Madeira is a fantastic destination for scuba diving because of its clear waters, lively marine life, and dramatic volcanic formations. Unlike many other spots in the Atlantic, Madeira offers protected areas like the Eco park in Funchal and the Madeira Aquarium, where you can safely explore underwater environments teeming with fish, rays, and even sharks. We particularly appreciate the Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners because it provides a gentle introduction with experienced PADI instructors, perfect for those new to diving. If you’re seeking something a little more adventurous, the Madeira Aquarium diving with sharks and rays offers a unique chance to be close to marine predators in a controlled setting. For wreck enthusiasts, the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck tour combines history and marine life, while Porto Santo’s waters beckon those interested in volcanic formations and colorful reefs.
Quick Overview
This list covers a range of Madeira scuba diving experiences, including beginner courses, guided tours for certified divers, wreck explorations, and specialty encounters like sharks and rays. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a wreck dive to your record, each option has its own appeal. Check out the details below to find your ideal underwater adventure.
1. Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
At number 1, this tour is ideal for first-timers. For just $51 per person, you get a 2 to 3-hour introduction that includes a safety briefing, practice in a pool, and a supervised dive in Funchal’s protected marine area. The experience is designed for those new to scuba, with plenty of guidance from a PADI-certified instructor. Many reviewers mention how reassuring and professional the guides are, making nervous beginners feel comfortable.
The highlight is exploring a private underwater reef, where you can see vibrant Atlantic fish and colorful marine life up close. The fact that this tour includes both the pool session and the actual dive means you build confidence before entering the ocean. It’s perfect for travelers who want a safe, fun introduction without any prior experience. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and many attendees mention how they loved the underwater photos they took.
Bottom Line: If you’re new to scuba, this tour offers excellent value, friendly guidance, and a chance to experience Madeira’s underwater world in a controlled environment.
2. Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium
Ranked second, this experience for $153 offers a 3-hour adventure in the Madeira Aquarium, where you can dive alongside rays, sharks, and mantas. It’s suitable for both those with and without prior diving experience, as the tour includes a briefing and a warm-up session in a natural pool before entering the tank. The guided tour of the aquarium adds an educational element, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how the animals are cared for.
What makes this tour special is the chance to see sharks and rays up close in a controlled environment. Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the safety measures taken, ensuring a fun yet secure experience. A highlight is the opportunity to peek behind the scenes into the technical zones of the aquarium, which most visitors wouldn’t normally see.
Bottom Line: This is an ideal choice for anyone curious about marine predators and seeking a safe, interactive experience that combines education with adventure.
3. Funchal: Certified Scuba Diving, Guided Tour
Number 3 is a more advanced option for certified divers. For $32, you can enjoy a 2-hour guided dive starting from the Eco park in Funchal. This tour is perfect if you already have your certification and want to explore Madeira’s underwater world with a knowledgeable guide. The focus here is on discovering new sites and enjoying a guided experience with the security of professional supervision.
The tour covers the marine protected area at Funchal, where you can see rich marine life and interesting formations. Many divers appreciate the shorter duration for a quick but fulfilling underwater excursion. The option to try an underwater scooter adds an extra element of fun, making the dive feel even more dynamic.
Bottom Line: Best suited for certified divers seeking a guided exploration of Madeira’s underwater landscape in a protected setting—good value for a quick, high-quality dive.
4. Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck
Number 4 on our list offers a more technical dive for $63, exploring the Afonso Cerqueira wreck, an 85-meter-long ship resting in a protected reef. This wreck dive allows experienced divers to enter the engine room and captain’s deck, making it a fascinating blend of history and marine life.
The tour includes a cruise out from Madeira, providing scenic views along with the dive. Many reviewers comment on the diversity of marine creatures that inhabit the wreck, turning it into an artificial reef teeming with life. The guides are experienced, and the small group size ensures plenty of individual attention. Since this is an advanced dive, it’s best for certified divers comfortable with wreck exploration.
Bottom Line: If you’re an experienced diver looking for a wreck adventure that combines history, marine life, and a good challenge, this tour is highly recommended.
5. Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço: Scuba Diving for Beginners
Ranking fifth, this beginners’ tour is designed for those new to diving. For $51, you get a 2 to 3-hour session that includes a lesson, pool practice, and a real ocean dive up to 12 meters. The focus is on learning the basics safely, with many reviews praising the calm, patient instructors like Rafa.
