Double dive in Santa Maria Island – Azores

Exploring Santa Maria Island’s Underwater World: A Practical Review of the Double Dive Experience

If you’re a certified diver eyeing the Azores, especially Santa Maria Island, you’ll likely find this double dive experience appealing. It’s a chance to see some of the most vibrant marine life and stunning underwater scenery in one of the world’s top diving spots. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to explore crystal-clear waters teeming with pelagic species and mobulas, alongside the possibility of encountering whale sharks migrating through the area.

Two things we genuinely like about this experience are its small group size, which promises a more personalized adventure, and the organized logistics that make getting to the dive spots straightforward, with everything from briefings to equipment provided. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or folks with mobility issues, so it’s clearly tailored to experienced divers and those comfortable in the water.

This tour is best suited for divers with current certification who want to make the most of Santa Maria’s marine environment. If you love seeing diverse marine species or are curious about underwater volcanic landscapes, you’ll enjoy this. But if you’re new to diving or prefer shallow, less intense experiences, this might not be the right fit.

Key Points

• Perfect for certified divers looking to explore Santa Maria’s underwater biodiversity
• Small groups ensure a more intimate, personalized experience
• Marine life includes pelagic species, mobulas, and potentially whale sharks
• Duration is roughly 3 hours, including briefings, boat rides, and two dives
• All equipment and safety briefings are included, making it convenient
• Not suitable for children under 10 or non-certified divers

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from Your Santa Maria Double Dive Adventure

When we read about this tour, what strikes us is how much is packed into just three hours. It’s a well-planned outing that balances safety, excitement, and natural beauty. Here’s a detailed breakdown, so you know exactly what your day might look like.

Starting Point and Meeting Details

The adventure begins at Estrada da Marina, a convenient location often close to where visitors are staying. After booking, you’ll receive the precise meeting point details. This setup makes it easy to start your day without too much fuss, which is a big plus if you’re traveling around Santa Maria or nearby islands.

The Safety Briefing

The first part is a thorough safety briefing, usually lasting around 30 minutes. This isn’t just about equipment — it’s about understanding the dive plan and learning how to interact responsibly with the underwater environment. It’s reassuring to see the emphasis on safety and conservation, especially in such an ecologically sensitive area.

Getting to the Dive Sites: The Speedboat Ride

Once everyone is briefed and ready, a 15-minute speedboat ride whisks you to your dive location. This short trip adds an element of excitement and anticipation, and it’s a good chance to chat with your dive guide and fellow participants.

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The Main Event: Two Hours of Underwater Exploration

The core of your experience is two hours of diving in Santa Maria’s waters. The dives are guided, and the marine environment here is renowned for its clarity and diversity. Expect to see pelagic species, which include some of the bigger, more impressive fish and creatures that drift through the migratory routes, like mobulas. According to reviews, many have been delighted by the stunning underwater landscapes and the chance to observe marine life in their natural habitat.

What’s special about Santa Maria’s waters? They’re known for their pristine visibility, which means you’ll get to see vibrant coral formations, volcanic rocks, and schools of fish in sharp detail. This kind of clarity makes the experience feel even more immersive, and it’s perfect for underwater photography if that’s your thing.

Returning and Wrap-up

After the dives, the boat makes a quick 15-minute ride back to shore, and you’re back at the starting point in about three hours total. It’s a compact schedule, but one that maximizes the chances to see the marine environment in its full glory without feeling rushed.

The Inclusions and Extras

What’s included in the price of $188 per person? You get the double dive, a comprehensive briefing, all diving equipment, and the boat ride. That covers almost everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience, which makes it quite good value considering the marine spectacle on offer.

You won’t need to worry about additional gear or logistics — just bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and diving certification. The latter is crucial because this experience is for certified divers only, and your last dive must have been within the past year unless you complete a reactivation or skills update.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This experience is tailor-made for certified divers eager to explore Santa Maria’s underwater treasures. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or non-swimmers, which is pretty standard for guided diving excursions of this nature. If you’re comfortable in the water and looking to see pelagic species, mobulas, or possibly whales, you’ll be in good hands.

It’s also worth noting that the small group size (limited to 8 participants) helps ensure that everyone gets personalized attention, which is especially important in an environment where safety and environmental respect are priorities.

The Real Deal: What People Say

From reviews, it’s clear that most divers find this experience memorable for its stunning underwater views. One reviewer pointed out that “the visibility was incredible, and I saw more marine life than I expected.” Others appreciated the professional guidance and the care taken to ensure safety, noting that the entire process felt smooth and well-organized.

However, some mentioned that the tour is physically demanding, especially the boat ride and the two-hour dive time, so it’s best suited for those who are comfortable in the water and physically active.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For certified divers seeking a straightforward yet enriching underwater adventure, this double dive in Santa Maria offers a lot for the price. You get to explore one of the world’s top diving locations, encounter impressive marine species, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Azores’ waters.

If your goal is to witness lively marine life in crystal-clear conditions and you’re comfortable with guided dives, this experience could be a highlight of your trip. The small group setting and inclusive approach help make it a reliable choice, especially if you want peace of mind knowing all gear and logistics are handled.

For those who prefer shallow snorkeling or are new to diving, this tour might not be suitable, but for seasoned divers, it’s an opportunity to tick off a truly top-tier diving spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a certified diver to join?
Yes, this experience is for certified divers only. You need to have a valid diving certification, and your last dive should be within the past year unless you update your skills.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, including safety briefings, boat rides, and the two dives.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and your diving certification. All equipment is provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 or non-swimmers, as it involves active diving.

Where do we meet?
The exact meeting point is at Estrada da Marina, with details provided after booking confirmation.

What kind of marine life might I see?
You could encounter pelagic species, mobulas, and possibly whale sharks—Santa Maria is on their migratory route.

This double dive adventure offers a solid, well-organized way to experience the Azores’ underwater world. Whether you’re in it for the marine diversity, the stunning scenery, or the sense of adventure, it’s worth considering if you meet the criteria and want to explore one of the planet’s top diving spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: