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Dive Spot Guide•
Ilheu da Vila
Boat dive around Vila do Porto's rocky offshore islet.
ScubaFreediveBoat EntryBeginner
Reef
Usually dived from Vila do Porto marina on a very short boat run, with the route shifting around the islet to match daily sea state.
About Ilheu da Vila
Ilheu da Vila is a short boat ride from Vila do Porto and circles a low offshore islet with prismatic volcanic rock, sandy pockets, and a small cave on the north side. Routes are usually chosen to match the sea state, which makes this an approachable coastal dive for training, night sessions, snorkeling, and relaxed photography when conditions are calm.
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Research Estimate At Ilheu da Vila
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
AccessSimple entry
Marine LifeGreat variety
Current StrengthLight current
Where Is Ilheu da Vila?
This spotNearby spots
Community sourced coordinates.
Ilheu da Vila Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
10m - 18m
Depth Note
The common circuit is usually described around 12-18 m, while wider loops around the reserve can extend deeper.
Typical Conditions
Short boat transfer, generally weak current on ordinary days, and multiple possible circuits around the islet depending on swell and wind.
Safety & Access At Ilheu da Vila
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficSurge
Safety Notes
Choose the circuit with the skipper based on wind and swell, keep close awareness of boat movement near Vila do Porto approaches, and treat the north-side cave as a calm-conditions feature rather than a must-do.
Access Restrictions
Boat access from Vila do Porto is the standard approach; the islet itself is not a shore-entry site and protected-area rules should be respected.
Legal Notes
The site sits within the protected Ilheu da Vila setting in Santa Maria. Follow local marine-protected-area rules and do not land on the islet without any required authorization.
Local Intel For Ilheu da Vila
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Rocky coastal dive with sandy sections at 10–18 m, suited to a relaxed shoreline-following profile.
Snorkel
Calm-day circuits around the islet are also used for snorkeling and introductory sessions, especially on the more sheltered side.
Ilheu da Vila Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Ilheu da Vila.
Current Snapshot
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Sea State
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Visibility Outlook
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Exposure Profile at Ilheu da Vila
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Exposure Note
Hourly forecast data is not available yet.
Recent Logged Visits At Ilheu da Vila
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Ilheu da Vila
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
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Ilheu da Vila Guide - Frequently Asked Questions
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Ilheu da Vila Guide - Sources and Updates
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