Save this place and discover nearby attractions with NextOnTrip
In the app you can add it to your favorites, see what else is worth visiting nearby on the map, and earn a badge for your visit.
The app is available for iPhone and Android.
About this place
Formigas Lighthouse stands on Formigão, the largest rock of the Formigas islets in the Azores, far out in the Atlantic. It is the only structure on this uninhabited group, and it guards shipping lanes in the eastern part of the archipelago.
Where is Formigas Lighthouse?
The Formigas islets are bare rocks in the eastern Azores, roughly 43–45 km northeast of Santa Maria and southeast of São Miguel. Together they cover only about 9,000 square metres. The submerged Dollabarat Reef lies in the same spot, which explains why a light was needed here.
What does the lighthouse look like?
The tower is about 19 m tall, built of stone and painted white. Its base sits roughly 3 m above sea level, so the lamp is at about 22 m. In clear weather the light carries around 12 nautical miles. A lighthouse was first proposed in 1883, but building on such remote rocks seemed too hard at the time. The present tower dates from the mid-20th century, and the work on the islet took a single summer.
Can you visit it?
No. The lighthouse and islets are closed to visitors. They are part of the Ilhéus das Formigas e Recife Dollabarat nature reserve, a protected area of high ecological value where fishing is banned, and they are also a Ramsar site. You see the lighthouse from the water, from a boat.
How do you see Formigas?
Boats leave from Vila do Porto on Santa Maria, and the crossing takes about 70 minutes. Local dive centres on Santa Maria run the trips. The draw here is diving rather than sightseeing on land.
- Level: the Azores dive guide rates the site Advanced Open Water.
- Conditions: average depth is about 20 m, maximum about 60 m, with moderate to strong currents.
- Marine life: divers report hammerhead and Galapagos sharks, giant manta rays and bonito, with whale sharks sometimes near the surface.
When should you go?
Operators on Santa Maria name June to September as the best diving season, when the sea is generally calmer and trips run more often. Check current schedules directly with a dive centre.
Frequently asked questions
Can I go ashore at Formigas Lighthouse?
No. The islets are off limits to tourists, so you view the lighthouse from a boat.
How do I get to Formigas?
The shortest route is from Vila do Porto on Santa Maria, about 70 minutes by boat. Local dive centres organise the trips.
Can beginners dive at Formigas?
No. The distance, depth and currents put it at Advanced Open Water level.
How tall is the lighthouse?
The tower is about 19 m high, and the light is roughly 22 m above sea level.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.