and we’ve often spotted large parrotfish grazing on algae that’s taken hold. Our favourite is spotting the octopus tucked away in a shadowed corner, blending perfectly until it decides to move. It’s a completely different vibe to the offshore pinnacles, and a great way to spend an afternoon after a morning of deeper diving, especially if you want a long bottom time to just explore and photograph. Visibility can vary, but generally, inside the harbour, it’s decent enough to appreciate the scale.

Location
Azores, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.736110, -25.666666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Marine Protected Area: Porto das Capelas-Ponta das Calhetas

Best Time to Dive in Azores

The warmest water temperatures in Azores occur in January, averaging 16.8°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.8°C (air: 16.4°C)
  • February: 16.8°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • March: 16.8°C (air: 15.8°C)
  • April: 16.8°C (air: 16.3°C)
  • May: 16.8°C (air: 17.5°C)
  • June: 16.8°C (air: 19.2°C)
  • July: 16.8°C (air: 21.6°C)
  • August: 16.8°C (air: 23.4°C)
  • September: 16.8°C (air: 22.5°C)
  • October: 16.8°C (air: 20.9°C)
  • November: 16.8°C (air: 18.9°C)
  • December: 16.8°C (air: 17.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Azores

Nearest Dive Centres to YELLOWSTONE

Marine Life in Azores

Home to 229 recorded species including 153 reef fish, 23 whales & dolphins, 18 sharks & rays, 11 other, 7 seagrass & algae, 4 hard corals.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for YELLOWSTONE

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical depths and visibility like when scuba diving in Yellowstone Lake?
The provided data pertains to the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck in the Azores, Portugal, not Yellowstone Lake. For the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck, the typical depth is 5 meters. Information regarding visibility for this specific wreck, or for Yellowstone Lake, is not available in the provided context.
What unique underwater features and aquatic life can divers expect to see in Yellowstone Lake?
Our data describes the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck, a steam ship vessel sunk in 1920 in the Azores, not Yellowstone Lake. Divers exploring the YELLOWSTONE wreck can expect to see the remains of this 122.8m x 16.2m ship. Information regarding specific aquatic life for this site or Yellowstone Lake is not available in the provided context.
How challenging is scuba diving in Yellowstone Lake, and what skill level is recommended?
The provided information details the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck dive site in the Azores, not Yellowstone Lake. Diving the YELLOWSTONE wreck is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. This classification suggests divers should have a good grasp of basic diving skills and some experience.
When is the best time of year to go scuba diving in Yellowstone Lake?
Information regarding the best time of year to scuba dive in Yellowstone Lake, or for the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck in the Azores, is not available in the provided data. For general guidance on dive seasons, please refer to our When to Dive section.
What specific certifications or permits are required to scuba dive in Yellowstone National Park?
The provided data does not contain information about specific certifications or permits required for diving in Yellowstone National Park. Furthermore, details regarding permits for the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck in the Azores are also not available in this context.
What are the water temperatures, currents, and general conditions divers should be aware of in Yellowstone Lake?
The provided data does not include information on water temperatures, currents, or general diving conditions for Yellowstone Lake. Similarly, these details are not available for the 'YELLOWSTONE' wreck dive site in the Azores.