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Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira boasts an undersea world which is as diverse and enchanting as its verdant landscapes above. Famed for its mild climate, stunning scenery and welcoming inhabitants, Scuba Diving madeira islands is fast becoming one of the world’s top dive destinations.
What really sets madeiran underwater sites apart from other places around the world are three things – the exceptional clarity of our waters; the incredible diversity and abundance of marine life found here; plus some totally unique lava formations resulting from ancient volcanic activity. Whether you’re an experienced diver keen to try new adventures or just starting out with your first ever scuba dive course, this island has something truly special waiting beneath its waves.
This article will let you know about:
- In-depth reviews on best rated dive sites such as Garajau Nature Reserve, Madeira Aquarium Dive or Bowbelle Shipwreck
- Close-up views about different marine species living on these sites
- Information concerning distinctive underwater features as well as close encounters with them
- Tips for taking pictures under water
- Advice whether a site is suitable for various levels of experience starting from beginners up to technical divers
Top Dive Sites
Garajau Nature Reserve
About: The Garajau Nature Reserve is a protected marine area and considered one of the best dive sites in Madeira. This reserve has dives of all kinds, from shallow reefs to deep walls that usually sit between 20-40 meters. There are beautiful rock formations under the water combined with caves which makes it very suitable for underwater creatures.
Fauna: A lot of different animals can be found there including big groupers, moray eels, octopuses and parrotfish among others. Sometimes mantas rays or dolphins swim by too.
Happenings That You Can Experience Here Only: One peculiar thing about this place is its dusky grouper encounter where these huge fish come close enough to touch; this might give you an adrenalin rush! Also many barracudas live here and sometimes eagle rays can be seen passing by.
Pictures: With such clear waters teaming with life this is ideal location for underwater photography. You can take shots of large resident fishes against a backdrop of intricate rock formations or capture delicate underwater flora in detail.
Suitability: All levels of divers are catered for at this site because there are parts that shallow-reserve for beginners as well as deeper areas where advanced divers can go adventure into. Being mild current region coupled with clear water makes it perfect even for training purposes.
Madeirense Shipwreck
About: The Madeirense Shipwreck is an old vessel sunk intentionally to create an artificial reef; it stands among the most fascinating diving spots on Madeira Island. It sits at around 30 meters depth and gives off eerie but captivating atmosphere when dived through especially considering how much marine life this structure harbors.
Fauna: The wreck is home to numerous species including conger eels, nudibranchs and blennies which can be found hiding in different parts of it. There are also lots of damselfish and anthias that swim around large schools near the wreckage.
Special Features: Besides these there live some creatures like John Dory fish (which looks elusive) or peacock wrasse with vibrant colors; moreover as time passes by corals start growing on it so more small animals find their homes around them creating even richer environment inside it.
Pictures: This place provides great opportunities for underwater photographers who can take dramatic shots of the ship’s silhouette against deep blue background or capture details about marine life living there.
Suitability: Due to depth and complexity of the wreck advanced divers would enjoy diving here most but also intermediate ones could do so with proper training. Currents usually aren’t too strong but still advisable to have a dive guide familiar with the area.
Caniçal
Fauna: A number of cuttlefishes, gobies and scorpionfishes inhabit these waters all year round while during some seasons tunas or wahoos may pass through during migration periods.
Different Things You Can Find Here Only: Here you get a chance to see Portuguese man o’ war which is an interesting jellyfish-like creature not encountered elsewhere. Another highlight includes huge schools of reef fish playing around pinnacles during dives in this area.
Photography: Caniçal is a paradise for photographers because of the variety of light and the rich marine life. From close up pictures of small crustaceans to wide-angle shots with schools of fish or dramatic underwater landscapes, there are lots of things you can do to keep your camera busy.
Suitability: Caniçal caters for divers at all levels; shallow bays for beginners and snorkelers, deeper sections plus more exposed areas that challenge experienced divers. Check conditions before diving as currents are stronger in exposed areas.
Considerations for Each Dive Site
Visibility: Madeira has great visibility when compared globally – often exceeding 30 meters (98 feet). Ensure you have an excellent quality underwater camera to capture this amazing clarity. However, sometimes visibility may be reduced after heavy rainfall or during stormy weather so it is advisable to check with local dive operators before going out.
Currents and Tides: Currents in Madeira can be strong particularly around open ocean sites and at times when tides change. Safety should always come first so dive with someone who knows the waters well such as a local guide able to navigate through them. Be ready for drift dives which are exciting but require some experience and confidence.
Safety Tips: When diving in Madeira:
- Dive only with guides who know the site.
- To alert boats below carry surface marker buoys.
- Weather and sea conditions might change quickly so check before you leave.
- Maintain buoyancy control in order to avoid damaging marine life or meeting dangerous animals.
- Ensure good condition of equipment especially exposure protection considering water temperatures.
Regulations: Madeira has certain regulations for protecting its marine environments:
- No-take zones must be respected by divers as they prohibit fishing and removal of any creature living there.
- To mitigate impact on environment some dive sites like Garajau which is a marine reserve may have limits on number of divers allowed at any given time. Advanced booking may therefore be necessary for such places.
- All guidelines set by local dive operators including maximum depth limits and bottom times should be strictly followed when diving anywhere within the region.
- Always comply with protected species regulations while ensuring not to disturb endemic monk seals or any other kind of marine life found here!
In conclusion, there are no underwater landscapes as unique as those found in Madeira, coupled with its abundant marine life. Whether it’s the dramatic underwater topography of Garajau Nature Reserve or the vibrant Blue Hole teeming with fish or even an easy accessible dive site like T-Reef; all levels have something to do here. Each site offers different chances for amazing underwater photography plus encounters with rare creatures. However don’t forget about practicalities such as water temperature visibility currents and local regulations that will make your dive safe and enjoyable. With so many amazing places still waiting to be explored, Madeira truly is a paradise for divers!
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