There are quite a few places in the Azores where you have a chance to see mobulas. They are free-swimming rays, about six feet across, and smart enough to be interested in divers. You can usually spot them from a distance during your safety stop, after diving over the beautiful underwater landscape where you can also spot turtles, stingrays and groupers. 

And then there are the other dive sites where you can see mobulas. There is almost a 100 percent chance. A few to dozens of pieces circle the divers, and it often happens that the phrase 'touching is prohibited' is part of the standard briefing.
The best of those swims is called Punto Ambrosio, and is located near Santa Maria, the southernmost island of the Azores. It's only a 45-minute boat ride from the harbor, and strict regulations prevent more than one boat with divers from docking at the same time. This site alone is well worth the trip to Santa Maria. Even if you couldn't see a whale shark every now and then. 

Did you know:

• around Santa Maria you can also see all kinds of other beautiful animals in the crystal clear water;
• the volcanic landscape with its caverns and swim-throughs provides beautiful experiences for divers and freedivers; 
• a trip to the remote Formigas Islands gives you the chance to spot several species of dolphins and whales; 
• that Steffen and Marion from Wahoo Diving are the perfect people to spend your vacation with? That is also a nice bonus. 

If you don't know where your next diving vacation will go, drop by them during Duikvaker: The Dutch Dive Show booth #312, on February 5 and 6, 2022. Because it could just be to Santa Maria. If you want to know more, take a look at their website.