The Formigas Islets, also known as Ilheus das Formigas, is a very small cluster of islands that includes Dollabarat Reef. Located approximately 43 kilometers southeast of Sao Miguel and northeast of Santa Maria Island, the Formigas bank covers a surface area of approximately 9,000 square meters. Marked only with a solitary lighthouse warning mariners of the dangerous reef, the site is world-renowned as one of the best places to enjoy spectacular fish action. Not only will you encounter common species found throughout the Azores here, you may also encounter some rarely seen species. Bone up on your underwater video skills; we’re about to head out on an unparalleled adventure.
A Pinnacle Experience
In life, there are great experiences, and then there are pinnacle experiences. Diving the Formigas Islets is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’re likely to place within the second category. This little oasis in the middle of nowhere receives strong ocean currents that in turn bring life in incredible abundance. There are numerous plateaus and pinnacles here with depths between 5 and 20 meters, and at its deepest, the area’s maximum depth is a fairly attainable 70 meters.
Like the rest of the Azores, Ilheus das Formigas boasts excellent visibility, which affords divers the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views into the blue, where mobula rays and schooling tuna are encountered with regularity. Sightings of Galapagos sharks occur here, and during the summer months, giant oceanic manta rays and hammerhead sharks are encountered.
While you’re waiting for these rare marine animals to arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at the abundant local life that thrives along the rocky structures, which are comprised of four million year old basalt from ancient lava flows. Colorful wrasse and damsels can be seen here, along with larger fish including striped hogsheads, dusky groupers, and big parrotfish.
While you’re in the vicinity, be sure to take a dive on the wreck of the steamship Olympia. Lost in 1921 and home to a fascinating and colorful array of marine life, this old ship sits at a depth of just 20 meters.
Another exciting option is a deep dive along a wall that drops away to meet the ocean floor at a depth of 70 meters. This site features an abundance of beautiful black coral, and it is pockmarked with crevices where moray eels, octopus, and other creatures can be seen.
Without a doubt though, the opportunity to view countless fish in crystal clear water with visibility that often reaches 50 meters is the high point of this dive. Schooling sardines and mackerel shimmer in the water column, while larger fish hunt along the schools’ edges.
Dollabarat Bank and the Formigas Islets are only diveable when conditions permit, and unlike some of the planet’s most popular dive sites, this area is accessible only to experienced divers. As you might imagine, excursions to this Formigas are in high demand, and space is limited. A number of dive companies based in the Azores make regular trips to the area, but planning in advance is absolutely crucial if you’d like to secure a spot. As a bonus, there are quite literally dozens of astounding dive sites throughout the Azores, including wrecks, caves, walls, and scenic sites where you can get a taste of the same action, only on a smaller scale and minus the rare species. If you’re ready to experience something completely different, consider diving the Formigas Islets.