Question 1

Is diving good in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Madeira offers excellent diving with volcanic underwater geology, marine protected areas (notably Garajau), year-round diving, and water temperatures of 18-24°C. The famous dusky groupers at Garajau are a highlight. While it's not tropical, the visibility (20-40m) and unique Atlantic marine life make it a rewarding destination.

Question 2

When is the best time to dive in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

June to September offers peak conditions: warmest water (22-26°C), best visibility (30-40m+), and calmest seas. October-November is also excellent with fewer crowds. Winter diving (December-February) is possible but expect cooler water (16-18°C), reduced visibility (15-20m), and occasional storm closures.

Question 3

What is the water temperature in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Water temperature ranges from 16-18°C in winter to 22-26°C in summer, with an average of 18-24°C year-round. The water is often colder than visitors expect from such a mild air climate. A 5mm wetsuit is recommended year-round, with 7mm advisable for winter.

Question 4

Do you need a certification to dive in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

For guided 'fun dives', yes - you need at least Open Water certification. However, uncertified visitors can do a Discover Scuba / Try Dive experience (€45-90) which includes training and a supervised dive to maximum 12m depth. This is a great introduction before committing to full certification.

Question 5

What are the best dive sites in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Garajau Nature Reserve is the flagship - famous for its habituated dusky groupers. The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck (sunk 2018) is excellent for advanced divers. Other highlights include T-Reef for fish aggregations, Ponta de São Lourenço for visibility, and Porto Santo for crystal-clear water.

Question 6

Is there wreck diving in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira (85m navy corvette, sunk 2018) is the main attraction at 12-33m depth with penetrable structure. The Bowbelle wreck is for advanced divers. Porto Santo has additional wrecks. Wreck dives often require recent experience (6 dives in 12 months for the corveta).

Question 7

What marine life will I see diving in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Expect dusky groupers (especially at Garajau), moray eels, barracudas, rays, wrasses, and parrotfish on most dives. Octopus are occasional treats. The rare Mediterranean monk seal is possible but uncommon. Madeira offers Atlantic marine life, not tropical coral - the appeal is clear water, volcanic geology, and iconic species.

Question 8

How much does scuba diving cost in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Try dives (beginners): €45-90. Single fun dive: €30-50. 2-dive trip (most common): €79-125 including tanks, weights, guide, and insurance. Full equipment rental adds ~€22/day. Open Water course: €399-500 over 3-4 days. Prices vary by operator and whether own gear is brought.

Question 9

What is included in diving prices?

Accepted Answer

Most 2-dive trips include: tanks, weights, guide/instructor, boat transfer (where applicable), insurance, and often water/snacks. Equipment rental (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, computer) is typically extra (~€22/day package). Always confirm what's included and ask about 'own gear' discounts.

Question 10

How far in advance should I book diving?

Accepted Answer

Book 2-3 days ahead during peak season (June-September). Off-season, 24-48 hours is usually sufficient. For specific requirements (wreck diving, courses), book earlier. The Corveta wreck and popular operators fill up quickly in summer.

Question 11

What are the medical requirements for diving in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

You must complete a RSTC/DMSC medical questionnaire. If you answer 'yes' to any conditions (heart, lung, diabetes, etc.), you need physician clearance with an unconditional 'Approved' statement. Arriving without proper clearance can result in denial. Download the form in advance and consult your doctor if needed.

Question 12

Is diving in Madeira safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when done with certified operators. All reputable dive centers follow PADI/SSI/CMAS standards. Portuguese law requires buddy system diving and deco buoys. The mild conditions and protected sites like Garajau offer safe diving. Choose verified operators with proper insurance and equipment.

Question 13

Can I dive after flying to Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can dive shortly after flying. However, you should NOT fly within 12-24 hours AFTER diving due to decompression sickness risk. Plan your last dive at least 24 hours before your return flight. Operators will confirm the exact time requirement based on your dive profile.

Question 14

What wetsuit thickness do I need in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

5mm is standard year-round and sufficient for most divers in summer (22-26°C). In winter (16-18°C) or for cold-sensitive divers, 7mm is recommended. Many visitors are surprised by how much colder the water feels compared to the mild air temperature. Hoods are optional but appreciated in winter.

Question 15

Should I bring my own dive equipment?

Accepted Answer

If you have well-maintained equipment, bringing it saves ~€22/day in rental fees and ensures familiar gear. Most airlines allow dive equipment in checked luggage (confirm weight limits). If traveling light, all dive centers provide quality rental equipment. Computer rental is separate and recommended.

Question 16

Where are the dive centers located?

