Natural Pool, near Santa Maria, is a rock-sheltered sea pocket: clear water, quiet vibes and low-key tourism. It’s not deep for real swimming, but perfect for a dip. Watch for plastic, urchins and swell outside. Go early, wear proper footwear.
The moment you realise the rocks are in charge
In Santa Maria there’s beach for days (in a good way), but every now and then someone mentions “a natural pool over there”. You picture something like a volcanic spa. Then you arrive and get the real concept: a sea pool partially sheltered by rock, with the Atlantic trying to sneak in whenever it feels like it.
A break from the swell, not a waterpark
The Natural Pool is exactly that: a spot where the rocks act as a barrier and the water is usually calmer than the open shoreline. It’s not deep enough for proper swimming, but it’s perfect to cool off, float a bit and slow down. It works best if you want something quieter than the main promenade… and if you don’t mind nature arriving without a cleaning service.
The nice part isn’t luxury: it’s the silence when you have it to yourself.
Google Maps and the coastline have a complicated relationship
Since it’s within the Santa Maria area, it’s usually a short taxi ride or a walk if you don’t mind adding steps. The important detail: the final access is often over rocks and uneven ground, so the last bit is not “flip-flop friendly”. If you’re on a scooter, it can be tricky depending on which approach you try.
Simple, done properly
The appeal is basic: a quick dip, photos without crowds, and listening to the sea without being shoved around every ten seconds. If the water is clear, you can also watch fish near the rocks, but this isn’t an aquarium: some days the sea is cooperative, other days it has its own schedule.
Zero glamour, zero rush
No waiters, no music, no cocktail menu. Just you, the water and the breeze. And sometimes… flies (yes, they show up around rocky areas, because the island also has a sense of humour).
The open ocean doesn’t negotiate
Two things can ruin the plan:
Trash/plastics: several people mention visible litter. Not always, but often enough to be a real factor.
Rough sea and currents: near the open edge you can get big, turbulent waves, and around rocks it’s easy to meet sea urchins if you’re not paying attention.
Enjoy it without playing the hero
Go with the right mindset: this is for relaxing, not training for a triathlon. Bring water shoes (or anything that won’t make you suffer on rocks), and if the sea is lively, don’t force it: Santa Maria isn’t going anywhere. And if you spot litter, the best “moral souvenir” is taking some with you.
When there’s light and fewer people
It’s best in the morning: calmer, brighter water and a better chance of having the place to yourself. Weekdays tend to feel even emptier. With strong wind, “peaceful” can turn into “sandblasting” in a matter of minutes.
A good spot, with no make-up
The Natural Pool is one of those places people like because it doesn’t try to impress: it works when you want a break from noise, wind (partly) and tourist queues. Just don’t come expecting perfection — this is real coastline, on its own terms.
The pool is calm… until the Atlantic remembers it’s the Atlantic.
