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Santa Maria Cruise Port

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal
Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#309
of 1018 ports in the Europe
Today · high / low
77° / 66°
September normals
Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal cruise port
Europe - Western Europe
Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal
// Santa Maria cruise port overview

The cruise port in Santa Maria,
explained

Lat: 36.9°NLong: 25.2°WINTN code: SMCPT

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is a beautiful island located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the southernmost island of the Azores archipelago and is known for its stunning landscapes, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters.

The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The island is also known for its unique culture, with its own language, cuisine, and music.

Visitors to the island can enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. The island is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Santa Maria Church and the Santa Maria Lighthouse.

Santa Maria is a great destination for those looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation. With its stunning scenery, unique culture, and variety of activities, Santa Maria is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

// Santa Maria Cruise Port location

Where is Santa Maria Cruise Port?

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Santa Maria, the southernmost of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago. The port is situated in the town of Vila do Porto, which is the main town on the island. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. The port is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the island, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and volcanic landscapes.

General location
Europe
Category
Europe - Western Europe
Coordinates
36.94°N, 25.15°W
Cruise port · 36.94°N, 25.15°W
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Santa Maria cruise port guide

What to do in Santa Maria

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. The island is full of trails that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. There are trails for all levels of hikers, from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The trails are well-marked and provide a great way to explore the island's natural beauty.

Theme 2

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world of Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. There are plenty of spots to explore, from shallow reefs to deeper waters. Snorkelers can spot a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.

Theme 3

Whale Watching

Whale watching is a popular activity in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. The island is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, making it a great spot to spot whales. There are several tour companies that offer whale watching trips, where you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. You can also spot dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life while out on the water.

Santa Maria cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
P
Praia da Caloura (illustrative photo)

Praia da Caloura

Praia da Caloura is a stunning beach located near the Santa Maria cruise port in the Azores. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. There are also several restaurants and bars located nearby for visitors to enjoy.

P
Praia da Vitoria (illustrative photo)

Praia da Vitoria

Praia da Vitoria is a stunning beach located near the Santa Maria cruise port in the Azores. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. There are also several restaurants and bars located nearby for visitors to enjoy.

P
Praia Formosa (illustrative photo)

Praia Formosa

Praia Formosa is a beautiful beach located near the Santa Maria cruise port in the Azores. It is a long stretch of white sand beach with crystal clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. There are also several restaurants and bars located nearby for visitors to enjoy.

// Santa Maria fun facts

The Island of Sunsets

Santa Maria is known as the Island of Sunsets due to its stunning sunsets. The island is located on the westernmost point of the Azores, and the sunsets here are some of the most beautiful in the world. Visitors can enjoy the sunsets from the beach, or from the top of the island's highest point, Monte Brasil. The sunsets here are truly a sight to behold.

The Santa Maria Airport

Santa Maria Airport is the only airport on the island of Santa Maria. It is located in the town of Vila do Porto, and is the main gateway to the island. The airport is served by several airlines, including SATA Air Açores, TAP Air Portugal, and Ryanair. It is also a popular destination for private and charter flights.

The Whale Watching Capital of the Azores

Santa Maria is known as the whale watching capital of the Azores. The island is home to a variety of species of whales, including sperm whales, pilot whales, and fin whales. Whale watching tours are available from the island, and visitors can also spot whales from the shore. The best time to go whale watching is between April and October.

Santa Maria cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
C
Casa das Artes (illustrative photo)

Casa das Artes

Casa das Artes is a unique shopping experience located in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It is a gallery and shop that specializes in local art and crafts. Here you can find a variety of handmade items, such as pottery, jewelry, and textiles. The shop also offers a selection of Azorean wines and traditional foods. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the prices are very reasonable.

L
Loja do Povo (illustrative photo)

Loja do Povo

Loja do Povo is a traditional shop located in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It is the perfect place to find souvenirs and local products, such as handmade crafts, traditional Azorean food, and local wines. The shop is open daily and offers a wide variety of items, from fresh produce to handmade jewelry. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the prices are very reasonable.

M
Mercado dos Lavradores (illustrative photo)

Mercado dos Lavradores

Mercado dos Lavradores is a vibrant market located in the heart of Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It is the perfect place to find souvenirs and local products, such as handmade crafts, traditional Azorean food, and local wines. The market is open daily and offers a wide variety of items, from fresh produce to handmade jewelry. The atmosphere is lively and friendly, and the prices are very reasonable.

