Night & Limited Visibility - “When It Gets Dark”

Madeira—57 km long, 22 km wide, 1,862 m high. Madeira enchants visitors with its lush vegetation and incredible variety of flowers and fruits, as well as its balanced, mild climate. From the steppe-like east to subtropical mango, papaya, banana, and fig plantations in the south; terraced fields with the famous Levada irrigation channels; slopes covered with vineyards; eucalyptus forests, a “Scottish” plateau, all the way to the high-alpine Central Massif surrounded by centuries-old laurel forests— this island challenges you to actively explore it. Valleys alternate with magnificent mountain forests, steep slopes, and a wildly romantic rocky coastline. The mountain and fishing villages, such as Canico, exude a tranquil atmosphere. Located in the midst of the warm Gulf Stream, the sea surrounding the island invites visitors all year round with pleasant temperatures for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. In winter, water temperatures do not drop below 18°C, and in summer, the water reaches 24°C, and there are no thermoclines. The Manta Diving center celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 and is located on the sheltered southern coast of Madeira. The German-run center prides itself on high standards and excellent service; it is the only ISO-certified center in the Atlantic and features a large house reef located directly within the Garajau Underwater Nature Reserve. It’s just 20 m from the center to the water. Diving and snorkeling in Atlantic and tropical conditions thanks to the nearby Gulf Stream make your vacation an unforgettable experience. The center is centrally located within the fish-rich house reef—just step right into the water, right in the middle of Madeira’s Underwater Nature Reserve! Four large dive sites, each with distinct topography, are easily accessible from the entry point. For example, a cave tunnel with an air pocket, a steep wall, or the “Arena” with its large schools of fish. The diverse dive sites here extend to a depth of 34 meters; they’re sheltered from wind and waves off the rocky headland of Ponta Oliveira and are just a one-minute walk away.

During summer we offer one or two guided dives every Sunday in one of the surrounding lakes. Prerequisite: At least SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification from another diving association, a valid diving fitness certificate and your own ABC equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, booties, gloves). For club members, participation is free of charge (rental equipment for a fee), for non-club members we have to charge a fee of € 10 (if a dive guide / supervision by us / our DivePROs is desired or required - this does not apply to participants who are self-sufficient, i.e. only looking for a buddy and can also lead a dive themselves).

“The Oceans in Motion”Stay in control of your dive with the SSI Waves, Tides & Currents program! Learn to dive safely in currents, waves, or rivers.Water conditions can have a significant impact on you as a diver and can turn the ocean into a hostile environment for which the diver is unprepared.With the right training and common sense, every recreational diver is able to handle minor challenges in moving water and enjoy their dives to the fullest.Learn how to choose the right entry method at a dive site with waves, correctly assess diving conditions in currents, and safely plan dives in currents to ensure relaxed dives and proper handling of currents.

Listed course price plus admission to the indoor diving center!You can find detailed information about the course, prerequisites, and optional services on our course page (see link below)!

Are you passionate about saving the ocean and the marine life that call it home? Are you fascinated by the thought of diving with whales? Would you like to learn more about the ecology, biology and conservation of marine mammals? The SSI Marine Mammal Ecology program introduces you to the wonders of these amazing creatures. Immerse yourself in the world of whales, dolphins and seals and explore this amazingly diverse group of marine animals. In this program you will learn what makes marine mammals different from land mammals, discover where they live, explore their physiology and learn how to identify different species. You'll also learn about marine mammal conservation - a great way to help save the ocean. At the end of the course you'll receive the SSI Marine Mammal Ecology Specialty certification. Minimum number of participants: 2 Course price shown plus digital kit fee!

