Your First Dive in Madeira
Never dived before? No problem. Madeira is one of the best places to start with calm conditions, professional instructors, and the famous Garajau groupers waiting to meet you on your very first dive.
What is a Discover Scuba / Try Dive?
A Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) or "Try Dive" is a supervised introduction to scuba diving for people with no certification. You don't need any previous experience—just reasonable swimming ability and a sense of adventure.
Duration
3-4 hours total, including briefing, pool/confined water session, and your sea dive.
Cost
€45-90 depending on the dive center. Includes all equipment, instruction, and insurance.
What's Included
- • Safety briefing and theory
- • Pool/shallow water skills session
- • Guided sea dive (max 12m depth)
- • All equipment rental
Requirements
- • Minimum age: usually 10-12 years
- • Basic swimming ability
- • Complete medical questionnaire
- • No diving-related health issues
Medical Requirements – Read This First
Before diving, you must complete a medical questionnaire. If you have certain conditions, you'll need a doctor's clearance before you arrive.
Conditions Requiring Clearance
- • Heart conditions or high blood pressure
- • Respiratory issues (asthma, COPD)
- • Diabetes
- • Epilepsy or seizures
- • Ear/sinus problems
- • Current medications
- • Recent surgery
- • Pregnancy
What to Do
- Download the RSTC/PADI medical form
- Review the questions honestly
- If you answer "yes" to any condition, see your doctor
- Get an "unconditional approved" statement
- Bring the form on your dive day
⚠️ Arriving without proper medical clearance can result in being denied diving. Check your conditions and get clearance before you fly to Madeira.
What to Expect on Your First Dive
Briefing & Theory (30-45 min)
Your instructor explains diving basics: how to breathe, equalize your ears, communicate underwater, and what to do. Don't worry—it's simple and your instructor will be right next to you the whole time.
Pool/Confined Water (30 min)
Practice breathing underwater in a pool or shallow protected area. You'll learn to clear your mask, equalize, and get comfortable with the equipment. Most people are surprised how natural it feels.
Your Sea Dive (30-45 min)
The main event! Descend to maximum 12m depth with your instructor holding your hand (literally, if you want). Explore Madeira's underwater world—you might see groupers, moray eels, colorful fish, and volcanic rock formations.
After the Dive
Most people are hooked! Your instructor can discuss certification options (Open Water course takes 3-4 days). You'll receive a certificate/card as a memento of your first dive.
Best Dive Centers for Beginners
All Madeira dive centers welcome beginners, but some are particularly well-suited for first-time divers with calm house reefs, multilingual staff, and patient instructors.
Atalaia Diving Center
Funchal central, house reef, multilingual, beginner-friendly
Common Questions from First-Time Divers
I'm scared of water. Can I still try diving?▼
Mild anxiety is normal and instructors are trained to help. However, if you have a genuine phobia of water or being submerged, diving may not be enjoyable. Try snorkeling first to build confidence.
Will I see the famous groupers on my first dive?▼
If you dive at Garajau, almost certainly! The dusky groupers there are habituated to divers and often approach to 'say hello.' It's one of the best first-dive experiences in Europe.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?▼
No, just comfortable in water. You won't be swimming actively—the buoyancy equipment does the work. You need to be able to swim 200m and float/tread water for 10 minutes.
Can I dive if I wear glasses or contact lenses?▼
Yes! Soft contact lenses work fine. For glasses wearers, dive centers can provide prescription masks or you can purchase your own. Tell them when booking.
What if I panic underwater?▼
Your instructor will be holding your hand (literally, if needed) and watching you constantly. If you feel uncomfortable, you signal and surface together. There's no pressure—you go at your own pace.
Ready for Your First Underwater Adventure?
Compare dive centers offering try dives in Madeira and start your diving journey.