Stays · Destination Guide
Sun Island diving in the Azores: caves, reefs, and offshore pelagic reserves
Accommodation listings are not available for this destination yet. Use the local planning notes to choose your base.
Santa Maria is typically reached by flying into Santa Maria Airport (SMA). Most itineraries connect via Lisbon or via Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel) on SATA group carriers (Azores Airlines and SATA Air Acores). Because schedules can be limited and weather can disrupt inter-island flying, build buffer time if you have onward connections and do not schedule offshore dive days immediately after a tight travel day.
A rental car is the easiest way to explore Santa Maria. The road network is simple and distances are short, making it practical to combine morning diving near Vila do Porto with afternoon sightseeing.