Official Azores dive-site page for Pedrinha.
Pedrinha is a marine reserve off Santa Maria.
Pedrinha is a marine reserve off Santa Maria.
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Pedrinha is a marine reserve off Santa Maria, reached by boat from Vila do Porto marina and known for easy access and clear water. The reef has a shallow top and then drops through a broad platform, caves, and volcanic formations into deeper slopes, so it works for relaxed dives and more ambitious profiles. It is a strong option for night dives, snorkeling, and underwater photography, with weak currents on the published profile. Expect small fish, barracudas, groupers, moray eels, nudibranchs, and occasional pelagic rays or sunfish.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
15m - 25m
Depth Note
The reef tops out around 5 m, the main platform sits around 8-12 m, and the bottom drops to 30 m on the north and over 40 m on the south.
Best Season
May through late October.
Typical Conditions
Shallow-top marine reserve with clear water, weak current, caves, and a mix of beginner-friendly and deeper routes.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
Keep an eye on buoyancy around the caves and deeper slopes, and treat the south side as the more ambitious part of the reef.
Access Restrictions
Boat access from Vila do Porto marina; marine protected area rules apply.
Legal Notes
Pedrinha is a Marine Protected Area; follow local protection rules.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
The reef tops out around 5 m, the main platform sits around 8-12 m, and the bottom drops to 30 m on the north and over 40 m on the south.
Freediving
The shallow top and platform can work for calm freediving, but the caves and deeper slopes are better explored on scuba.
Snorkeling
Very snorkel-friendly on the shallow top and platform, especially on calm days.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Official Azores dive-site page for Pedrinha.
Operator outing page with Pedrinha depth and certification details.
Operator spot page with Pedrinha depth and marine-protected-area notes.
Operator area page with Pedrinha marine-life notes.
Official Santa Maria tourism page with season and visibility guidance.
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