The Portuguese destination of Madeira is known for its abundance of spectacular nature, both on land and in its seas. If you’re itching to discover the island’s paradisiacal underwater world, you can do so by simply suiting up and jumping in.

Scuba diving tours in Madeira enable you to swim among colossal schools of vivid scorpionfish or watch the graceful movements of a moray eel. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, you can find an excursion to suit your experience level.

Here's all you need to know about scuba diving tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Madeira.

What are the best scuba diving tours in Madeira?

Garajau beginner scuba diving tour in Madeira

If you’re seeking seclusion, you’ll find it at the enchanting Garajau Bay, surrounded by a protected marine reserve. After meeting your guide, you’ll begin your scuba diving tour in Madeira by hopping on a cable car to Garajau Bay, remote, taking in the panoramic views along the way.

Upon reaching the black shores of Garajau Bay, you’ll get prepared for your underwater adventure by participating in a briefing before taking to the water to discover its wealth of marine activity. In this protected area, you’ll get to spot dusky groupers, moray eels and garden eels. If you look closely, you may be able to catch a glimpse of a purple sea urchin before returning to the beach.

Scuba diving experience in Funchal

Perfect for beginners, this tour will introduce you to scuba diving in a fun and exhilarating way. As part of a small group, you’ll learn the theory behind scuba diving, before trying out these techniques in a practice pool. Once you’ve grasped the hang of the water sport, you’ll head out onto the open sea to find the perfect diving spot.

There, you’ll plunge into the mild ocean and slip under the waves to explore its marine life at a depth of 12 meters. You can expect to see a wealth of Madeira’s resident sea creatures, which include white marlin, yellowfin tuna and scabbard fish.

Advanced scuba diving tour at Afonsa Cerqueira Wreck

Those with diving experience under their belt can discover the secrets of a shipwreck on this scuba diving tour. After traveling through the ocean to reach your dive site, you’ll slip into your wetsuit, don your oxygen tank and plunge into the waters, swimming 30 meters down to the sea bed.

There, you’ll discover the Afonsa Cerqueira — a warship that sunk in 2018 — just south of the towering seacliff, Cabo Girão. This 85-meter-long shipwreck has been transformed into an underwater national park, where you can see great schools of scorpionfish and sea breams. Alongside a myriad of colorful fish and larger marine animals, you can also explore the ship itself and beautifully preserved.

Madeira Aquarium scuba diving tour

Alternatively, switch out the ocean environment for a tank inside one of the island’s aquariums and guarantee yourself a sighting on this scuba diving tour in Madeira.

Whether you’re a total novice or an expert diver, you can get suited up and dive into a shark tank with a professional at your side during this excursion. Alongside these magnificent yet misunderstood creatures, you’ll also have the opportunity to swim among rays, as well as moray eels at a depth of 6 meters.

How much do scuba diving tours in Madeira cost?

The most budget-friendly excursions are aimed at PADI-certified divers, who can explore the Afonsa Cerqueira shipwreck for €50 to €60 per person. You’ll need to be qualified as an advanced diver to participate in this tour and have had experience diving in the past 12 months. The national park entry fee of €3 is at your own expense.

Scuba diving tours aimed at beginners that take place at Garajau Bay are priced at around €70 per person.

For a scuba diving experience in Funchal, the cost is approximately €80 per person and operate in small groups, limited to 10 participants.

Diving tours in Madeira Aquarium cost between €110 and €120 per person. These are limited to a group of four, ensuring you have the full attention of a professional guide.

What is included in a scuba diving tour in Madeira?

The majority of scuba diving tours in Madeira include the rental of all diving equipment, such as a wetsuit and oxygen tank. In some cases, you may be required to rent this equipment from your operator’s shop for an additional fee.

You’ll typically be provided with appropriate insurance, which will cover you in the unlikely event of an accident.

Some scuba excursions in Madeira will present you with a certificate to commemorate your experience and show to your loved ones at home.

Where do scuba diving tours in Madeira start?

The meeting location of diving experiences in Madeira varies, depending on the destination you’ll be exploring. You may meet near at your tour provider’s shop near Funchal Marina, or alternatively, in the lobby of Madeira Aquarium. If your tour takes place in Garajau Bay, you can expect to meet close to the beach there.

How long do scuba diving tours in Madeira last?

Scuba diving tours in Madeira typically last 2 to 3 hours. This includes a safety briefing, transportation to your diving site and 45 minutes to an hour of exploring the seas (or tanks) of Madeira.

When is the best time for a scuba diving tour in Madeira?

Madeira's subtropical climate allows for year-round scuba diving. However, the most favorable conditions are between July and October, when the water temperature rises to around 22 to 25 degrees Celsius and visibility is at its peak. While any time of day can be good for diving, many divers prefer morning dives, when sea conditions are often calmer.

Is it safe?

Scuba diving tours in Madeira are generally and operated by experienced and certified scuba diving instructors. A moderate level of physical fitness is required to participate, so these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers and people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

Children over the age of 9 can typically join beginner scuba diving tours in Madeira, provided they are physically fit and accompanied by an adult.

What happens in case of bad weather?

Scuba diving tours depend on good weather, so if the conditions are bad, it will be rescheduled for a later date. If this is not convenient, you can request a refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Madeira?

Travel tips

To avoid the risk of decompression sickness after your scuba diving tour, do not fly or climb to high altitudes for at least 12 hours, or 18 hours if you go on multiple dives.
Scuba diving can be a very demanding activity, so make sure you're physically fit and up for the task. Avoid alcohol and eat lightly before your dive.
It is important to follow safety procedures and always dive within your certification limits. Safety is paramount, so do not deviate from the dive plan.
Be respectful of the marine life you encounter - you can look, but don't touch. Be mindful of your fins to avoid damaging coral.

Scuba diving in Madeira