Madeira’s first marine park is famous for friendly dusky groupers. Drift along stepped lava ledges at 15–30 m while barracuda tornado overhead and monk seals cruise past. Tip: After surfacing, swim to the seaside Cristo Rei statue for an epic selfie.

Scuttled in 2018, this 85 m naval corvette now rests upright at 27 m near Cabo Girão. Soft corals blanket the bow; glassfish cloud the bridge. Tip: Advanced cert and torch recommended for easy penetration — go late afternoon for cathedral-like light shafts.

A sinkhole drops from 8 m to 28 m, opening into tunnels packed with red sponges and shrimp. Turtles often cruise the rim. Tip: Time your dive for slack tide to slip through the tunnels with minimal current.

The island’s wind-sculpted east tip offers canyons, arches and surge channels buzzing with triggerfish. Depths 5–25 m suit mixed-level groups. Tip: Combine your dive with a RIB ride around seabird cliffs for bonus wildlife.

Gentle shore entries at Garajau or boat drops onto dramatic drop-offs cover all skill levels. Expect 10–30 m depths, mild currents and tropical-like fish life.

From the Afonso Cerqueira to older hulls near Porto Santo, Madeira is a rising wreck hotspot. Guides stress buoyancy control to protect fresh coral growth.

Steep walls allow rapid descents beyond 40 m, perfect for Trimix or rebreather practice. Certified tech operators supply bailout stages and 100 % O₂; caves at Baía d’Abra challenge navigation skills.

Volcanic ledges starting at 3 m let snorkellers mingle with trumpetfish and octopus, while freedivers drop down blue-water columns for line training against dramatic cliffs.

March–May plankton blooms lure manta rays. Fewer tourists mean relaxed boats and sweet package deals.

June–August delivers 24 °C water, 30 m vis and daily trips to Porto Santo. Pre-book — high season fills fast.

September–November is prime: warm seas, calmer winds. Reef life peaks; night dives glow with bioluminescence.

December–February brings 18–19 °C water and sunrise colours. Whale sightings spike, and winter swell adds adrenaline to cavern dives.

Pool intro plus a 6 m shore dive where you master mask clear, regulator recovery and neutral buoyancy amid rainbow wrasse.

Four open-water dives to 18 m build confidence. Digital study, nitrox option and eco-briefings turn you into a responsible diver.

Learn white-balance tricks for Madeira’s basalt backdrop, then practise with groupers at Garajau. Includes an editing workshop.

Deep, navigation and rescue scenarios sharpen skills to 30 m. Finish by lifting a bag on the Afonso Cerqueira wreck.

Shops stock full kits — 5 mm wetsuits, DIN/INT regulators, dive computers, torches and SMBs. Steel cylinders up to 15 L and carbon fins are available for small surcharges.

Reserve via Quipleon, or walk in before 09:00 for same-day slots. Paperless check-in speeds you from counter to boat in under ten minutes; payment by card or mobile wallet.

Choose steel tanks: the extra weight offsets buoyancy in a 5 mm suit, saving lead. Many outlets loan reef-safe sunscreen free of charge; grab it to protect the reserve’s delicate sponges.

Check swell and wind apps before each dive. Headlands can funnel currents; negative entries help you descend in control when the surface is choppy.

Carry an SMB and dive computer on every dive; torches are mandatory for wreck or cavern penetration. Guides provide spare O-rings and cutting tools, but pack your own for self-reliance.

Buddy teams are compulsory below 18 m, and local operators enforce a 30 m recreational limit unless you’re tech-certified. Log each profile to manage nitrogen on multi-day schedules.

Garajau forbids gloves or touching marine life. Maintain neutral buoyancy over lava sponges, and bag out any drifting plastic you spot. Disclaimer: Quipleon acts solely as an intermediary; responsibility for dive execution and safety lies with each provider.