Access to location
Known as the Green Island, this is the biggest island of the Azores. It is about 54 miles away from its nearest neighbour, the island of Santa Maria, and about two times that distance from the closest island of the central group, Terceira.
Best time to visit location
São Miguel offers divers a great variety of sites and is easily accessible, with daily nonstop flights and a fascinating city base full of history and interesting monuments. Among the many coastal dive sites the ‘Dori’ shipwreck is undoubtedly the highlight. This Liberty ship from World War II rests on a sandy seafloor at an ideal depth for diving, just a few minutes away from the city of Ponta Delgada.
Between may and september
Information about the site
Panela is located about 100 metres from Água de Pau in front of an area called Cerco da Caloura, on the south coast of the island of São Miguel. You can access this site both from the shore and by boat. There are some areas that are only 5-10 metres deep, which is perfect for snorkellers, although it is only recommended when the seas are calm.
There are several arches and caves to explore, but the main attraction is a large cavern with two entrances. The opening is at a depth of 10 m and, after entering it, you can go down to a depth of 17 metres to reach the bottom. The light effects created by the two entrances above you are stunning.
Inside the cavern you can sometimes find large congers (Conger conger) and colourful cardinal fish (Apogon imberbis), Madeira rockfish (Scorpaena maderensis), Guinean puffers (Sphoeroides marmoratus) and several species of nudibranches.
Recommended diver experience level
Open water diver with experienceOpen water diver with experience,Open water diver with up to 30 dives