Baixa da Maia (São Miguel) – Azores – São Miguel & Central Group
Site Overview
Baixa da Maia is a submarine pinnacle off north-east São Miguel visited by manta rays, amberjack and barracuda in clear Atlantic water. The rock rises from depth with gorgonians and chromis, making it a reliable big-fish and photo site. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life. The site rewards careful planning, good buoyancy and a respect for Portuguese marine-protection rules, and remains a favourite among Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery and rich marine life.
Dive Briefing
"Boat to the pinnacle and descend the shot line, circling the structure and hooking if current builds. Look up for manta and amberjack, then ascend with a safety stop. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable. Follow your guide closely, monitor your thermal comfort and complete a safety stop before exiting at the designated point to keep the dive safe and enjoyable."
Signature Marine Life
Manta Ray
Mobula birostris
Best: July, August, September
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: Year-round
Atlantic Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Azorean Chromis
Chromis limbata
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate currents
- Depth management
- Boat traffic
- Surface chop
- Cool water
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Great for intermediate and advanced divers after mantas and big fish without the long seamount trip. It suits photographers and pelagic fans. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows. It suits confident Atlantic divers who value dramatic scenery, wrecks and rich marine life over tropical abundance and who plan their trips around the best seasonal windows.
For Non-Divers
Non-divers can enjoy boat trips, coastal walks and local cuisine while divers explore the site.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Azores Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro