Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, boasts a hidden gem for the adventurous scuba diver – the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck. This 85-meter ship, resting at a maximum depth of 30 meters, offers a captivating underwater exploration. With its engine room, cafeteria, and captain’s deck, the wreck has become a thriving haven for diverse marine life, creating a visually stunning ecosystem. Experienced divers with the proper certification and equipment can embark on this extraordinary journey, seeing the wreck’s rich history and the mesmerizing world beneath the waves. What secrets await discovery beneath the surface?

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Scuba Diving Experiences In Madeira.

Key Points

• The Afonso Cerqueira wreck, an 85-meter ship, offers advanced scuba divers the opportunity to explore its engine room, cafeteria, and captain’s deck.
• The wreck is located in the waters off Funchal, Madeira and has a maximum dive depth of 30 meters.
• The dive lasts approximately 2 hours and includes a boat ride, air tank, weight system, insurance, and equipment rentals.
• Divers can observe diverse marine life, such as colorful fish, coral formations, and schools of barracuda and sea turtles.
• A minimum certification of Advanced diver is required, and the total cost per person is €55, including national park fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

The Afonso Cerqueira wreck is an 85-meter ship located in Funchal, Madeira, offering advanced scuba divers the opportunity to explore its engine room, cafeteria, and captain’s deck.

This wreck dive is a popular attraction for experienced divers, who can descend to a maximum depth of 30 meters to observe the diverse marine life that has made the wreck its home.

The 2-hour dive experience includes a boat ride to the site, air tanks, weight systems, and all necessary diving equipment.

With its historical significance and abundant underwater ecosystem, the Afonso Cerqueira wreck provides a thrilling and immersive adventure for those with the appropriate certification and recent diving experience.

Dive Duration and Location

The dive at the Afonso Cerqueira wreck lasts approximately 2 hours, as divers explore the 85-meter shipwreck located in the waters off Funchal, Madeira.

This advanced dive site allows experienced scuba enthusiasts to discover the wreck’s captivating features, including:

• The engine room, where divers can observe the intricate machinery that once powered the vessel.
• The cafeteria, where they can imagine the crew’s daily lives aboard the ship.
• The captain’s deck, offering a glimpse into the command center of the once-operational vessel.
• The diverse marine life that has made the wreck its home, providing a unique opportunity to observe underwater ecosystems.

Pricing and Booking Information

A price of €55.00 per person is charged for the advanced scuba diving experience at the Afonso Cerqueira wreck.

Booking is available with a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option. Visitors can reserve their spot in advance without the need to pay immediately. This flexible booking system allows divers to secure their place on the dive while finalizing their plans.

The price includes a boat ride to the dive site, air tank, weight system, insurance, and diving equipment rentals. Divers must provide their own certification, and the dive is only suitable for those with advanced diving experience and certification.

Exploring the Wreck’s Features

Divers can explore the 85-meter Afonso Cerqueira wreck, which offers a captivating glimpse into its engine room, cafeteria, and captain’s deck.

The wreck is home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a thrilling destination for advanced divers.

Highlights of the dive include:

• Navigating the intricate engine room, where the machinery and technical components of the ship are on display.
• Discovering the remnants of the cafeteria, where sailors once gathered for meals.
• Reaching the captain’s deck, which provides a unique perspective on the wreck and the surrounding underwater landscape.
• Observing the abundant marine life, including colorful schools of fish and captivating coral formations.

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Observing Marine Life

Diverse schools of vibrant fish populate the wreck, captivating divers as they explore the underwater site.

Colorful coral formations and other marine life thrive amidst the wreck’s structures, creating a captivating ecosystem for advanced divers to observe.

Shoals of swarming silvery barracuda dart in and out of the vessel’s crevices, while sea turtles gracefully glide above the seabed.

Curious groupers and snapper curiously investigate the divers, unafraid of the human presence.

The wreck’s abundance of marine life reflects the rich biodiversity of the Madeira region, offering a visually stunning experience for those who venture to these depths.

Divers can expect to encounter a vibrant underwater tableau teeming with unique ocean creatures.

Diving Certification and Requirements

To participate in this advanced scuba diving activity, divers must possess a minimum certification of Advanced diver and have completed at least one dive within the last 12 months. Those without the required certification won’t be permitted to join the dive.

The dive site is suitable for experienced divers only, as it reaches a depth of 30 meters. Divers must bring their own diving certification to present upon arrival.

Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the dive, as they can jeopardize safety.

The activity includes:

• Boat ride to the dive site
• Air tank at 200 bars
• Weight system
• Insurance coverage

Included Diving Equipment and Fees

The activity package includes a boat ride to the dive site, an air tank of 12/15 liters at 200 bars, a weight system, and insurance coverage.

Plus, the cost of the national park fees (€3) is incorporated into the overall price.

Rental diving equipment is also available, allowing divers to fully equip themselves for the adventure.

The price for this advanced scuba diving experience at the Afonso Cerqueira wreck is €55 per person.

Booking can be done easily, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

This comprehensive package ensures that divers can focus on the excitement of exploring the 85-meter wreck without worrying about additional fees or equipment rentals.

Additional Important Information

Divers interested in this advanced scuba experience must meet certain requirements to participate.

At a minimum, they’ll need to show proof of an advanced open water certification, verifying they’ve the necessary skills and experience to safely dive the 85-meter Afonso Cerqueira wreck to a maximum depth of 30 meters.

Plus, divers must have logged at least one dive within the past 12 months, demonstrating recent active practice.

Alcohol and drug use are strictly prohibited, as these can impair judgment and endanger the diver and their group.

To have the best, safest experience, divers are encouraged to bring their own diving certification and log books.

• Minimum certification required: Advanced open water
• Dive within the last 12 months required
• No alcohol or drugs allowed
• Bring your own diving certification

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Diving Equipment?

Yes, you can bring your own diving equipment. The activity details state that "Diving equipment (rentals available)" is included, implying that participants have the option to use their own gear if they prefer.

Is There a Maximum Group Size for the Dive?

The Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck tour doesn’t have a specified maximum group size. However, they aim to keep the group small for a more personalized experience. Exact group sizes may vary depending on demand and staffing.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The activity doesn’t have any age restrictions, but participants must be advanced divers with certification and have made at least one dive within the last 12 months. Children can participate if they meet the diving requirements.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Dive?

Yes, participants can take photos and videos during the dive, but they must ensure they don’t interfere with the dive or disturb the marine life. Underwater photography and videography are allowed, but divers should use caution and respect the environment.

Is There a Cancellation Policy in Case of Inclement Weather?

The company offers a flexible cancellation policy. If inclement weather prevents the dive, customers can reschedule or receive a full refund. Advanced notice is required, and the company will work with customers to accommodate weather-related changes.

Recap

The Afonso Cerqueira Wreck in Funchal, Madeira, offers an exceptional diving experience for advanced scuba enthusiasts.

Featuring a diverse array of marine life and captivating underwater structures, the wreck provides a thrilling exploration opportunity at a maximum depth of 30 meters.

However, divers must possess the proper certification and equipment to safely navigate this challenging yet rewarding dive site.

You can check availability for your dates here: