NBM Dive Site Resource
Banco D. João de Castro
Azores offshore, Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal
UNVERIFIED — The official Azores dive registry identifies Banco D. João de Castro as a current seamount dive, with an average depth of 18m and a published maximum of 60m. Conditions, route and access must be reconfirmed locally.
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Historic Picture Placeholder
Aquatic life at this dive site
What divers may encounter
Three reviewed connections are featured here. Sightings vary by season, conditions, and chance, so they are never guaranteed.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Aquatic life research in progress
NBM is reviewing a likely local species for this position.
Site media
Photographs
Three views rotate from the published gallery on each visit.
Contributor media
Dive videos
Three featured video positions are reserved on every profile.Published reference location
Location map
The marker shows the public coordinates associated with this profile. Confirm current access, moorings, and departure details before the dive.Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recent field observations
Diver-reported temperatures
Automatically checked observations from dives during the past 14 days. Three reports are visible at a time; scroll for more.A report that passes the automatic checks will appear here with the dive date, diver’s display name, and temperatures at each depth.
Reports are automatically checked for plausible dates, depths, and temperatures. They are observations, not forecasts; confirm conditions before diving.
Why divers know this place
Highlights
This unique experience begins with a boat trip through the rich seas of the Azores where you can often catch a glimpse of many species of cetaceans, turtle, and seabirds, particularly as you reach the bank. This spectacular dive revolves around an underwater volcano that last erupted in 1720. During the eruption the top of the volcano, which now lies 13 metres deep, came to the surface and formed the 10th island of the archipelago. Only 250 metres high and 1.5 kilometres in diameter, this small island disappeared about two years later, with the submarine bank found by a hydrographical ship of the same name in 1941.
Before you arrive
Access notes
By boat110 minutes from the Praia da Vitória Harbour (Terceira), 140 min from the Angra do Heroísmo Harbour (Terceira), 160 min from the Ponta Delgada Harbour (São Miguel).. Access is operator-, permit- and weather-dependent. The displayed coordinates are rounded locality points only—not an entry, launch, marina pickup, mooring, reef top, wreck position, cave entrance, descent point or navigation waypoint.
Plan within your training
Conditions and hazards
Open-Atlantic swell, changing visibility, surge and surface traffic are possible. Dive only with a current local operator and abort when conditions exceed training or the briefing. Moderate to strong current is documented; use appropriate drift/current procedures, surface signalling, live-boat support and conservative gas planning. Deeper routes require certification, gas planning, ascent discipline and decompression awareness; do not exceed personal or agency limits. Remote boat access increases evacuation exposure; require suitable sea state, oxygen, communications, reserves and a documented emergency plan. This is an active volcanic/hydrothermal environment; avoid vents, bubbles and unstable substrate, and follow current scientific or operator exclusion guidance.
At the site
Facilities and support
Use a licensed local dive center. Confirm transport, rental equipment, gas availability, emergency oxygen, communications, recall procedures, environmental restrictions and the current hyperbaric/emergency plan before departure.
Independent resource notice
This record is a starting point for independent verification. Access, closures, moorings, weather, currents, depth, visibility, operator availability, and site conditions can change without notice. Confirm current information with the responsible operator, property owner, managing authority, or another qualified local source before planning or attempting a dive.