Diving Santa Maria Island

Explore diving Santa Maria Island

The Azores offer exceptional diving conditions thanks to their mild climate and nutrient-rich sea currents. With crystal-clear visibility and vibrant marine life, every dive here is unforgettable. Divers can encounter majestic manta rays, amberjack, tuna, barracuda, and large schools of colorful reef fish, along with the ever-present moray eels. The islands’ diverse underwater landscapes showcase volcanic formations, coral gardens, and thriving ecosystems that attract marine life year-round. Recognized as one of the best scuba diving destinations in Europe, the Azores feature world-class dive sites such as Ambrosio, Dollabarat, and Formigas, offering unforgettable experiences for divers of all levels.

When to dive Santa Maria Island

In Santa Maria, the scuba diving season runs from June to October, when sea and weather conditions are at their best. During these months, divers can enjoy warm waters averaging 23°C, excellent visibility, and an abundance of marine life. Schools of pelagic fish, graceful manta rays, and vibrant reef species make every dive a memorable experience. Though winter brings rougher seas, the summer and early autumn months provide ideal conditions for underwater exploration. With its rich biodiversity and calm, clear waters, Santa Maria stands out as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the Azores.

Book your diving Santa Maria Island

Common marine life sightings for Santa Maria Island

More Information

Getting to Santa Maria Island in the Azores is simple, with several convenient travel options. The island is served by Vila do Porto Airport (SMA), offering regular flights from São Miguel’s João Paulo II Airport (PDL) and connections from mainland Portugal via Lisbon or Porto. Most international visitors first fly into São Miguel, then take a short 30-minute domestic flight to Santa Maria. During summer, inter-island ferries also operate between São Miguel and Santa Maria, providing a scenic route across the Atlantic. Once on the island, rental cars and local taxis make it easy to explore beaches, dive centers, and top Santa Maria scuba diving spots.

Time Zone

UTC Z

Phone

+351

Currency

EUR

Voltage

230 V

Pressure

Bar (bar)

Plug

C, F

Languages

English, French, Portuguese

1st Stage

DIN

Domestic airports

Santa Maria Airport (SMA)

International airports

Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS)

Thanks, from PADI.

This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Haliotis – Faial, Haliotis – Santa Maria. Disclaimer

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