Baixa do Ambrósio (marine reserve)
Marine reserve. About 3 miles off Santa Maria, the Ambrósio bank is known for its abundant marine life: devil rays (often in large groups), almaco jacks, yellowmouth barracuda, bluefish, large stingrays, red scorpionfish and ocean sunfish; operators also report whale sharks and mantas in some summers. The shallow part is accessible to less experienced divers, while the deep side has a small platform at 46 m for experienced or technical divers. The position is approximate (the official guide publishes no coordinates) and is for orientation only.
Facts
- Region: Azores – East (São Miguel, Santa Maria, Formigas)
- Area: Santa Maria
- Depth: 10–50 m
- Level: intermediate
- Current: strong
- Type: pinnacle, manta, reef
- Coordinates: 36.975, -25.245 (approximate)
- Highlights: devil rays in large groups, almaco jack and barracuda schools, ocean sunfish, 46 m platform
- Tips: Moderate to strong current; about 40 minutes by boat from Vila do Porto marina. Fishing is prohibited. Devil rays are most reliable roughly July–September.