Where we are

Our diving center is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, on the

Island of Santa Maria, the most southeastern island of the archipelago

of the Azores.

This location offers ideal conditions for diving, not only because of its

Fantastic water visibility (up to 40 meters) and water temperature(22-24ºC)

, but also because of its strategic location at the doorstep of the Natural

Reserve of Formigas and the Dollabarat Bank, Considered by many as the

best diving location in Europe.

2 hours from Lisbon!

OUR SETUP

Vessels

Manta: 7.10m, semi-rigid, 2x SUZUKI 90Cv, 14 Persons;

Badejo: 8.00m, semi-rigid, HONDA 225 HP, 20 Persons;

Rilusa: 7.10m, fiber glass, VOLVO PENTA 150Cv, 8 Persons;

B-Trox Filling Station

This modern BAUER Pure Air certified filling station offers complete safety of operation and a exceptional air quality with up to 40%

oxygen enriched air (Nitrox).

Diving Equipment

Steel Tanks: 15 liters, 12 liters, 7 liters; 12 Complete diving equipments, 2 Oxygen emergency kits.

Rebreather friendly conditions

Oxygen, Helium and Trimix available; Booster pump for O2 and for HE; Consumables and reserve parts for rebreather Poseidon MK

VI; 7 liters Bail-outs; Diverse material of transfill; O2 Analizer;

Transport

Van with 9 places.

In addition ti the guided diving tur, we

offer, PADI, SSI, CMAS snd we are also

a TDI ‘’Rebreather friendly ‘’ –

Poisedon MK6 Discovery Dive Center’’

What We Offer

Diving

Ilha de Santa Maria

There are a number of different types of dive around the island

of Santa Maria. This is directly related to the diverse geologic

formations of the Azorean archipelago – caves, tunnels and

sand bottoms around the coast, in low lying areas close to the

coast or in submarine mounts or peaks further from the coast.

Of note, the ‘’Baixa do Ambrósio’’ where there is a yearly

concentration of Devil Rays unlike any other place in the world,

is a sure bet.

Natural Reserve of Formigas and Dollabart

Considered by many as the best dive site in Europe, the reserve

is in the open sea, 20 miles northeast of the island of Santa

Maria in ‘’opens sea’’. Here it can be seen a large number of

underwater species. It is noteworthy that this is the area of the

Azores Islands where there is more often the observation of a

large number of pelagic species.

Diving

The marine diversity is the headliner of the region, thus proving the excellence in practice of

this activity.

All photos taken by our clients

Big Thank you!

Diving

Some Diving Spots

Baixa da Maia

It is a small islet located less than 500 meters from the coast in front of the village of Maia.

It’s classified as a marine reserve where fishing is forbidden in area around it 150 meters radius due the importance of the

dives. Is area often features moderate to strong flows. However it as are perfect conditions for schools of pelagic fish, which

patrol the waters around the reef, and large schools of yellow mouth barracudas, Almaco jacks and white trevallies.

Baixa da Penedia

Located 50 meters from the East shore of the Island of Santa Maria, with the top of the reef just 3 meters deep, and a

maximum depth of 32 meters, this also an excellent spot for snorkelling.

At the top of the reef it is possible to observe a multitude of small colorful fish, Ornate wrasses, common octopuses and

several species of moray eels swim through the recesses of the rocky seafloor, which is covered with barnacles.

A 15 meters of depth, featuring sponges of various colours. Along the reef flank, you will find a crack near the bottom

where it is usual to spot a large dusky grouper and a school of white trevallies, as well as several stretches of black

coral and small schools of colorful swallowtail sea perches.

Baixa do Ambrósio

It is one of the most wanted dive sites of the Azores, the Marine reserve area of the Baixa do Ambrósio, as a incredibly

diverse and abundant marine life, the likes of which are usually only found on the remote seamounts.

Only at 3 miles from the coast of Santa Maria, it is incredibly to dive by the often huge groups of devil rays that swim around

the dives, so unique, in the summer months.

