Core Risks to Plan For

Swell and surge: The same volcanic structure that makes Flores beautiful can amplify surge. If the exit is not guaranteed safe, do not enter.
Variable visibility: Spring conditions can be closer to 10 m to 15 m while late summer can exceed 30 m.
Overhead environments: Cave sites require discipline. Stay in the light zone unless trained and equipped.

Best Practices

Carry and know how to deploy an SMB.
Use conservative gas rules and avoid pushing no-decompression limits, especially on repetitive days.
Manage thermal stress: water averages 16°C to 22°C most of the year, with late-summer peaks around 24°C to 25°C.
If you are tired from hiking, simplify your dive plan and avoid caves and deeper walls.

Flores has local medical services in Santa Cruz das Flores, including a listed hyperbaric chamber facility. Because the island is remote, serious cases may still require coordination and possible transfer to larger islands or mainland Portugal.

Core Risks to Plan For

Swell and surge: The same volcanic structure that makes Flores beautiful can amplify surge. If the exit is not guaranteed safe, do not enter.
Variable visibility: Spring conditions can be closer to 10 m to 15 m while late summer can exceed 30 m.
Overhead environments: Cave sites require discipline. Stay in the light zone unless trained and equipped.

Best Practices

Carry and know how to deploy an SMB.
Use conservative gas rules and avoid pushing no-decompression limits, especially on repetitive days.
Manage thermal stress: water averages 16°C to 22°C most of the year, with late-summer peaks around 24°C to 25°C.
If you are tired from hiking, simplify your dive plan and avoid caves and deeper walls.

Even on sunny days, swell can make cave entrances, boulder fields, and shore exits hazardous. If you cannot guarantee a safe exit, do not enter the water.

Flores flights and ferries are sensitive to wind, visibility, and sea state. Build buffer time so a cancellation does not break your whole trip.

Treat Flores caves with respect. Stay in the light zone unless your team is trained and equipped, and keep excellent buoyancy so you do not silt out exits.

Algae-covered basalt steps and rocks can be slick. Use booties, move slowly, and keep hands free for stability.

Flores nature protections include coastal protected areas and sensitive seabird nesting sites.

Do not throw anything overboard. Pack out all waste.
Secure gauges and octos so nothing drags or scrapes.
Use controlled descents and excellent buoyancy. Avoid touching the reef, rocks, or animals.
Never collect souvenirs, including shells, rocks, or artifacts. Respect underwater cultural heritage.
Landing on Ilheu de Maria Vaz is prohibited. Keep distance from nesting cliffs and follow signage.
Choose responsible wildlife operators and follow official approach-distance rules for whales and dolphins.

Contact	Role	Phone	Availability
Emergency services	National emergency number (Portugal)	112	24/7
Centro de Saude de Santa Cruz das Flores	Health centre and hyperbaric chamber contact	+351 292 590 270	Call via 112 in emergencies

Flores Island

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Core Risks to Plan For

Best Practices

Safety And Conservation

Top Risks

Dive safety

Core Risks to Plan For

Best Practices

Snorkel and freedive safety

Wildlife and protected areas

Emergency contacts