As part of our ongoing exploration of the stunning Azores archipelago, we spent a week on the wild and beautiful Santa Maria Island with one goal in mind: to dive with the region’s iconic mobula rays. These incredible animals, often referred to as "mini mantas," are known for their elegant movements and inquisitive nature. The species commonly encountered here is Mobula tarapacana, also known as the sicklefin devil ray. They gather seasonally around the Azores, making the islands one of the few places in Europe where divers can experience such close interactions.

That year (2016), however, sightings have been lower than usual. Local marine biologist Ana Filipa Sobral shared with us that the mobulas have been less predictable lately, possibly due to shifting ocean conditions or changes in their migratory patterns. Still, the ocean always has its surprises.

On one of our dives, after spending nearly an hour suspended in the blue, scanning the depths below, a lone Mobula tarapacana appeared from the shadows. It glided effortlessly toward us, rising from the deep like a ghost. For a moment, it circled close, curious but calm, giving me just enough time to raise my camera and capture a few precious frames before it vanished back into the abyss.

Closer to the island’s rocky reefs, we were treated to another highlight: large dusky groupers (Epinephelus marginatus) resting in crevices or slowly patrolling the terrain. Santa Maria seems to be one of the few places in the Azores where these impressive fish can still be reliably encountered by divers, a sign of the island’s relatively healthy reef ecosystems. Watching them move with such quiet confidence reminded us of how important well-managed marine habitats are for sustaining iconic species like these. Their presence also reflects years of local effort in protecting marine life, a promising sign for the future of sustainable diving in the region.

Encounters like these are rare, but they leave a lasting impression. These rays, like many elasmobranchs, are vulnerable to a range of threats, from bycatch and targeted fishing to climate change and habitat degradation. Protecting them isn’t just about preserving the beauty of the underwater world, it’s about maintaining the ecological integrity of our oceans.

If you’re as captivated by these animals as we are, and want to know how you can help, check out the work of the Manta Trust. They’re doing excellent research and conservation work to protect mobulids and mantas globally. Let’s keep working to protect these ocean wanderers for future generations.