NBM Dive Site Resource
Portinhos da Urzelina
Velas, Autonomous Region of the Azores, Portugal
UNVERIFIED — The official Azores dive registry identifies Portinhos da Urzelina as a current coastal/cave dive, with an average depth of 10m and a published maximum of 14m. Conditions, route and access must be reconfirmed locally.
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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 is an easy dive that takes place at a depth of between 8 and 14 metres in a very sheltered area with few currents. It is also directly accessible from the coast, with an entrance from the tide pools of Urzelina (Portinhos). It is a great place for beginner dives, night dives and snorkelling. Despite the proximity to the coast, this site offers some great caves and caverns. Heading west from the tide pools, you will find several of these that can be reached without descending far. The one that stands out is a wide cavern located at a depth of 8 metres. Although it appears to be a cave, as you swim into the cavity you will see that it turns into a large cavern, with an opening in the ceiling that lets the natural light in. The interesting cone of light is surrounded by large colonies of colourful yellow cluster anemone (Parazoanthus axinellae).
Before you arrive
Access notes
Boat 20 min from the Velas Harbour Coast 15 min by car from Vila das Velas. 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. Any overhead entry requires appropriate cavern/cave training, redundant gas and lights, a continuous guideline and an operator-approved plan; otherwise remain in open water.
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.