Baixa do Ambrósio

Baixa do Ambrósio is a marine reserve located off the coast of Santa Maria and is counted among the mergulhos most well-known and sought-after in the Açores. It is approximately 3 nautical miles from the island’s coast and is reached by boat, in a journey of around 40 minutes from Vila do Porto Marina. What sets it apart is a concentration and variety of marine life that typically only appears on underwater seamounts, tens of miles offshore. During the summer months, the main attraction is groups of mobula rays (Mobula tarapacana), which glide calmly around those in the water, often in dozens.

Despite being a deep dive and frequently exposed to currents ranging from moderate to strong, the site is accessible to less experienced divers and is also suitable for snorkelling. As much of the fauna remains at shallow depths, it is most common to stay near the anchor line, between 5 and 15 metres. From there you can observe the mobula rays and also large schools of greater amberjack (Seriola spp.), yellowmouth barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and bluefish (Pomatomus saltator), which are always present.

Those with more experience or who do technical diving can descend to the bottom, a small platform of around 50 metres situated at 46 metres depth. Here too life is abundant: on the substrate you will find bluntnose sixgill sharks (Taeniura grabata) and red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa), and above them pass large schools of pelagic fish, with notably large greater amberjack, bluefish and, occasionally, ocean sunfish (Mola mola).