Accepted Answer

Most dive centers are in Funchal (central, hotel-based), Caniço de Baixo (Garajau access), and Machico/Caniçal (east coast sites). Location matters: Caniço offers best Garajau reserve access; Funchal is most convenient for hotels/cruises; east coast centers access different sites. Choose based on where you're staying and what you want to dive.

Question 17

Can beginners dive in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Madeira is excellent for beginners with calm conditions in Garajau reserve, shallow sites (8-12m) for try dives, and numerous PADI/SSI dive centers offering Discover Scuba experiences. Many sites offer reliable marine life encounters to make first dives memorable.

Question 18

What is a Discover Scuba / Try Dive?

Accepted Answer

A supervised introduction for non-certified divers. Includes: safety briefing, pool/confined water session to learn basic skills, then a sea dive to maximum 12m depth. Takes ~3-4 hours, costs €45-90. No certification required - just reasonable swimming ability and completing a medical questionnaire.

Question 19

How long does it take to get scuba certified in Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Open Water certification takes 3-4 days: theory (online or classroom), confined water sessions, and 4 open water dives. Many visitors combine a holiday with certification. Advanced Open Water is an additional 2-3 days. Specialty courses (Nitrox, Deep, Wreck) typically take half a day to full day.

Question 20

Is Madeira good for underwater photography?

Accepted Answer

Excellent! Madeira has hosted European Underwater Photography Championships. Garajau's groupers are famously approachable, visibility reaches 40m+, and volcanic formations provide dramatic backdrops. Focusnatura specializes in photography diving. Best months: June-September for optimal conditions.

Question 21

Can I dive in Porto Santo from Madeira?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires planning. Porto Santo (ferry: 2.5 hours, or flight: 15 min) offers exceptional visibility up to 40-60m and wrecks like Madeirense and Cordeca. Some operators organize day trips. Consider an overnight stay to maximize diving time. Porto Santo is a 'hidden gem' for serious divers.

Question 22

What languages do dive guides speak?

Accepted Answer

Most Madeira dive centers cater to international visitors. English and Portuguese are universal. German is widely spoken due to the large German visitor base. French and Spanish are available at several centers. Confirm your preferred language when booking.

Question 23

Is diving in Madeira environmentally responsible?

Accepted Answer

Madeira takes marine protection seriously. The Garajau Nature Reserve is a protected area where diving is allowed but regulated. Reputable operators follow 'look but don't touch' policies and support conservation. The habituated groupers demonstrate what marine protection can achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is diving good in Madeira?

When is the best time to dive in Madeira?

What is the water temperature in Madeira?

Do you need a certification to dive in Madeira?

Dive Sites

What are the best dive sites in Madeira?

Is there wreck diving in Madeira?

Marine Life

What marine life will I see diving in Madeira?

Pricing

How much does scuba diving cost in Madeira?

What is included in diving prices?

Booking

How far in advance should I book diving?

Medical

What are the medical requirements for diving in Madeira?

Safety

Is diving in Madeira safe?

Can I dive after flying to Madeira?

Practical

What wetsuit thickness do I need in Madeira?

Should I bring my own dive equipment?

Where are the dive centers located?

Beginners

Can beginners dive in Madeira?

What is a Discover Scuba / Try Dive?

Courses

How long does it take to get scuba certified in Madeira?

Photography

Is Madeira good for underwater photography?

Locations

Can I dive in Porto Santo from Madeira?

Language

What languages do dive guides speak?

Sustainability

Is diving in Madeira environmentally responsible?

Still have questions?

Ready to dive in Madeira?

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is diving good in Madeira?

When is the best time to dive in Madeira?

What is the water temperature in Madeira?

Do you need a certification to dive in Madeira?

Dive Sites

What are the best dive sites in Madeira?

Is there wreck diving in Madeira?

Marine Life

What marine life will I see diving in Madeira?

Pricing

How much does scuba diving cost in Madeira?

What is included in diving prices?

Booking

How far in advance should I book diving?

Medical

What are the medical requirements for diving in Madeira?

Safety

Is diving in Madeira safe?

Can I dive after flying to Madeira?

Practical

What wetsuit thickness do I need in Madeira?

Should I bring my own dive equipment?

Where are the dive centers located?

Beginners

Can beginners dive in Madeira?

What is a Discover Scuba / Try Dive?

Courses

How long does it take to get scuba certified in Madeira?

Photography

Is Madeira good for underwater photography?

Locations

Can I dive in Porto Santo from Madeira?

Language

What languages do dive guides speak?

Sustainability

Is diving in Madeira environmentally responsible?

Still have questions?

Ready to dive in Madeira?