Explore Madeira
Diving in Madeira offers a unique blend of enchanting marine life and dramatic volcanic landscapes, making it a premier destination for underwater exploration. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the Madeira archipelago provides divers with exceptional visibility, allowing for immersive experiences with the vibrant marine ecosystems. The islands boast a range of dive environments, from colorful reefs and towering walls to historic wrecks, each offering a distinct glimpse into the underwater world. The Garajau Marine Nature Reserve, for instance, is a haven for divers, where encounters with large pelagic species are not uncommon, particularly during the warmer months when water temperatures can reach up to 25°C/77°F. As Jacques-Yves Cousteau once noted, Madeira's waters are among the cleanest globally, enhancing the allure for divers seeking pristine conditions.
Beyond the impressive marine life, Madeira's dive sites like the Eco Park and Garajau are renowned for their fascinating wrecks, such as the Bowbelle, Pronto, and Afonso Cerqueira, which add a historical dimension to the diving experience. Meanwhile, Porto Santo charms with its unspoiled beauty and the famous Cordeca and Madeirense wrecks, where visibility often exceeds 40 meters/131 feet. Whether opting for shore dives, boat excursions, or liveaboard adventures, divers can enjoy the rich biodiversity and stunning seascapes that make Madeira a standout dive destination. Seasonal variations also bring different species into the area, offering something new and exciting for divers year-round, ensuring that every dive is a memorable journey into the depths.
Dive Activity
Diving in Madeira
Madeira, an enchanting archipelago off the coast of Portugal, offers a vibrant array of dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard enthusiasts. The wreck of the Bowbelle, lying at a depth that invites exploration by advanced divers, stands out as a compelling attraction, teeming with marine life. For those preferring the ease of shore dives, Garajau Marine Reserve is a must-visit with its accessible waters and the chance to encounter the resident dusky groupers up close. Night diving in Madeira unveils a different underwater realm, where the nocturnal activities of cuttlefish and octopuses offer a mesmerizing spectacle. Dive travelers can enjoy a balanced experience, with liveaboard options providing access to remote sites, while shore dives cater to those who prefer a more relaxed approach. The blend of wreck, reef, and night diving opportunities makes Madeira a unique and enticing destination for divers.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Madeira
Madeira's marine life is vibrant and offers divers an exciting variety of species to encounter. Common reef fish include colorful wrasses, parrotfish, and the elegant Mediterranean rainbow wrasse. These species are frequently seen by divers exploring the island's reefs and rocky outcrops.
Seasonal highlights include sightings of larger marine species like sharks, turtles, and rays. Loggerhead turtles are often spotted during their migratory period in summer, while common eagle rays can be seen gliding gracefully along the seabed. Although sightings of sharks, such as the blue shark, are rarer and typically occur offshore, they become more likely during the summer months when the waters are warmer.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
3.9k Sightings
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50
F
57
M
128
A
184
M
207
J
318
J
617
A
943
S
625
O
418
N
236
D
151
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
3.4k Sightings
J
63
F
50
M
130
A
162
M
162
J
228
J
532
A
836
S
517
O
402
N
189
D
140
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
2.6k Sightings
J
25
F
63
M
57
A
89
M
115
J
192
J
401
A
671
S
418
O
307
N
166
D
70
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
1.7k Sightings
J
34
F
52
M
57
A
109
M
90
J
167
J
272
A
439
S
239
O
107
N
82
D
45
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
298 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
6
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
44
S
155
O
37
N
30
D
24
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
3.7k Sightings
J
72
F
75
M
139
A
189
M
216
J
305
J
562
A
839
S
496
O
419
N
195
D
154
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 3
Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish
3.7k Sightings
J
47
F
65
M
105
A
208
M
196
J
308
J
621
A
862
S
543
O
334
N
237
D
133
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
2.1k Sightings
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19
F
6
M
73
A
125
M
90
J
126
J
347
A
566
S
359
O
232
N
131
D
60
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish
2.1k Sightings
J
43
F
48
M
75
A
100
M
104
J
173
J
348
A
541
S
316
O
203
N
115
D
56
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
2k Sightings
J
25
F
31
M
43
A
97
M
93
J
132
J
357
A
590
S
316
O
217
N
88
D
38
The best Months to dive in Madeira
Madeira offers year-round diving opportunities, with water temperatures ranging from 18°C–24°C/64°F–75°F depending on the season. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, which provides divers with clear views of the rich marine life and underwater landscapes.
Diving is possible throughout the year, but conditions can vary. The summer months, from June to September, are ideal due to warmer waters and calmer seas. However, the winter months may bring stronger currents and increased wind, potentially affecting dive plans. Despite this, winter still offers good diving, especially on the southern coast where conditions remain relatively stable.
