Boca das Caldeirinhas, Terceira: Volcanic Walls and Craters

Boca das Caldeirinhas presents a volcanic dive, starting with a shallow plateau at 6 metres before dropping along a terraced wall that extends beyond 40 metres. The topography is defined by its volcanic origins, featuring distinct steps that create ledges and overhangs as you descend. This wall structure provides shelter and a varied substrate, supporting a dense community of marine organisms within its varied depths.

The site encompasses an underwater crater, which is a key feature shaping the dive profile. As you explore, you will encounter a series of canyons and crevices carved into the volcanic rock. These formations offer intricate pathways and hiding spots, making the dive dynamic and providing diverse habitats for resident species. Navigating these structures requires attention to buoyancy and trim.

Within the crevices and along the wall, you will find prolific marine life. Keep an eye out for large brown groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) often resting in the deeper sections or patrolling the ledges. Moray eels (Muraena helena) are common residents, often seen in rock fissures. Schools of barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis) may be present in the blue, while bream and damselfish populate the shallower areas.

Boca das Caldeirinhas is also notable for the presence of black coral (Antipathes subpinnata), which thrives in deeper, darker sections of the wall. This site is known to host a cleaning station frequented by parrotfish, offering an opportunity to observe their symbiotic behaviour up close. The interaction at these stations highlights the ecological dynamics of the site, providing insight into the daily life of the reef inhabitants.