Mantamaria Dive Center
Rua dos Andradas, 1925, Santa Maria, Azores, PRT
Sobre o Centro
Mantamaria Dive Center, located in the picturesque city of Santa Maria in Portugal, is a premier diving facility situated in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean. As the southeasternmost island of the Azores archipelago, Santa Maria offers a mild and sunny climate ideal for a variety of nautical activities. The center leverages this prime location, boasting exceptional diving conditions characterized by magnificent visibility, often ranging from 20 to 40 meters.
The dive center is renowned for its access to world-class dive sites, including the Monte Submarino da Baixa do Ambrósio, a globally recognized spot famed for encounters with dozens of manta rays and pelagic species. Additionally, the Formigas & Dollabarat reefs are celebrated as some of Europe's and the world's finest diving locations. These crystalline waters provide consistent opportunities to observe frequent pelagic species, making Mantamaria a sought-after destination for divers of all levels.
Mantamaria Dive Center is a certified training provider for PADI, SSI, CMAS/FFESSM, and TDI, offering a comprehensive range of courses from Discover Scuba Diving and Open Water Diver to Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air Nitrox, and specialized TDI courses. Their facility includes a bar, equipment rental, air fills (including nitrox), and is equipped for boat diving, night diving, and guided dives. With a fleet of five excellent boats suitable for diving and island tours, and a team dedicated to maritime activities with a strong emphasis on safety and professionalism, Mantamaria ensures a memorable and secure diving experience.
Cursos Disponíveis
6 cursosOpen Water Diver
Mantamaria has been an SSI dive centre since 2012 and runs the Open Water Diver course in both full format (pool plus open water) and open water only for those who already have pool skills. An online training option is…
Advanced Open Water
The SSI Advanced Adventurer at Mantamaria introduces certified divers to a wider range of dive types around Santa Maria. The island's geology produces a variety of underwater environments within a short boat ride — lava…
Batismo mergulho/Discover scuba Diving
The intro dive at Mantamaria is offered in two formats: pool plus open water, or open water only — both run around Santa Maria's protected bays with an instructor in the water at all times. The session lasts…
SSI Dive Guide
The SSI Dive Guide programme at Mantamaria trains divers to lead and assist in the same waters where the centre's guided dives operate daily. That means practical experience on the actual sites — Ambrósio, Pedrinha,…
Mergulho com ar enriquecido Nitrox nível 2 (40%)
Both SSI and PADI Nitrox specialties are available at Mantamaria. The SSI version is listed as level 2 at 40% oxygen, covering the full range of enriched-air diving. The centre fills Nitrox on site with the Bauer B Trox…
Fotografia subaquática
The underwater photography specialty is listed in both the SSI and PADI curricula at Mantamaria. Santa Maria's combination of large pelagics, manta rays, whale sharks, and clear water with 20–40 metre visibility makes it…
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Frequently asked
What people ask before booking
Both SSI and PADI — the centre has been an SSI dive centre since 2012 and a PADI Resort Member since 2012. You can choose which agency's certification you want to work towards.
July through September is the peak window at Baixa do Ambrósio. The site is a protected marine area, so there is a maximum permitted stay of 90 minutes and a specific code of conduct to follow around the mantas.
Yes — the centre runs a Bauer B Trox Membrana compressor station that fills both Nitrox (up to 40%) and Trimix. Courses for Nitrox level 2 (40%) are listed on the SSI side of the curriculum.
About 30 miles from Santa Maria, so plan for a longer boat ride each way. The upside is that cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds are commonly spotted on the crossing. Both sites are strict no-fishing reserves.
Yes, with caveats. The manta action typically happens between 5 and 15 metres, which is manageable for less experienced divers. The deeper sections of the mount reach 46 metres and involve moderate to strong currents — those are for experienced divers only.
Yes. Santa Maria is described as the Azorean island most visited by whale sharks, and the centre runs snorkelling trips for encounters. A typical outing also encounters large tuna schools, pilot fish, turtles, and dolphins.
Open every day from 08:30 to 18:00.
Five boats, all rated for both diving operations and island circumnavigation tours.