Submerged Treasures of Santa Maria

The day begins in Vila do Porto, passing through the Fort of São Brás, an imposing fortification built in the 16th century. Next, it heads towards the North Coast to Lugar dos Anjos, where the first Portuguese landed and where you can find the oldest hermitage in the Azores. The route continues towards Barreiro da Faneca, which reveals one of the island’s largest geological traces, then passes through the parish of São Pedro to visit the Hermitage in honor of Nossa Senhora de Fatima, considered the oldest in the world dedicated to the invocation of Fátima.

Heading up towards Santa Bárbara, you reach the mountain of Pico Alto, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view over the entire island, then pass by Poço da Pedreira and descend to São Lourenço, famous for hosting the most beautiful bay in the Azores. The route continues to Santo Espírito to see a 16th-century church with a splendid basalt stone facade featuring Manueline and Rococo styles, and then heads to the picturesque village of Maia, an old whaling port highlighted by its landmark, the Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse, and the stunning Aveiro Waterfall. To wrap things up in the best way possible, the tour ends at Praia Formosa, with its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beach, which serves as the annual venue for the Maré de Agosto Festival, Portugal’s oldest band festival.

The diving experience on Santa Maria Island is truly unforgettable due to the rich marine biodiversity that inhabits the area. The program generally begins early in the morning at the dive center, where participants receive the appropriate equipment, instructions dive, and a brief explanation of the chosen dive sites.

The first dive takes place shortly after navigating to the chosen location, allowing you to explore underwater volcanic walls, caves, and observe species such as manta rays, groupers, and colorful schools of fish swimming around. Back on the boat with adrenaline still high, a relaxing break is taken to recover energy, where a comforting snack is served on board.

This is followed by the second dive of the day, and this second immersion allows you to enjoy a more relaxed pace, absorbing the serenity of the Atlantic Ocean before beginning the journey back to the coast. In the end, what remains is the memory of a great day spent among friends, the sharing of a common passion for the sea, and the certainty that Santa Maria is one of Europe’s best diving paradises.

The island of Santa Maria hides true underwater treasures that are perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts, combining a rich marine life with fascinating history.

In the stunning bay of Praia Formosa, located on the south coast of the island, is an exceptional spot situated less than 1 mile from the shore. This location stands out for its vast and abundant biodiversity, offering visitors the opportunity to closely observe a huge variety of marine species in a privileged natural setting.

It is precisely next to this marine nook that the famous Sunken Ship “Canárias” rests, a shipwreck with a striking historical past. This vessel was transporting Spanish soldiers and cargo during Cuba’s Ten Years’ War (1868–1878) when, due to severe weather conditions, it ended up being pushed against the south coast of Santa Maria. Because of its immense historical and cultural value, this site has been officially classified as the fifth archaeological park of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, turning the snorkeling experience in the Pedrinha area into a true journey through time, where nature and history meet underwater.