The best holidays and scuba diving programs in the Madeira Islands
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Scuba Dive Madeira,
the Safe Port of the Atlantic
Madeira Island
Diving Madeira
Portugal Dive invites your crew to come diving in Madeira, an archipelago in Portugal known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture.
Madeira has achieved a remarkable feat in the world of tourism. The World Travel Awards, often dubbed as the "Oscars of Tourism," have recognized Madeira as the Leading Island Destination more times than any other island.
Explore the underwater wonders of the Madeira Islands through scuba diving. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, discover vibrant marine life, and witness breathtaking volcanic formations. From the renowned Garajau Marine Reserve to captivating wrecks and colorful reefs, Madeira offers diverse dive sites for all experience levels. Join certified dive centers, dive into an underwater paradise, and create unforgettable memories in the stunning landscapes of the Madeira Islands. Plan your scuba diving adventure today.
The package
Day 1
After a short flight over the Atlantic Ocean, you will arrive at Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, Madeira.
Your base location for the next 8 days is only a short ride from the airport.
This incredible diving package will take you underwater no less than 10 times during this unforgettable week.
Days 2 to 6
These will be days of delight primarily dedicated to diving and relishing an abundant underwater environment very close to Europe.
There are many dive sites for you to choose from each day, but we cannot resist adding absolute "must do" dives to plan with your Portugal Dive Buddy.
So let's jump into the water, with our suggestions.
The first spot on our list is Garajau.
It is the marine part of the Garajau National Park of Madeira and is a fantastic and guaranteed great dive. Warm and crystalline waters welcome you to this beautiful diving location. There are several diving spots in the National Park, but this particular one usually features large shoals of fish.
The bottom is sand and rolled stones. In some places, we find giant rock formations that form "chimneys", and it is possible to pass through them. We can observe large schools of Salemas, Seabreams, Bicudas and sometimes some Amberjacks, that accompany us during the ascent.
The second recommendation is the Bowbelle wreck.
This Sand Dredger that sank on 25 March 1996 was known as the Good King. However, in her dark past, she was known as the Bowbelle.
On 29 August 1989, the Bowbelle was involved in a tragic accident on the River Thames in London, UK, when it crashed into the dance-club boat, the Marchioness. The tragic outcome of that crash was the death of 51 people. A year later, the ship was sold to a company in Madeira as a sand dredger and renamed the Good King, from the Portuguese "Bom Rei".
During routine sand dredging operations, the boat broke in the middle and sank to a depth of 32 meters. The wreck is still in good condition and offers refuge to a variety of fish and other marine life who colonized it very quickly after it sank. Sea plants grew in abundance and it rapidly became a favourite site for underwater photographers and video enthusiasts. Due to its relatively shallow location (of 22 meters), this shipwreck is the ideal place for diving courses in wrecks.
There are many exciting things to explore and to see everything you will need more than one dive. Spread around the ship are many parts that you'll try to identify, such as the excavator, which lays on the deck and is now the home of several morays.
Diving spots within the Nature Reserve of Garajau offer a wide diversity of marine life. They are all easily accessible and only a few minutes away by boat. You can expect to see large almost tame Groupers, and big schoals of fish such as Amberjacks, Tuna, Barracudas and Mantas.
Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located.
Sand Dredger sank on March, 25 1996 while doing some routine manoeuvres. The boat broke in half and sank to a depth of 32mts now a marine haven laying at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean and offers beautiful sights for those who take this dive.
Day 7
Madeira Island beckons with its breathtaking beauty, enticing travelers and divers alike to explore its wonders both above and below the surface. After exhilarating dives, seize the opportunity to discover the island's treasures. Wander through the enchanting Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its lush greenery and diverse flora. Embark on a journey along the levadas, ancient irrigation channels that crisscross the island, offering panoramic views of majestic landscapes. With each step, immerse yourself in Madeira's natural splendor, where every moment promises discovery and awe-inspiring experiences that linger long after the dives.
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, invites with its colorful streets, rich history, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling Mercado dos Lavradores to the serene Monte Palace Tropical Garden, there's something for everyone. Indulge in delicious cuisine, explore historic sites, or simply soak in the island's beauty. Funchal beckons with endless charm.
The Laurisilva Forest in Madeira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a mystical journey through ancient biodiversity. Its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and diverse flora create a serene haven for hikers and nature lovers. Explore winding trails, discover endemic species, and immerse yourself in this verdant paradise.
