Radares, Terceira: Drift Diving the Azorean Wall

Diving Radares immediately plunges you into the vibrant, current-swept world characteristic of the Azores. This is a site defined by movement, a deep wall and slope that demands awareness and rewards with thrilling pelagic action. As you begin your descent, the sheer face of the rock drops away beneath you, creating a sense of exposure unique to oceanic dive sites, especially those bathed in consistent flow. You’ll find yourself gliding effortlessly, carried by the invisible hand of the ocean along a topography that showcases the raw power of the Atlantic.

The profile here traces a rapid drop from a minimum depth of 5 meters down to a maximum of 40 meters, making it a dive primarily for advanced divers who are comfortable managing depth and strong currents. The steep incline suggests a dynamic environment, one where the water column is rich with nutrients, attracting a diverse array of schooling fish. As you drift past the darker sections of the wall, keep an eye out for the resident brown groupers (Epinephelus marginatus), often found lurking in crevices or patrolling the rocky outcrops.

The real highlight of Radares often comes in the form of its larger pelagic visitors, species that thrive in these open ocean conditions. You can expect to encounter large schools of mackerel (Scomber scombrus) shimmering in the blue, their movements reflecting the shifting currents. These fast-moving fish are often indicators of even larger predators in the vicinity, creating a sense of anticipation throughout the dive. The feeling of being suspended in the blue, watching these formations, is a quintessential Azorean experience.

Barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda) are also a common sight here, often holding their position against the current, their sleek forms perfectly adapted to this environment. They tend to patrol the mid-water, their keen eyes surveying the passing schools, adding a predatory edge to the serene drift. Further down the slope, or venturing out into the blue, you stand a good chance of encountering eagle rays (Myliobatis aquila) gliding gracefully. Their distinctive shapes and powerful wingbeats are always a breathtaking addition to any dive.