Dive site · access from Azores
Monte da Guia
A protected bay formed by a volcanic crater on Faial's south side, near Horta.
- Depth
- 6–25m
- Current
- Mild
- Minimum level
- Open water
- Access
- Boat
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The case for it
Why dive here
- Sheltered volcanic-crater bay on Faial (Caldeira do Inferno)
- Calm coastal site suited to Open Water divers and check-outs
- Volcanic rock, resident fish and octopus
Check before booking
What may rule it out
- Conditions can change. Confirm depth, current and access with a local operator.
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.
Wildlife
Seen around Azores
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak seasondestination closed
These are destination-level records, not confirmed sightings at Monte da Guia.
Blue shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | destination closed |
| April | destination closed |
| May | destination closed |
| June | rare |
| July | peak season |
| August | peak season |
| September | peak season |
| October | peak season |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Sicklefin devil ray
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | destination closed |
| April | destination closed |
| May | destination closed |
| June | peak season |
| July | peak season |
| August | peak season |
| September | peak season |
| October | peak season |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Whale shark
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | destination closed |
| April | destination closed |
| May | destination closed |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Common dolphin
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | destination closed |
| April | destination closed |
| May | destination closed |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Ocean sunfish (mola)
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | destination closed |
| February | destination closed |
| March | destination closed |
| April | destination closed |
| May | destination closed |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | destination closed |
| December | destination closed |
Nearby alternatives
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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
- Diving Faial Island, PADI
- Epic Pelagic Action Awaits Divers in the Azores, Scuba Diving Magazine
Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.