Topside experiences not included but highly recommended
Topside experiences (tour of the island, others) are not included. Please ask the PortugalDive.com team for more information and embark on one final memorable day!
Day 8
Time to say goodbye. It's departure day.
If you want us to take you to the airport remember to call your Portugal Dive Buddy.
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Scuba diving in the Madeira Islands offers a captivating experience with its rich marine biodiversity, volcanic formations, and clear Atlantic waters. Here's an overview of what you can expect from scuba diving in Madeira: 1. Marine Life: Madeira is known for its abundant marine life. Divers have the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of species, including colorful fish, moray eels, octopuses, rays, and even occasional sightings of dolphins and whales. The islands are also famous for their resident population of mobula rays. 2. Underwater Topography: The volcanic origins of the Madeira Islands have shaped fascinating underwater landscapes. Divers can explore steep walls, underwater caves, and breathtaking rock formations. Some popular dive sites feature arches, tunnels, and swim-throughs, adding excitement and variety to the diving experience. 3. Visibility and Water Conditions: Madeira's crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet). This allows divers to fully appreciate the stunning underwater scenery and observe marine life in all its vibrant glory. The water temperature ranges from around 18°C (64°F) in winter to 24°C (75°F) in summer, making it suitable for diving throughout the year. 4. Diverse Dive Sites: Madeira offers a range of dive sites suitable for different skill levels. From shallow reefs to deeper dives, there are options for both beginners and experienced divers. Popular dive spots include Garajau Marine Reserve, where you can explore protected reefs and encounter large schools of fish, and the Drenship Wreck, a sunken cargo ship that has become an artificial reef and home to various marine species. 5. Dive Centers and Safety: Madeira has several reputable dive centers staffed with experienced instructors and guides. They provide guided dives, equipment rentals, and training courses, ensuring a safe and enjoyable diving experience for divers of all levels. 6. Unique Marine Reserves: Madeira is home to marine reserves, such as the Garajau Marine Reserve, which offers protected areas for marine life to thrive. These reserves contribute to the preservation of the local ecosystem and provide divers with opportunities to witness the island's marine diversity. 7. Spectacular Landscapes: In addition to underwater beauty, Madeira's landscapes above water are stunning. Lush green cliffs, rugged coastlines, and picturesque villages offer breathtaking views and a perfect backdrop for a memorable diving vacation. It's important to note that due to the island's topography and sometimes challenging currents, some dive sites may be more suitable for experienced divers. Always dive with a certified dive center or instructor who can provide guidance, ensure safety, and help you make the most of your diving adventures in the Madeira Islands. haliotis Madeira Funchal Porto Santo ocean sea dive diving scuba scubadive scubadiving best dives with best dive center centre boat shore beach watch manta mantaray sharks seals many species of fish very big congers beautiful dive dives diving scuba the best holidays and scuba diving package in Portugal program itinerary itineraries to visit and dive visiting and diving in Europe Portugal stay and have fun and dive scuba the best holidays and scuba diving package program itinerary itineraries in Madeira to visit and dive visiting and diving in Madeira stay and have fun and dive scuba travel holidays portugal and dive travel holidays portugal and diving travel madeira and dive travel madeira and diving Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising 4 islands off the northwest coast of Africa. It is known for its namesake wine and warm, subtropical climate. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged, with high cliffs, pebbly beaches and settlements on deltas of the Fajã River. Capital Funchal has botanic gardens and is known for its harbor and a large New Year's fireworks show. The springtime temperature, felt all year round, cries out for open air activities. You can go for a walk along the network of levadas (irrigation channels), visit the city of Funchal and discover the heritage associated with the Discoveries or roam freely around the island. Boat rides are an excellent way of admiring the coastline from a different perspective. Madeira Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located. The springtime temperature, felt all year round, cries out for open air activities. You can go for a walk along the network of levadas (irrigation channels), visit the city of Funchal and discover the heritage associated with the Discoveries or roam freely around the island. Boat rides are an excellent way of admiring the coastline from a different perspective. In such a naturally welcoming environment, balance and well-being are taken for granted. Madeira offers various tourist complexes and accesses to the sea with prime conditions for leisure boating and scuba diving. The island of Porto Santo, in particular, is the ideal place to escape from stress and undertake a thalassotherapy programme, or a beach holiday combined with a spot of golf. Popular feasts, which take place all year round, are opportunities to appreciate traditional gastronomic flavours and see Madeira partying, especially for the Carnival parades, the Flower Festival, the Atlantic Festival and, above all, the end-of-year fireworks display. 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