Gruta Azul is a submerged cave system located off Santa Maria, Azores, accessible only by boat. The site features depths ranging from 13 to 18 metres, with an average of 15 metres. Visibility typically spans 15 to 30 metres, allowing for light effects within the cave passages. Currents are generally mild, though the environment requires advanced buoyancy control to navigate around sharp rock formations. The site is suitable for advanced divers comfortable with overhead environments and is also available for night diving. Divers should carry at least one backup torch and verify that their cavern or cave diving certifications meet local operator requirements before arranging transport.

Ponta Malbusca is a reef dive site located off Santa Maria in the Azores. The site features a rocky reef structure with an average depth of 10 metres, ranging between 5 and 15 metres. Access to this site is strictly by boat. Divers should be prepared for variable conditions, as the area is subject to moderate currents and potential surf. Visibility at the site fluctuates significantly, ranging from 10 to 40 metres depending on conditions. Due to the presence of strong currents and surf, this site is recommended for intermediate divers. Water temperatures vary throughout the year, peaking at 25C in August and reaching a low of 17C in February and March.

Pedrinha is a diverse marine site located 1600 metres from the shore of Santa Maria. This location features a combination of reef, cave, and pinnacle topography, including an artificial reef structure. Divers can access the site by boat or from the shore, with a mooring buoy marking the entry point at 8 metres depth. The site offers a wide depth range from 5 to 40 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions include moderate currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 60 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17C and 22C throughout the year. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving.

Figueiral is a reef and cave dive site located in Santa Maria, Azores, offering a manageable environment for beginner divers. The site features depths between 9 and 12 metres, with an average of 10 metres. Divers can access the site via shore or boat, experiencing mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The underwater terrain includes reef structures and caves, which are also suitable for night diving. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17C and 25C throughout the year. Divers should exercise caution at the entry point due to potential surf and shore break, and be mindful of sharp coral edges while navigating the reef.

Baixa do Ilheu do Frade in Santa Maria, Azores, is a diverse site featuring a reef, drop-off, and cave sections. The site ranges in depth from 7 to 28 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally manageable with mild currents and visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Access is strictly by boat, and the site is suitable for beginners, though the cave sections require specific cave diving certification. Divers should remain prepared for variable visibility and potential surge during their descent.

Baia do Pocâo is a reef site located 2000 metres offshore from Santa Maria in the Azores. The reef structure extends from 8 metres down to 21 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are generally relaxed, featuring mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 40 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17C and 24C throughout the year. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic during ascents and exercise caution around sharp coral and rocks on the reef. Boat access is required to reach this location.

Tartaruga is a reef dive located in Santa Maria, Azores, featuring depths between 12 and 18 metres with an average of 15 metres. This site is accessible by boat only and is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents and the presence of overhead sections. Visibility at the reef ranges from 15 to 30 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 17C and 24C throughout the year. Divers should be prepared for currents that can strengthen with little warning and manage bottom time carefully near the overhead structures. The habitat supports a variety of regional reef fish and invertebrates.

Pedras is a reef dive site located off Santa Maria in the Azores. This site is suitable for beginners, featuring a shallow average depth of 8 metres. Access to the site is strictly by boat. Divers should be aware that conditions can vary, with potential hazards including low visibility and strong currents. The habitat supports a variety of regional reef fish and invertebrates typical of the Azores marine environment. Water temperatures fluctuate throughout the year, ranging from 17C in the late winter months to 25C during the peak of summer.