dive.visitazores.com · Tourism
Official Azores dive-spot page with protected-area context.
Dive Spot Guide•
Ilheu West
Protected Azores slope with ravines and clear water
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Local operator required
The reserve is protected and dive planning should stay operator-led.
Boat-access islet dive with volcanic slope, four ravines, and protected-species zoning in clear Azores water.
About Ilheu West
Ilheu West is a boat-access dive on the west side of the Vila Franca do Campo islet in the Azores. It combines a volcanic slope, shallow ledges, and four ravines that can be entered but not crossed because they protect local species. The site is valued for clear water, sheltered pockets, and a rich mix of small reef fish and larger coastal life on a protected island profile.
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Research Estimate At Ilheu West
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 20m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHeavily damaged
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
CurrentLight current
Where Is Ilheu West?
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Community sourced coordinates.
Ilheu West Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
8m - 22m
Depth Note
A shallow platform begins in the high single digits and slopes to about 22m, with four ravines that can be entered but not crossed.
Typical Conditions
Clear-water protected-islet conditions with wave-direction and current sensitivity around the outer slope.
Safety & Access At Ilheu West
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Overhead environmentRestricted accessSurge
Safety Notes
There are four ravines that may be entered but should not be crossed; they are managed for species protection.
Access Restrictions
Four ravines can be entered but not crossed, and the reserve is protected.
Legal Notes
Treat the islet as a protected nature reserve and stay within the allowed routes.
Local Intel For Ilheu West
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Volcanic slope and ravines make this a scenic protected-reserve scuba dive.
Freediving
Better treated as a scuba dive than a freedive target, unless a local operator confirms calm conditions and access.
Snorkeling
The shallower reserve can be attractive from the surface, but the west-side slope is mainly a scuba target.
Wildlife at Ilheu West
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Ilheu West
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Ilheu West
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility20m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
