The pristine waters around Madeira pack an impressive array of underwater adventures. Newcomers pay just $50 for guided sessions with all equipment included, while certified divers head straight to Funchal’s vibrant Eco Park. The highlight for experienced visitors is the 85-meter Afonso Cerqueira wreck – a genuine thrill. The Madeira Aquarium offers close encounters with sharks and rays under expert supervision.
We particularly love the small-group Eco Park tour for its crystal-clear visibility and abundant marine life. The wreck exploration stands out for its professional guides and top-notch safety standards.
Read on for our carefully selected picks of Madeira’s best underwater experiences.
Key Points
-
Funchal offers beginner-friendly scuba diving with high-quality equipment and PADI instructors, providing an immersive sea-based experience with a flexible cancellation policy.
-
Certified divers can explore the Eco Park’s marine protected area on a guided 2-hour small-group tour, with dive gear rentals and advanced booking recommended.
-
Advanced divers can embark on a thrilling 2.5-hour dive exploring the 85-meter Afonso Cerqueira Wreck, praised for its professional guides and diverse marine life.
-
Dive with sharks and rays at the Madeira Aquarium, a 3-hour experience suitable for all skill levels with limited group sizes and high-quality equipment.
-
Madeira’s diverse scuba diving options cater to beginner, certified, and advanced divers, offering unique opportunities to engage with marine life in protected areas with high safety standards.
Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, offers beginners a chance to explore the underwater world through a scuba diving experience.
With a 97% recommendation rate and a 5.0 rating, this activity is a top choice for those looking to try scuba diving. For just $48.47, you’ll enjoy full equipment, an experienced PADI instructor, and a dive in the sea.
The activity also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and a flexible cancellation policy.
While the experience is generally positive, some participants have reported safety and preparation concerns, so be sure to follow the guidelines and communicate any limitations or medical conditions.
Read our full review: Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners Review
Book now: Check availability
Funchal: Certified Scuba Diving, Guided Tour
For certified divers seeking a guided scuba adventure in Madeira, the Funchal Eco Park offers an exceptional opportunity.
This 2-hour, small-group tour takes you into a marine protected area, where you’ll encounter vibrant sea life and have the chance to capture underwater photos.
The tour, priced at $29.59 per person, includes a briefing, guided dive, and dive insurance. Dive gear is available for rent.
While a great option for certified divers, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with medical conditions.
With a 4.9/5 rating and limited capacity, you’ll want to book this tour in advance to secure your spot.
Read our full review: Funchal: Certified Scuba Diving, Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck
Avid divers can embark on an advanced scuba adventure to explore the 85-meter Afonso Cerqueira wreck, an artificial reef and underwater national park off the coast of Madeira’s Cabo Girao Cliff.
This 2-hour activity, including 2.5 hours of diving, allows certified divers with recent experience to venture up to 30 meters deep and discover the ship’s engine room, cafeteria, and diverse marine life.
Priced from $58.13 per person, the tour includes a boat ride, air tank, weight system, insurance, and equipment rental.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 14 reviews, this advanced scuba diving experience in Funchal is highly recommended for its value, transportation, and friendly, professional guides.
Read our full review: Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck Review
Book now: Check availability
Porto Moniz: Diving With Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium
You can venture into the Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz to dive with an array of marine creatures, including rays, sharks, and mantas.
The 3-hour experience is suitable for divers of all skill levels, with a small group size limited to 4 participants. You’ll receive high-quality equipment and guidance from experienced instructors during the warm-up session and aquarium tour.
The activity is priced from $116.25 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Participants must be over 10 years old, and it’s important not to travel by plane on the dive day.
With an outstanding 4.9/5 rating from over 116 reviews, this is a unique and memorable Madeira diving adventure.
Read our full review: Porto Moniz: Diving With Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Madeira offers a diverse range of scuba diving experiences for all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a guided tour or an experienced diver seeking advanced challenges, you’ll find ample opportunities to explore the island’s underwater wonders. From the Funchal coast to the Porto Moniz aquarium, Madeira’s scuba diving scene promises unforgettable adventures beneath the waves.