Banco João Lopes

Type:

Scuba DivingFreediving

Entry:⚓Boat Entry

Difficulty:Advanced

Tags:

DeepReef

About This Dive Spot

Banco João Lopes is a reef dive site off the northern coast of Santa Maria Island. It features steep slopes and walls with plateaus around 20 m, descending to about 40 m. Divers can encounter schooling fish such as jacks and yellowmouth barracudas, along with wrasses, dusky groupers, and devil rays.

Planning details

Reported depth and seasonality.

Reported depth

Up to 40m

Depth note

Reef reported to reach 40 m, with plateaus at around 20 m.

Local intel

Community notes to help plan your visit.

Tailored notes for different activities.

Scuba

Depth extends to about 40 m, with notable features around 20 m.

Dive Spot Log Averages

Average conditions based on logged dives & visits

No community dive data has been logged here yet. Be the first to record a dive and seed the averages.

Dive Conditions Planner

Current snapshot, today hourly conditions, and seven-day planning data.

Current snapshot

Right now

--🌥️Variable

Weekly trends

Marine rhythm

Surface outlook

Unlock the full potential of DiveJourney.

Recent Logged Visits

No Dive Logs Yet

Be the first to log a dive at this spot and share your experience!

Spots Near Banco João Lopes

📍 1.4 km

Baixa Do Ambrósio

Not Set

Baixa do Ambrósio, near Santa Maria Island, is a shallow dive site known for encounters with large groups of manta rays and schooling fish. Its low depths make it accessible to divers across experience levels. Moonfish may also be seen on occasion.

📍 2.0 km

Banco João Lopes

⚓

Banco João Lopes is an offshore reef on the north coast of Santa Maria, lying about one nautical mile northwest of Anjos. The reef top is around 14 m, with the surrounding seabed sloping down to about 40 m. Being farther from the coast, it can experience moderate to strong currents and is visited by wrasse species, schools of salema porgies, and blacktail combers.

📍 4.7 km

Ambrósio

⚓

Ambrósio is reached on daily trips from Santa Maria Island and is known for exceptionally consistent encounters with large groups of mobulas when the water is around or above 22°C. Between July and October, divers often see big pelagic action here, including mobulas (sometimes in large schools), whale sharks, and other fast-moving fish.

📍 6.8 km

Calçada do Gigante

⚓

This site features a large underwater rock formation with striking prismatic rock structures. The formation lies not far from shore and offers a scenic rocky seascape. It is accessed as a boat dive and is typically explored between 15–25 m, with sightings that can include groupers, eels and moray eels, as well as shrimp.

📍 9.0 km

Baia do Pocâo

⚓

A boat-access dive close to a rocky shoreline, featuring prismatic rock formations mixed with sandy patches. The dive is commonly done by following the coastline contours. Depth ranges from 10–18 m, making it a moderately shallow coastal dive with plenty of structure to explore.

📍 9.9 km

Ilhéu da Vila

⚓

This dive takes place around a small islet just off the southwest coast of Santa Maria, about 200 metres from shore. Although it is close to a marina, it is within the island’s natural park and is described as having fairly abundant marine life. Schools of pelagic fish are commonly seen here.

Loading nearby spots...

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best entry point at Banco João Lopes?

Entry at Banco João Lopes is detailed in the spot description above. Look for specific landmarks, access paths, and any tide or condition requirements. Local divers often share updated entry tips in their dive logs.

What conditions are best for diving Banco João Lopes?

Optimal conditions at Banco João Lopes depend on several factors including tide, wind, and season. Check recent dive logs for current condition reports and patterns. Generally, calmer seas and high tide provide better visibility and easier entry.

What is the maximum depth and typical visibility at Banco João Lopes?

Depth and visibility information for Banco João Lopes can be found in the spot details and recent dive logs. Conditions can vary significantly based on weather, tide, and season. Always plan your dive according to current conditions and your certification level.

Are there any safety considerations or local etiquette at Banco João Lopes?

When diving Banco João Lopes, respect local regulations, marine life, and other water users. Be aware of any specific hazards like currents or boat traffic mentioned in the spot description. Follow Leave No Trace principles and local diving etiquette.