SANTA MARIA
AZORES

Santa Maria, the southernmost island in the Azores, is a standout destination with a mix of exceptional visibility, varied underwater topography, and unique marine life encounters. The island’s volcanic origin has shaped a seabed of ridges, canyons, and submerged plateaus, all surrounded by the deep blue of the Atlantic. It’s a place where the ocean feels vast and wild — yet accessible — offering some of the most memorable diving in Europe.

​

Home to the Manta Trust affiliate Manta Catalog Azores led by Ana Filipa Sobral who conducts research and outreach programmes to study and protect the unique population of sicklefin mobula rays (Mobula tarapacana), here we can find the largest known population and aggregation of sicklefin mobulas.  Growing up to more than 3.5 meters in wingspan, the sicklefin is one of the largest mobulid species, extremely curious and closely related to manta rays. These elegant and elusive rays gather in large numbers at Baixa do Ambrósio, a well-known dive site just a short boat ride offshore. This expedition is designed to offer the best chances to experience encounters with these extraordinary rays, with daily dives at this unique Marine Protected Area. Expect to encounter groups of 10 to 30 rays gliding in slow, graceful loops in midwater. Their calm presence and close proximity to divers make for a peaceful and unforgettable experience.

​

Much about this species is still to be unravelled. Why are they aggregating here, how often do they reproduce, how big is this population, where do they go when they leave the area, which threats do they face are only a few of the still unanswered questions!

​

Beyond the mobulas, Santa Maria’s marine life is rich and varied. Among the regularly seen sea life are large schools of barracuda and amberjack, as well as tunas and groupers patrolling the rocky terrain. The reefs host a wide range of smaller species too — from moray eels and octopus to colorful nudibranchs hidden in the cracks.

 

Formigas, located 30 miles away from Santa Maria is another pelagic heaven with presence of sicklefin mobulas, schooling jackfish, barracudas, sharks and occasionally oceanic mantas too! This expedition will take you to explore Formigas over a double tank dive.

​

The dive sites around the island offer shallow to mid-depth dives with interesting rock formations, small caverns, and abundant marine life. The underwater landscape, shaped by lava flows, features tunnels, overhangs, and drop-offs that create both visual interest and habitat for marine species. With excellent visibility — often reaching 30 meters — and mild currents, conditions are generally favorable for relaxed and enjoyable dives.

​

For those looking to combine stunning Atlantic dive conditions with the chance to see mobula rays in the wild, Santa Maria is one of the best places to do it. The island remains relatively quiet compared to more commercialized dive destinations, giving the experience an added sense of discovery and authenticity. Santa Maria offers a compelling mix of marine biodiversity, dramatic underwater scenery, and moments that stay with you long after the expedition is over.