This appointment marks the start of your career as a Dive Professional - an informal meeting where you can get more information about the Dive Guide training, ask questions, we will check the necessary requirements together and, if necessary, complete the registration formalities. All further appointments will be arranged during this meeting. The Dive Guide course is the first step on an exciting journey. You will learn how to safely guide certified divers in different environments and conditions. Through dive briefings, assessing dive conditions and leading dives, you will develop into a confident dive guide in no time. Start your professional diving career as a Dive Guide or qualify as a Divemaster. Minimum number of participants: 2 Course price plus digital kit fee!

During winter we offer one or two guided dives every Saturday in one of the surrounding lakes. Prerequisite: At least SSI Open Water Diver or equivalent certification from another diving association and a valid diving fitness certificate. For club members participation is free of charge (rental equipment for a fee), for non-club members we have to charge a fee of € 10 (if a dive guide / supervision by us / our DivePROs is desired or required - this does not apply to participants who are self-sufficient, i.e. only looking for a buddy and can also lead a dive themselves).

Neugierig aber noch unentschlossen? Dann nutze die Möglichkeit des Schnuppertauchens bei Deiner Entscheidung! Neben einer theoretischen Einweisung (Funktion und Umgang mit der Ausrüstung, Erklärung wichtiger Unterwasserhandzeichen) sammelst Du unter Anleitung eines Tauchlehrers im Schwimmbad erste Erfahrungen im und unter Wasser. Eine intensive Betreuung und genügend Zeit für Deine ersten Schritte sind selbstverständlich. Voraussetzungen für das Schnuppertauchen ist ein Mindestalter von 8 Jahre, ein guter Gesundheitszustand und Badesachen. Alles weitere (Ausrüstung, Maske, Flossen) bekommst Du gestellt und ist wie der Eintritt ins Schwimmbad im Preis enthalten.

Listed course price plus digital kit fee!Requirements Minimum age: 10 years For participants aged 10–18, a consent form signed by a parent or guardian is required valid medical clearance for diving SSI (Junior) Open Water Diver or an equivalent certification from another diving organization ABC set (mask, snorkel, gloves, booties, fins)You can find detailed information about the course, prerequisites, and optional services on our course page (see link below)!

Listed course price plus digital kit fee!You can find detailed information about the course, prerequisites, and optional services on our course page (see link below)!

In the SSI Freshwater Ecology Specialty program you will explore how aquatic species interact with each other and their freshwater environment. You'll learn about freshwater ecosystems, food chains, predator-prey relationships and the delicate balance that sustains life below the surface. This program will deepen your understanding of biodiversity, species adaptations and habitat protection - and give you the knowledge to safely recognize and identify aquatic wildlife. With your new ecological knowledge, every dive will be a discovery. Start online today and receive your SSI Freshwater Ecology certification. At the end of the course, you will receive the SSI Freshwater Ecology Specialty certification. Minimum number of participants: 2 Course price shown plus digital kit fee!

Listed course price plus digital kit fee!You can find detailed information about the course, prerequisites, and optional services on our course page (see link below)!

The oceans are filled with special and beautiful fish of all shapes and colors. Imagine you have just experienced a wonderful dive in the ocean, are spending your vacation on a tropical island or have just watched a documentary about fascinating fish. Wouldn't you like to know which fish they are and what they are called? In this course you will learn to recognize and identify the fish of the Caribbean, the Indo-Pacific and the Red Sea and which body characteristics and behaviors you need to pay attention to in order to be able to identify and classify the individual species. At the end of the course you will receive the SSI Fish Identification Specialty certification. Minimum number of participants: 2 Course price plus digital kit fee!

Listed course price plus digital kit fee!You can find detailed information about the course, prerequisites, and optional services on our course page (see link below)!

Diving is more fun and safer when you know more about it. The SSI Science of Diving program covers all areas of diving theory in a detailed and comprehensive manner: Physics, Physiology, Decompression Theory, Underwater Environment and Diving Equipment. Whether you just want more knowledge or plan to become a Dive Professional, Science of Diving is exactly what you need! Minimum number of participants: 2 Posted course price plus digital kit fee!