What is the minimum certification level to dive at Manta Blue Spot?

Divers must hold at least a Level 2 international diving certification and have completed a local coastal dive with Azores Sub.

How deep are the dives at Manta Blue Spot?

The dives range between 10 to 20 meters, with the rocky seabed rising sharply from deeper waters.

Are manta rays guaranteed sightings on the dive?

While manta rays are commonly sighted during summer months, sightings can never be guaranteed due to natural conditions.

What equipment is provided on the trip?

Azores Sub provides all essential dive equipment, including tanks, weight belts, and safety gear.

How long is the boat trip to the dive site?

The boat transfer takes about one hour each way from Vila Franca do Campo marina.

Are meals included during the full-day excursion?

The trip includes local snacks such as regional biscuits and fruit, along with water to stay hydrated.

Underwater Diving at Manta Blue Spot with Azores Sub | Scuba | Water Activities

Located off the northeast coast of São Miguel Island, the Manta Blue Spot offers a uniquely thrilling ocean dive experience amid the wild Atlantic waters of the Azores. This remote site, about 25 miles from Vila Franca do Campo’s marina, features an impressive underwater landscape where rocky seabeds rise sharply from over 100 meters deep to just 60 meters beneath the surface. Divers operate primarily at depths between 10 and 20 meters, anchored by a physical guide rope to navigate the open water blue.

Manta Blue Spot is one of the few places in Europe where certified divers at level 2 or above can come face-to-face with majestic manta rays in their natural habitat. Alongside these enormous rays, expect to share the water with large pelagic species such as sailfish, barracudas, and wahoo, adding spine-tingling moments to each dive. The marine life here thrives in nutrient-rich currents feeding this vibrant underwater ecosystem on São Miguel’s northeast perimeter.

Operated by Azores Sub, Lda, this full-day excursion runs through summer months—July, August, and September—providing all equipment, expert dive guidance, and local snacks to fuel adventurers throughout the day. With a duration of around eight hours, including an hour-long boat transfer each way, the trip is as much about savoring the open Atlantic’s vastness as it is about impeccable underwater encounters.

Azores Sub stands out in the local outdoor recreation scene by maintaining rigorous safety standards, offering a dedicated and knowledgeable dive crew, and promoting responsible diving practices. Given its location within a volcanic archipelago recognized for its conservation efforts, this dive spot balances adventure with sustainable stewardship. For divers seeking a raw and pure aquatic challenge coupled with encounters with giant pelagic wildlife, Manta Blue Spot is a rare and rewarding destination.

About Azores Sub, Lda

Azores Sub, Lda is a dive center based in Vila Franca Do Campo on São Miguel Island in the Açores. The company offers guided dives, certification courses, specialty training, snorkeling, and conservation-focused e-learning. Courses and experiences listed include Scuba Diver, Open Water Diver, Night Diver, Marine Ecology & Coral ID, Science of Diving, Underwater Navigation, Perfect Buoyancy and a wide range of additional specialties and dive packages. Several programs include international certification and online training options.

Azores Sub, Lda operates daily guided dive departures from October to June and runs shore and boat activities along the island's southern coast, including trips to the Vila Franca do Campo Natural Reserve and local dive sites such as Manta Blue Spot and Formigas & Dollabarat. Equipment is provided for many activities, and briefings, safety training, and individualized instruction are emphasized across courses. Training ranges from introductory pool baptisms and Scuba Diver experiences to professional-level Divemaster and Rescue Diver specialties.

Safety-focused offerings include First Aid & O2, Primeiros Socorros & RCP, Enriched Air Nitrox and Deep Diver training. Educational courses emphasize marine ecology, coral identification, and the science of diving with online modules and certifications. Azores Sub, Lda caters to individual learners and small groups, offering flexible scheduling and personalized attention. The combination of certified instructors, equipment services, and recognized international certifications positions Azores Sub, Lda as a reliable operator for divers and ocean learners visiting the Açores. Bookings and course details are available by contacting Azores Sub, Lda directly for scheduling and information now.