Although is a deep dive and is often subjected to moderate to strong currents, it can be accessible to less experienced

divers and even suitable for snorkelling. Most divers opt to hang to the anchor cable at a depth of between 5 and 15

meters, since some life is in a depth much.

For more experienced divers or technical divers, it possible to explore the seafloor where there is a small 50-metre platform

located at a depth of 46 meters, were is possible to see large round stingrays, red scorpionfish, as well as large schools of

pelagic species such as Almaco jacks, bluefish and even ocean sunfish.

Banco João Lopes

Located on the north coast of the island of Santa Maria, the Banco João Lopes consists of a 14 meters reef with a seafloor

that drops to a depth of 40 meters.

Since it is relatively far from the coast, it sometimes features moderate to strong currents, coupled with the high depths

around the reef, this makes the site ideal for more experienced divers.

At the top of the reef divers you can spot Mediterranean rainbow wrasses, ornate wrasses, schools of salema porgies and

curious blacktail combers. The reef features steep slopes and vertical walls, along with some platforms at a depth of 20

meters, providing the perfect environment for pelagic fish such as Almaco jacks, yellowmouth barracudas and large dusky

groupers.

Ilhéu da Vila

This dive takes place around the small Islet, called Ilhéu da Vila (Vila Islet), with located 200 meters from the southwest

coast. Despite the proximity of Vila do Porto marina, this site features fairly abundant marine life as it is part of the natural

park of the island of Santa Maria.

Schools of pelagic fish such as Almaco jacks, yellowmouth barracudas and white trevallies are more commonly spotted on

the north side of the islet, there is also a small 12 meters deep cave on the same side, where you can find several species of

nudibranchs and crustaceans such as narwal shrimp.

Ilhéu das Lagoínhas

This dive takes place about 9 miles from the Vila do Porto Marina, on the north coast of the island of Santa Maria,

around the small Lagoínhas Islet.

Ranging from the lowest at a depth of 22 meters and the shallowest at only five meters deep.

At the top of the reef you can see a large number of fish species, ornate wrasse, Azores chromis, moray eels and grey

triggerfish.

As the depth increases you can see some dusky groupers, barred hogfish and even small groups of devil rays circling the

islet.

Ilhéus das Formigas e Banco Dollabarat

A trip that begind in Santa Maria, with a distance of 20-mile.

It’s remote location, the meetings of many species that abound in the seas of the Azores, raise this dive site to one of the

best of the Azores. This is a place recommended only for experienced divers since it is far from a place of refuge and a

place prone to strong currents. On the long boat-trip you can see many divers spotting cetaceans, turtles and seabirds,

particularly around the bank.

Taking advantage of its proximity to Ilhéus das Formigas where you can wreck the "Olympia", located on the slope

Southwest islets (between 30 and 50 meters deep), a small low just 8 meters depth approximately 50 meters south of the

Lighthouse or dives along the wall of the islanders (being shed the East the most visited) and also several low north of the

islanders. Many divers take the opportunity to conduct a marine reserve in both considered local, where fishing is

prohibited.

Having the shallowest part of the seamount with only 5 meters deep, with marine life ‘flying’ over the reef, you can quickly

drop to 20-30 meters in this dive, It is the best placed to observe the abundant life along the seafloor.

During this dive, you should pay attention to the water column and look out for the large pelagic species, including

skipjack tunas, big-eye tuna, wahoos, large Atlantic bonitos, yellowmouth barracudas, and white trevallies. A fortunate

diver could be lucky enough to see sharks, including the mythical smooth hammerhead and the Galapagos shark, along

with devil rays and even huge giant mantas.

In conjunction with the Ilhéus das Formigas, can be considered one of the best dives in the Azores, where we observe its

crystal clear waters a huge variety of species, like large dusky groupers, island groupers and barred hogfish, as well as rarer

species such as devil rays.

