Baixa do Ambrósio (Santa Maria) – Azores – São Miguel & Central Group
Site Overview
Baixa do Ambrósio is a rocky seamount off Santa Maria rich in macro life, with groupers, nudibranchs and large schools of pelagic fish over the walls. Its varied topography makes it a favourite for both wide-angle and macro photographers. 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 seamount and descend the line, working the walls for nudibranchs and groupers before drifting out for the pelagic schools, 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
Dusky Grouper
Epinephelus marginatus
Best: Year-round
Nudibranch
Chromodoris spp.
Best: Year-round
Atlantic Barracuda
Sphyraena viridensis
Best: Year-round
Moray Eel
Muraena helena
Best: Year-round
Amberjack
Seriola dumerili
Best: Year-round
Safety & Hazards
- Moderate currents
- Depth management
- Boat traffic
- Surface chop
- Cool thermoclines
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Ideal for intermediate divers who enjoy macro and big fish together. It suits photographers and those exploring Santa Maria. 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
- Santa Maria Dive
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle, macro