Double dive in Santa Maria Island – Azores

If you’re a certified diver heading to Portugal’s Azores, the Double Dive in Santa Maria Island offers a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the world’s most captivating underwater scenery. Priced at $188 per person and lasting roughly 3 hours, this tour promises two guided dives with a focus on marine life, volcanic formations, and the chance to spot migratory species like whale sharks. Portugal Dive, rated 4.3, organizes this experience, which seems to strike a good balance between adventure and accessibility.

One of the standout features we love is the small group setup, limited to just 8 participants. This means you’re likely to get personalized attention from guides like André or Joana, who are known for their professionalism and friendly approach. The clarity of the waters and the chance to see pelagic species such as mobulas make this tour especially appealing for those wanting a true underwater spectacle.

A possible consideration is that this experience is strictly for certified divers, so if you’re not yet certified or haven’t dived in over a year, you’ll need to update your skills or reactivate your certification. Also, the tour’s duration is relatively short, so if you’re looking for a full-day excursion, this might feel limited in comparison.

This tour is ideal for diving enthusiasts who already possess certification and want to experience the Azores’ underwater riches. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy small, guided groups and value knowledgeable guides who focus on responsible interaction with marine environments. Now, let’s explore what makes this experience truly special.

Key Points

• Stunning underwater visibility reveals vibrant marine life and volcanic formations
• Small group size ensures personalized guidance and safety
• Marine species diversity includes pelagic species, mobulas, and potential whale shark sightings
• Flexible itineraries tailored to preserve the natural environment
• Expert guides like André and Joana add local insight and safety assurance
• Short but impactful 3-hour experience perfect for a half-day adventure

Overview of the Experience

The Double Dive in Santa Maria offers a well-organized, authentic experience for certified divers eager to see the Azores’ underwater treasures. The tour combines safety, education, and adventure, providing two guided dives from a comfortable speedboat. The experience begins at Estrada da Marina, where the crew handles the initial safety briefing and equipment setup. This briefing is concise yet thorough, covering dive plans and emphasizing respectful interaction with marine life.

The boat ride itself, lasting about 15 minutes, takes you to the dive site—location details are shared upon booking, often close to your accommodation for convenience. Once on site, you’ll gear up and start your dives, each lasting around an hour. The waters here are renowned for their crystal-clear visibility and volcanic landscapes, offering a surreal underwater backdrop.

The marine life you encounter is diverse and abundant. Many reviewers mention seeing mobulas, pelagic fish, and a generally vibrant ecosystem. As Santa Maria is on a migratory route for whale sharks, some lucky divers have the chance to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants, adding an exciting aspect to the experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting at Estrada da Marina

The activity kicks off with a safety briefing lasting about 30 minutes. Guides like Joana and André are praised for their clarity and friendliness, setting a relaxed tone. During this time, you’ll learn about the dive plan, safety procedures, and how to interact responsibly with the marine environment—a key point for ensuring the preservation of these pristine waters.

Speedboat Transfer to Santa Maria Dive Site

The short 15-minute boat ride is smooth, with some reviewers noting the boat’s comfortable seating and stable ride, even in slightly choppier conditions. This transfer provides a chance to enjoy views of Santa Maria’s coastline and volcanic landscapes from the water, building anticipation for the underwater adventure ahead.

Underwater Exploration

Once at the dive site, you’ll set off with your guide to explore volcanic formations and hidden underwater caves. Expect to see an array of marine life, from small colorful fish to larger pelagic species. Many divers appreciate the exceptional visibility, often citing it as a highlight, along with the vibrant coral and volcanic structures that create dramatic backdrops.

Marine Encounters and Unique Sights

The chances to see mobulas are high, with some guides mentioning that these graceful rays are a common sight here. The waters also host other pelagic species, adding to the diversity. If you’re lucky, you may see whale sharks passing through—Santa Maria’s position on their migratory route makes this a potential, though not guaranteed, highlight.

Return and Reflection

After approximately two hours of diving, you’ll board the boat for the return trip, pausing briefly for a debrief and sharing of sightings. The entire experience wraps up back at Estrada da Marina, where you can reflect on your aquatic discoveries.

What’s Included and What Not

Included:
– Two guided dives
– Safety briefing
– Diving equipment
– Boat transfer

Not Included:
– Anything not explicitly mentioned, such as meals, souvenirs, or additional gear.

This setup offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized attention and the small-group environment. The equipment provided is typically high-quality, and guides ensure safety and comfort throughout.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers. With a limit of 8 participants, you’ll benefit from a more intimate experience—something many dive enthusiasts appreciate. The activity lasts about 3 hours, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a half-day adventure.

Meeting point details are shared after booking, generally close to your accommodation or at the marina. The duration and timing are flexible, with options to check availability for your preferred day. Remember, you need to have a valid diving certification, and your last dive must be within the past year; otherwise, you’ll need to update your certification before participating.

Final Thoughts

The Double Dive in Santa Maria Island offers a refreshing, authentic peek into the Azores’ underwater world. Expect stunning visibility, diverse marine life, and professional guides focused on responsible diving. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, which can be especially meaningful in such a pristine environment. Whether you’re hoping to see mobulas, Pelagic fish, or simply revel in the volcanic underwater scenery, this tour is well worth considering.

For divers seeking a short, impactful adventure that combines natural beauty with marine encounters, this experience hits the mark. Its value lies in the quality of guides, the exclusivity of small groups, and the chance to see some of the Atlantic’s most remarkable creatures.

If you’re an adventurous diver with a passion for exploring lesser-crowded, genuine locations, this tour should be on your list when visiting the Azores. Just remember to bring your certification, a sense of curiosity, and your best underwater camera to capture those unforgettable moments.

FAQ

Do I need to be a certified diver?
Yes, certification is required for this experience. If your last dive was more than a year ago, you’ll need to update or reactivate your skills before participating.

How long does the experience last?
The entire tour is approximately 3 hours, including briefing, boat transfers, and dives.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers two guided dives, safety briefing, diving equipment, and boat transportation.

Is it suitable for non-swimmers or pregnant women?
No, this experience is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, children under 10, or those with mobility impairments.

Can I see whale sharks on this tour?
While Santa Maria is on their migratory route, sightings of whale sharks are not guaranteed but can occur.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and certification card. Wetsuits and equipment are provided.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English, French, and Spanish.

Where does the tour start?
The exact meeting point is provided after booking, typically near Estrada da Marina.

Is the group size limited?
Yes, groups are limited to 8 participants for a more personalized experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To sum it up, this tour offers a compact, well-organized way to experience the Azores’ underwater scenery. It’s best suited for certified divers seeking an authentic, small-group adventure with a high chance of encountering fascinating marine species in pristine waters. Whether you’re chasing mobulas, pelagic fish, or just want to witness volcanic underwater landscapes, this activity provides value, professionalism, and memorable moments—all in just a few hours.