Pedrinha

The marine reserve of the Pedrinha Reef is one of the best known, at less than one mile from the Praia Formosa Beach, it is

an excellent spot for night dives and snorkelling.

There is a large platform at 6-10 meters, the reef then drops to a depth of 20 meters in the north flank and over 40 meters on

the south slope, providing an excellent dive for beginners or more experienced divers.

There are three different caves as you near the bottom, as well as a wide crack that goes up 17 metres to the top of the

reef. As depth increases, in particular around the lowest cave, you will find colourful swallowtail seaperches, large dusky

grouper, and barred hogfish, large schools of pelagic species and even devil.

And more ...

We also offer other activities in nature combining adventure and the discovery of heritage and local culture - Boat Tours, Walking

Trails and Traditional Tuna Fishing.

Santa Maria

The landscaping contrasts are one of its most attractive

features. The coast is ragged, forming bays and small coves or

inlets resulting in pleasant and welcoming beaches, being the

only light colored sandy beaches in Azores.

One of the great contributors to the Natural Patrimony of

Santa Maria is its geological and geomorphologic aspects. It is

the only island in the Azores that hold deposits of marine

fossils.

The richness and diversity of the island of Santa Maria is made-

up of many singularities. Go forth and discover.

You will be pleasantly surprised!

Extra Activities

Rails

Description

The trail starts by a dirt road beat- the Canada of Atoleiros - that rises to reach

two windmills in ruins. Will by a footpath that leads to the "Poço da Pedreira", a

quarry where the stone was removed for construction of the typical marienses

homes.

In pursuing the route can observe the typical rural houses of Santa Barbara, with

its typical chimneys, characteristic colors. You will find a unique view over the

Bay of São Lourenço. Behold the one Church of the Azores with the doors facing

north: Church of Our Lady of Lourdes. Make a stop at the Ribeira Amaro and

you will see a beautiful waterfall of about 50m high.

Continuing the trail should cross it and come to Lugar dos Lagos.

In Covão da Mula can have several plant species and birds and a beautiful view

of the Santa Barbara.

Description

It begins at the Forest of Pico Alto through the Barreiro da Faneca,

the Baía da Cré and ends in Anjos.

Rise towards the Pico Alto (587m), the highest point of Santa Maria

where you can see the whole island of Santa Maria, as well as the

island of São Miguel in a clear day.

Follow along a cedars forest where you can see some endemic plants

like the white-stick, heather, grape-of-saw, tamujo and bay.

Then come to the Barreiro da Faneca or "Red Desert of the Azores",

a unique ecosystem in the Azores, consisting of clay soils of reddish

color. Towards the Baía da Cré where you will observe a ground

cover, with a predominance of cacti, beech, incense and totally

different from the previous myrtles.

You will go by the Ribeira of Lemos, and slightly ahead you can

notice an antique Whale watching, from where you can admire

Anjos, the tip of the Whale, the Baía da Cré and the islet of

Lagoínhas.

You will end your trekking trail when you get to the Furna de

Santana.

Description

It begins near the Santo Espírito’s Church, in the village of Santo

Espírito, and ends in Maia, in the Whale Factory ( Castle Point)

In the beginning of the trail you will have as reference point a

traditional Windmill. After getting there, pass through a shortcut

inside of a wood of incense. And find an old fountain on your right

and after about 500m, will go through an area of springs, which used

to be washed clothes, and soon will reach the margin of the Ribeira

do Aveiro.

The trail continues along the river until you reach near the cliff,

where it crosses. On the way down to the Maia you will may notice

some traditional vineyards until you reach the Castle Point.

Arriving at the Lighthouse, you will find a path that goes down to

the sea with a magnificent view of the coast of Malbusca.

Getting down there you will find the ruins of an old whale factory,

where you can enjoy of a bathing area.

