Where to DIVE in Madeira?

Madeira Island, an archipelago in the Atlantic, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site and several eco-marine parks making it an outstanding scuba diving destination.

Madeira is a haven for an endless variety of marine flora and fauna as well as one of the best spots for whale and dolphin watching. Other marine species include giant groupers, moray eels, barracudas, sharks, monk seals, sting rays and sometimes manta rays and mobula rays have been seen passing by.

Several species of crab are found around the island including the strange-looking arrow crab. The Giant grouper is another beautiful sight and is an emblematic species of the Garajau Marine Reserve as well as the rare monk seal which can sometimes be spotted.

MY TOP 4

1. GARAJAU NATIONAL PARK

The National Park is situated at 5-10 minutes boat ride from Funchal and includes several different dive spots. This is the place to be :)

The most famous dive sites are: Praia do Garajau, T-Reef, Arena, Pinaculo, Gruta and Baia dos Porcos. They are all characterized by an extremely rich biodiversity, clear waters and an abundance of marine life! This zone is a paradise for underwater photography. Divers may find here tunas, mackerels, large groupers, barracudas, huge stingrays, eagle rays, moorays etc. In addition, from time to time we have the chance to spot some amazing creatures, such as Monk Seal, frogfish, huge round stingrays, sea horses, sharks, Manta rays and turtles. The average depth is 15-20 m.

2. AFONSO CERQUEIRA WRECK

The Corveta Afonso was sunk on 4 September 2018 south of Cabo Girão, off the coast of the island of Madeira. The ship, which immediately after sinking was declared a national park, forms an artificial reef that is home to a variety of marine animals. The wreck is easily accessible by boat from Funchal. The Corveta is 85 meters long and is still in excellent condition. This wreck hosted the 2022 Europen Open Championship of underwater photography.Á

3. PONTA DE SÁO LOURENÇO

Ponta de São Lourenço, located on the extreme east of the island, is a diver’s dream come true. With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and dramatic underwater landscapes, offers divesites for beginners and advanced divers. The area is populated by the elusive Monk Seal (the rarest seal in the world), rays, barracudas, octopus and it is the only place on the island where you can spot the black coral.

For the more adventurers divers, there are challenging dive sites that plunge to depths of up to 40 meters. In this area there are also 2 wrecks; the Newton and the Forerunner.

4. BLUE HOLE

The Blue Hole is definitely one of my favourite dive sites. You'll enter in a hole that will lead to a 20mt long tunnel full of life such as trumpet fish, lobsters and moray eels. At the exit, you will find huge shoals of fish such as yellowfin grunts and cow breams. I like to call it the "Fish tornado" dive site. With a little bit of luck, we also meet sting rays, eagle rays and a monk seal.

This is my personal opinion after +1000 dives in Madeira and many more around the world; it goes without saying that many other divesites are worth a visit!