VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Open-Atlantic Diving at Formigas & Dollabarat: Two Dives on a Day-Long Crossing from Vila Franca do Campo
A full-day, two-dive scuba expedition from Vila Franca do Campo into the Formigas and Dollabarat Natural Reserve — this guide lays out logistics, requirements, and what to expect underwater.
Open-Atlantic Diving at Formigas & Dollabarat: Two Dives on a Day-Long Crossing from Vila Franca do Campo.
Experience an unforgettable day of diving in the Natural Reserve of Formigas and Dollabarat: two dives on a boat crossing into open Atlantic waters where resident life and the passage of large pelagics make this a sought-after outing, with regional snacks and refreshments provided aboard.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Blue, Open Water and Pelagics
The reserve places you well offshore in the vast Atlantic with the possibility of encountering large pelagic species alongside rich resident marine life — the blue expanse and open‑ocean setting are the trip’s primary draw.
Two Exhilarating Atlantic Dives
The program is organized as two dives on the same outing, normally planned at the Ilhéus das Formigas and the Recife do Dollabarat depending on sea conditions, delivering varied underwater terrain across the reserve.
Full-Day Support with Local Provisions
This is a full-day excursion that includes guide support, tanks and weights for two dives, and typical regional snacks, fruit and drinking water served onboard.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
A full day from early morning to late afternoon: you board at Vila Franca do Campo and make the roughly two‑hour boat crossing out to the reserve. Expect two guided dives in clear, open Atlantic waters separated by surface intervals aboard the dive boat, with snacks and water served while you transit and on the surface between dives.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing includes a dive guide, cylinder and weights for two dives, typical regional snacks, fruit and drinking water, and activity liability insurance (20 million EUR).
Divers must hold an international certification of at least Level 2 and complete a coastal dive with the operator prior to the offshore trip; bring your certification card and any personal dive equipment you routinely use.
This is a full‑day program, typically running from 07:00 to 17:00, with two dives conducted during the outing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
It is a full‑day trip, normally from 07:00 to 17:00.
How many dives are included?
The program includes two dives during the outing.
What certification do I need to dive?
Divers must hold an international certification with a minimum of Level 2 and complete a coastal dive with the operator prior to the offshore trip.
When does this program operate?
This program runs in July, August and September.
Are food and drink provided on board?
Yes — typical regional biscuits, fruit and drinking water are provided during the trip.
How far offshore are the dive sites?
The reserve is approximately 41 nautical miles from Vila Franca do Campo and reached by a roughly two‑hour boat passage.