Haliotis - Santa Maria Diving Center

Azores, Portugal

The team at Haliotis - Santa Maria Diving Center really know their stuff, which is what we love most about them. They’re based right on the island’s main port, which makes getting out to those amazing offshore sites like the Ambrósio Bank a breeze. If you're coming to the Azores specifically for the big pelagics and the sheer drama of diving in the open ocean, Haliotis is our pick. They run a tight ship, but it always feels relaxed. We’ve found their PADI instructors are particularly good at getting less experienced divers comfortable with the idea of being far from shore, which is crucial here. They specialise in trips to the seamounts and offshore banks, where the visibility can be truly immense – sometimes 40 metres, just a shimmering blue all around you. You’ll be looking for mobulas, devil rays, and sometimes even a whale shark cruising by. Our favourite time to dive with them is late summer, when the water temperature is at its warmest and the big animal action is usually peaking. Just be prepared for potential strong currents; it’s part of the thrill, but definitely something to be aware of. They’re excellent at briefing you on what to expect.