NBM Dive Site Resource
Pontão 16
Horta, Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal
UNVERIFIED — The official Azores dive registry identifies Pontão 16 as a current coastal/shipwreck dive, with an average depth of 24m and a published maximum of 26m. 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
Although this is an easy shipwreck dive, with no parts of the vessel accessible for entry, it is only advisable for experienced divers because of the depth (between 21 and 26 metres). Known as Pontão 16, this 40-metre long and 17-metre wide structure is a barge that was purposely sunk in 2003 so that people could wreck dive on a sandy seafloor in a relatively sheltered area. Although it was not that long ago, the metallic structures already have a considerable covering of sponges and algae, and countless Moroccan white seabreams (Diplodus sargus) seem to shield the whole structure of the barge.
Before you arrive
Access notes
Boat 10 min from the Horta Harbour. 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. Treat wreck or archaeological material as a no-touch feature. No penetration without wreck/overhead training, redundant gas, guideline and explicit operator approval; watch for sharp metal and entanglement.
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.