// Santa Maria Cruise Port Terminals

Which Santa Maria cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

3 piers in Santa Maria
Pier 1 of 3

Porto de Praia Formosa

Rua do Porto, 9500-717 Praia Formosa, Azores, Portugal

Porto de Praia Formosa is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in the town of Praia Formosa on the island of Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It offers a range of services for cruise ships, including refueling, provisioning, and repairs. The terminal also provides a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Porto de Praia Formosa)
Pier 2 of 3

Porto de Santa Maria

Rua do Porto, 9500-717 Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal

Porto de Santa Maria is the main cruise ship terminal in Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It is located in the center of the island and offers a variety of services for cruise ships, including refueling, provisioning, and repairs. The terminal also provides a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Porto de Santa Maria)
Pier 3 of 3

Porto de Vila do Porto

Rua do Porto, 9500-717 Vila do Porto, Azores, Portugal

Porto de Vila do Porto is a smaller cruise ship terminal located in the town of Vila do Porto on the island of Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal. It offers a range of services for cruise ships, including refueling, provisioning, and repairs. The terminal also provides a range of amenities for passengers, including a restaurant, a bar, and a souvenir shop.

Cruise pier (illustrative photo for Porto de Vila do Porto)
Wi-Fi

The Santa Maria Cruise Port does not offer free public wifi access. However, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access. Additionally, many of the hotels in the area offer free wifi access to their guests.

Safety

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is a very safe cruise port. The Azores are known for their low crime rate and the port of Santa Maria is no exception. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and there are no reports of any major security issues. Additionally, the port is located in a rural area, so there is very little risk of crime.

Port address

Porto de Santa Maria9580-000 Vila do PortoAzores, Portugal

Santa Maria cruise port car rental

The Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal cruise port offers a variety of car rental options. The most popular car rental companies in the area are Europcar, Hertz, and Avis. All three companies offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Europcar and Hertz both have offices located in the port area, while Avis has an office located in the nearby town of Vila do Porto. All three companies offer competitive rates and discounts for online bookings. Additionally, Europcar and Hertz both offer free shuttle services from the port to their offices.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Santa Maria Cruise Port Weather

Europe - Western Europe·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Santa Maria
73°
Avg · °F
Mild, occasional showers
High
77°F
Low
66°F
Rain
1.7 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Santa Maria

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Santa Maria cruise ship schedule

Santa Maria Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Santa Maria today, Thursday, September 17, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

Schedule updated

// Keep exploring

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// Questions

Santa Maria cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Santa Maria.

Where is Santa Maria cruise port located?

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal cruise port is located in Europe. Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is located on the southeastern coast of the island of Santa Maria, the southernmost of the nine islands that make up the Azores archipelago. The port is situated in the town of Vila do Porto, which is the main town on the island. The port is a popular destination for cruise ships, offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. The port is also a great starting point for exploring the rest of the island, with its stunning beaches, lush forests, and volcanic landscapes.

Is Santa Maria a good cruise port to visit?

Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is a great cruise port. It offers a variety of activities and attractions, including whale watching, swimming, and hiking. The port is also close to the city of Ponta Delgada, which is a great place to explore the local culture and cuisine.

How safe is Santa Maria cruise port for passengers?

Santa Maria cruise port has a safety score of 8.6 out of 10, ranking #309 of 1018 ports in Europe. Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is a very safe cruise port. The Azores are known for their low crime rate and the port of Santa Maria is no exception. The port is well-monitored by the local police and security personnel, and there are no reports of any major security issues. Additionally, the port is located in a rural area, so there is very little risk of crime.

What is the weather like at Santa Maria cruise port in September?

In September, Santa Maria cruise port has average high temperatures of 77°F (25°C) and average lows of 66°F (19°C).

How many excursions are available at Santa Maria cruise port?

There are currently 147 excursions and tours available at Santa Maria cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Santa Maria cruise port?

Santa Maria cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Hiking, Snorkeling, Whale Watching. Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the lush green hills, take a dip in the crystal clear waters, and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a variety of water sports such as surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The island is also home to a number of historical sites, including churches, forts, and lighthouses. Visitors can also enjoy the local cuisine, which is known for its fresh seafood and traditional dishes.

Can I rent a car at Santa Maria cruise port?

The Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal cruise port offers a variety of car rental options. The most popular car rental companies in the area are Europcar, Hertz, and Avis. All three companies offer a wide selection of vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles. Europcar and Hertz both have offices located in the port area, while Avis has an office located in the nearby town of Vila do Porto. All three companies offer competitive rates and discounts for online bookings. Additionally, Europcar and Hertz both offer free shuttle services from the port to their offices.

What is the WiFi situation at Santa Maria cruise port?

The Santa Maria Cruise Port does not offer free public wifi access. However, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access. Additionally, many of the hotels in the area offer free wifi access to their guests.

Where is the cruise terminal at Santa Maria cruise port?

The address of Santa Maria, Azores, Portugal cruise port is:Porto de Santa Maria9580-000 Vila do PortoAzores, Portugal

What is the Santa Maria Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Santa Maria today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Santa Maria on any past or future date.

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