Ilheu das Cabras

The twin islets of Ilheu das Cabras off Terceira's southeast coast form a protected marine reserve, and the difference is visible the moment you enter the water — fish density is notably higher here than at unprotected sites. The channel between the two islets funnels current and concentrates planktivores: large schools of salema and bream orbit the rocky walls while moray eels peer from crevices and starfish cover the lower reef. Blue sharks occasionally enter the channel during summer. The site is accessible enough for intermediate divers in settled conditions but surges strongly when swell wraps around from the south.