Wreck Diving in Madeira
From the 85-meter Corveta Afonso Cerqueira to the challenging Bowbelle, Madeira offers exciting wreck diving for advanced divers. Explore penetrable compartments, developing artificial reefs, and dramatic underwater structures.
Corveta Afonso Cerqueira (F488)
Madeira's flagship wreck dive. This 85m Portuguese Navy corvette was intentionally sunk in 2018 to create an artificial reef. The intact structure offers exciting penetration opportunities and is rapidly developing a marine ecosystem.
What You'll See
- Engine room (accessible)
- Captain's deck & bridge
- Cafeteria / mess hall
- Developing marine life
Requirements
- Min. 6 dives in last 12 months
- Advanced OW recommended
- Wreck specialty helpful
- Great for photography
More Wrecks to Explore
Bowbelle
A deeper, more challenging wreck for experienced divers. The Bowbelle is known for its tragic history in the UK (Thames collision 1989) and was later sunk off Madeira. Limited penetration opportunities due to structure and depth.
Porto Santo Wrecks
Porto Santo island hosts several wrecks including the Madeirense and Cordeca. Less dived than Madeira wrecks, offering pristine conditions and exceptional visibility (up to 40-60m). Requires ferry or flight from Madeira.
Wreck Diving Requirements
Experience Requirements
- • Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent)
- • Minimum 6 logged dives in the past 12 months (Corveta)
- • Deep Diver specialty for deeper wrecks
- • Wreck Diver specialty beneficial but not required
- • Good buoyancy control essential
What Operators Provide
- • Boat transport to wreck sites
- • Experienced wreck dive guides
- • Pre-dive briefing with wreck layout
- • Tanks, weights, and equipment
- • Insurance coverage
Ready to Explore Madeira's Wrecks?
Book with an experienced operator to safely explore the Corveta and other wrecks.