Dive site · access from Azores

Baixa da Barca

A coastal volcanic reef in the sheltered Faial channel off Pico.

Depth
10–30m
Current
Moderate
Minimum level
Advanced open water
Access
Boat
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The case for it

Why dive here

  • Volcanic reef off Pico in the Faial channel
  • Backup coastal option when the seamounts are blown out
  • Resident fish life — groupers, moray, amberjack

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What may rule it out

  • Advanced open water certification is the stated minimum.
  • Moderate current can affect whether the site is suitable on the day.

Access and timing

Plan this through Azores

Best overall months: Jul, Aug, Sep. Check the destination planner for operating season, wildlife and other matching sites.

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Wildlife

Seen around Azores

rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed

These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Baixa da Barca.

Blue shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchdestination closed
Aprildestination closed
Maydestination closed
Junerare
Julypeak season
Augustpeak season
Septemberpeak season
Octoberpeak season
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Sicklefin devil ray
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchdestination closed
Aprildestination closed
Maydestination closed
Junepeak season
Julypeak season
Augustpeak season
Septemberpeak season
Octoberpeak season
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Whale shark
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchdestination closed
Aprildestination closed
Maydestination closed
Junerare
Julyrare
Augustrare
Septemberrare
Octoberrare
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Common dolphin
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchdestination closed
Aprildestination closed
Maydestination closed
Junecommonly seen
Julycommonly seen
Augustcommonly seen
Septembercommonly seen
Octobercommonly seen
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
Ocean sunfish (mola)
Sighting likelihood by month
MonthLikelihood
Januarydestination closed
Februarydestination closed
Marchdestination closed
Aprildestination closed
Maydestination closed
Juneoccasional
Julyoccasional
Augustoccasional
Septemberoccasional
Octoberoccasional
Novemberdestination closed
Decemberdestination closed
See the destination wildlife guide

Nearby alternatives

Compare another site

Monte da Guia6–25m · Mild · Open waterCondor Bank5–40m · Strong · Advanced open waterPrincess Alice Bank8–40m · Strong · Advanced open waterBaixa do Ambrósio5–40m · Strong · Advanced open water

Sources & last checked

Checked July 2026

Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.

View 2 sources and checking notes

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.