Description

It begins in Feteiras de Baixo and ends in Anjos. Have to go to Baía

do Raposo, that is classified as a Geosite where you can observe the

presence of lava flows with prismatic disjunctions in the top of the

southern slope of Ribeira do Engenho as well as the presence of

marine, terrestrial conglomerates. You can enjoy some species of

natural flora as the Pau-white, Beech-the-ground or Cabaceira and

introduced species as incense, or Aloe, you can watch and listen to

the birds like the kite, Blackbird, Chaffinch, Estrelinha.

On the trail you will go through a dense forest that will take you to

the Barreiro da Faneca this area you can see an arid land and clayey

e reduced drainage density, deployed in much altered lava drained

from the Pico Alto Complex.

It will then toward the Baía da Cré, classified as Geosite. Continuing

to reach the Anjos, marked by the settlement of the island of Santa

Maria where you can see a small chapel and the statue of

Christopher Columbus.

Description

Beginning in the Interpretation Centre building Dalberto Pimbo where gathered a vast

collection of this naturalist and understand where all the way this trail. Then you go

toward the Forte de São Brás, going through several buildings that recall and recount the

history of the settlement of this island. The Forte de São Brás, military construction of the

seventeenth century, serves as the contemplation of the commercial viewpoint Island

Port, venue for commodity exchange.

In the path of Pedreira do Campo you can enjoy the view of the islet of Vila, a Nature

Reserve of high importance for nesting seabirds. The Pedreira do Campo, as been

classified as Regional Natural Monument is an old front explore minerals.

It as presence of marine fossil content, at an altitude of 180 meters which shows part of

the geologic history of the island and marine regression, which occurred about 5 million

years. It is given to know the Cave and Oven of Kiln of Figueiral, it is an artificial cave

where was extracted limestone and clay. Continuing on the path that was once used to

transport the limestone, which will guide you to Praínha where you can choose to decline

or may proceed by foot post-path leading to the viewpoint of Macela. Going to Prainha, is

made through the woods where you can relax on white sand Prainha or even bathe in its

clear waters.

By continuing the walk, next to the Fort of Prainha, can also go towards the viewpoint of

Macela or follow the coast. Both directions end in Praia Formosa.

Tours*

3 Half-days in Santa Maria

1st Day

Centro Histórico de Vila do Porto;

Pedreira do Campo;

Grutas do Figueiral;

Praia Formosa;

2nd Day

Barreiro da Piedade;

Ribeira das Maloás;

Santo Espírito;

Maia;

3rd Day

Pico Alto;

São Lourenço;

Poço da Pedreira;

Norte;

Anjos;

Discovering Santa Maria

Vila do Porto - Zona Histórica;

Pedreira do Campo;

Praia Formosa;

Pico Alto ;

Barreio da Piedade;

Museu de Santo Espírito;

Igreija da Nossa Senhora da Purificação;

Pausa para Almoço ;

Maia – Vigia da Baleia;

São Lourenço;

Poço da Pedreira;

Santa Bárbara;

Norte;

Igreija de Nossa Senhora de Fátima;

Barreiro da Faneca;

Anjos;

Half-day in Santa Maria

Morning:

Vila do Porto - Zona Histórica;

Praia Formosa;

Pico Alto ;

Barreio da Piedade;

Maia;

Museu de Santo Espírito;

Igreija da Nossa Senhora da Purificação;

Poço da Pedreira;

Or Afternoon:

Vila do Porto Zona Histórica;

Pedreira do Campo;

Praia Formosa;

Pico Alto ;

Barreio da Piedade;

Museu de Santo Espírito;

Igreija da Nossa Senhora da Purificação;

Maia;

Miradouro São Lourenço;

*Tours in Van:

Change possibility of itinerary and / or merge with radical activities;

MARINA DE VILA DO PORTO 9580-541 Vila do Porto, Santa Maria - Açores M: + 351 918 685 447 / + 351 917 287 286 Tel.: + 351 296 882 907 • Fax: + 351 296 882 906 e-mail: info@mantamaria.com / GPS: 36o57’4’’N /25o8’58’’O www.mantamaria.com www.facebook.com/MantamariaDiveCenter