#7: Diving into the heart of a volcano

🌊 Underwater exploration at Ilheus das Cabras: Diving into the heart of a volcano! 🌋

Welcome to an exciting underwater adventure as we explore the mysterious Ilheus das Cabras, translated as "The Goat Islets", off the south coast of Terceira in the Azores archipelago.

🌋 Geological uniqueness:

Ilheus das Cabras emerges from a submarine volcano, displaying a unique geology with rock formations called Hyaloclastites, created by the explosive cooling of lava in contact with water during submarine volcanic eruptions. The origin of the separation of the islets, parts of an ancient volcanic cone brought to the surface by an underwater eruption, remains unknown. Two theories suggest that either a violent explosion or erosion over time contributed to their separation.

🤿 Underwater Exploration:

Around these islets, you can find various caves, niches and hollows formed by volcanic activity, creating varied habitats that support a rich and varied fauna. The aim of our dive is to explore the slopes of the old volcano, with a significant stop at Gruta dos Ratãos, reputed to be home to a large population of common eagle rays.

🤩 Unexpected Encounters:

Highlights include the discovery of a black moray eel outside its cave, a brown comber resting on a rock, a distant school of barracuda, and an unexpected encounter with a large school of mackerel, providing an incredible experience for divers.

In this video, you can find out more about:

00:54 - Ilheus das Cabras, the remains of a volcano

03:26 - Discovering the dive site

06:46 - A few surprises...