Plongée à Madeira — Portugal

Madeira's Garajau marine reserve has been protected since 1986, creating a haven for massive groupers and occasional manta ray sightings. The volcanic topography provides caves, walls, and dramatic drop-offs, while the Atlantic location brings pelagic visitors that the Mediterranean rarely sees. Critically endangered monk seal sightings are possible.

Score
55.0
Visibilité
12–30m
Température
18–24°C
Meilleurs mois
June, July, August
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World Class
Intermediate
Madeira
PortugalMediterranean
55.0

SCORE

32.6669°N

-16.9241°E

Madeira's Garajau marine reserve has been protected since 1986, creating a haven for massive groupers and occasional manta ray sightings. The volcanic topography provides caves, walls, and dramatic drop-offs, while the Atlantic location brings pelagic visitors that the Mediterranean rarely sees. Critically endangered monk seal sightings are possible.

Portugal's Atlantic Volcanic Dive Island

Visibility12–30 m
Temperature18–24°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$65
Best MonthsJune, July, August, September
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML40.0CH27.0VIS76.0SV43.0TMP55.0DA62.0OP73.0TS63.0GT68.0VAL62.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

40.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
64
Megafauna Encounters
0
Reef Fish Abundance
82
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
40
Marine Life Diversity
40.0
Coral & Reef Health
27.0
Visibility & Conditions
76.0
Dive Site Variety
43.0
Water Temperature
55.0
Depth & Access
62.0
Operator Quality
73.0
Topside Experience
63.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
62.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

wreckpelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

levada walks (irrigation channel hikes)Pico do Arieiro/Ruivo peak hikeMonte toboggan sledge rideFunchal Old Town diningMadeira wine tasting

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Funchal Cathedral
  • Monte Palace Tropical Garden
  • CR7 Museum (Cristiano Ronaldo)

Non-Diver Score

9/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifevibrant

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber10 km — Portuguese Navy Hyperbaric Chamber, Funchal
Nearest Hospital5 km

Good hospital in Funchal; chamber available; flights to Lisbon (1.5 hrs) for advanced care

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Manta Diving Madeira

PADI

4.8
220 reviewsNITROX

Atalaia Diving Center

PADI

4.7
160 reviewsNITROX