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.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Azul Diving Center Madeira

Advanced Adventurer

19 Nov 2025

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Adventurer program! With this program, you can try a variety of specialties before committing to full specialty programs. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Adventurer Program, you will try out 5 different specialties. You will complete one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. With this trial program in specialty diving, you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full specialty programs any time in the future and credit your Advanced Adventurer training towards them.

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Scorpio Madeira Diving Center

Open Water Diver

14 Dec 2025

This globally recognized certification program is the best way to begin your lifelong adventures as a certified scuba diver. Personalized training is combined with in-water practice sessions to ensure you have the skills and experience required to become truly comfortable underwater. You will earn the SSI Open Water Diver certification.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Garajau

This site is the most popular dive site on Madeira Island, located around 100 meters offshore. The sea bed consists of a sandy bottom where huge rock formations lie creating the perfect environment for the famous Dusky grouper. Can be done by boat or from the shore by car.

★★★★★ Cordeca (Wreck)

This Navy corvette sunk in July 2016 to create an artificial reef. The top of the ship is at about 15m and the bottom is at 30m. Visibility is always greater than 25m. Usually sheltered from the current and the wind.

★★★★★ Naufrágio (Corceira) Corveta Afonso Cerqueira

The corvette „Afonso Cerqueira“ was sunk on 04.09.2018 in front of the island Madeira. It is now a big attraction as artificial reef for divers and freedivers. All decks and rooms are accessible. The Wreck is 85 Meter long and rest in a depth of 12 - 33 Meters.

★★★★★ Madeirense (Wreck)

This cargo boat sunk in October 2000. The highest point of the wreck is at about 24m and the bottom can reach 35m. There is rarely a current and visibility is always more than 25m. This site is sheltered from the prevailing wind.

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.

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.