Nuno Sa
Sea of Devils
Off the Azores, remote underwater mountains emerge from deep water in the Atlantic, creating the world’s best hot spots for diving with dozens of Chilean devil rays.
Santa Maria is one of the smallest islands of the Azores — and also one of its best-kept secrets. Just 3 miles off the coast of Santa Maria, the seabed emerges from the depths, creating a unique dive spot for Chilean devil rays: the AmbroÌsio sea bank. Though capable of diving to depths of more than 3,200 feet, these amazing creatures also can be seen swimming in shallow waters, warming their bodies in the sunlight.