The reef at Ponta de São Lourenço offers a colorful, lively environment for a first dive, with fish and marine life abundant. Participants often mention how the instructor reassures nervous divers and makes the experience enjoyable. The tour also provides a certificate of participation, giving a tangible memory of your first ocean dive.
Bottom Line: Perfect for absolute beginners who want a supportive, well-organized introduction to scuba diving in a stunning environment.
6. Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Ponta de São Lourenço
This small-scale, personalized experience for $98.40 offers a 2.5-hour introduction with focus on learning in shallow waters. It’s ideal for those who prefer a private or semi-private setting, with guidance from an instructor who makes sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
The emphasis is on getting familiar with your gear and enjoying your first ocean experience surrounded by colorful fish. Many reviews highlight how the instructor helps overcome fears, making this a very supportive first dive. It’s a solid choice if you want a more intimate setting compared to larger group tours.
Bottom Line: A good pick for beginners seeking personalized attention and a relaxed start to underwater exploration.
7. Madeira: 4-hour Scuba Dive from Porto Santo Island
Number 7 takes you to Porto Santo Island, famous for its crystal-clear waters and volcanic formations. For $176, this 4-hour tour includes a speedboat transfer and two hours of diving, with options to explore rock formations, sandy seabottoms, and wrecks. The trip typically starts with a safety briefing and then plunges into the underwater scenery.
Many reviewers commend the value for money, as you get to experience the island’s underwater diversity, with plenty of marine life and interesting geological features. It’s a great choice for those staying on Porto Santo or wanting a day trip adventure. The tour is especially suited for divers comfortable with longer excursions and open to exploring different underwater environments.
Bottom Line: If you’re on Porto Santo and craving a longer, more diverse underwater experience, this tour is an excellent option.
$176 per person
8. My First Scuba Dive in the Ocean from Madeira
This 4-hour adventure is designed specifically for newcomers, at $171, taking you to the Garajau Marine Reserve. It’s a perfect opportunity to try scuba diving for the first time, with professional instructors guiding you through your very first ocean experience.
Many reviews mention how reassuring the guides are, helping even the most nervous face their fears. The underwater scenery is colorful, and the whole experience is tailored to make beginners feel safe and excited. You’ll leave with a certificate of participation and memories of a lifetime.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-timers who want a guided, supportive introduction to ocean diving in a beautiful marine reserve.
$171 per person
9. Scuba Dive Madeira, the Safe Port of the Atlantic
Number 9 offers a comprehensive 4-hour experience in the Garajau Maritime Reserve. For $171, this is a full exploration of Madeira’s underwater environment, including rock, reef, and sandy seabottoms filled with colorful marine life. It’s suited for both certified and adventurous open-water divers.
The tour emphasizes safety and the beauty of Madeira’s underwater landscape. Many reviews mention the breathtaking volcanic formations and vibrant reefs that make this tour a memorable dive. It’s a good choice for divers who want to maximize their time underwater and experience Madeira’s best features.
Bottom Line: For experienced divers or confident beginners who want a high-quality, full-length exploration of Madeira’s marine reserve.
$171 per person
How to Choose Your Madeira Scuba Adventure
When selecting the best scuba diving experience in Madeira, consider your certification level, budget, and interest. If you’re new to diving, the Funchal beginner tour or the Ponta de São Lourenço experience offer excellent guidance and safety. For certified divers, tours like the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck or the Garajau reserves provide more advanced exploration. If marine life encounters like sharks and rays excite you, the Madeira Aquarium dive is hard to beat.
Booking early especially in peak seasons ensures availability, and paying attention to duration and what’s included can help you match your ideal trip. For example, if you want a quick intro, the Funchal beginner experience is perfect. Want a longer, more immersive day? The Porto Santo tour offers a full four hours underwater.
Final Thoughts
Madeira’s underwater world offers a rewarding mix of gentle introductions, wildlife encounters, and wreck explorations. For casual travelers or nervous first-timers, the Funchal beginner experience is a safe, cost-effective choice. More seasoned divers might opt for the Afonso Cerqueira wreck to add a memorable wreck to their record. And if you have a passion for marine predators, the aquarium diving with sharks and rays delivers a truly unique experience.
Whatever your skill level or interests, booking your tour early can secure your spot in these popular adventures. Make sure your dive experience matches your comfort and curiosity levels — and most importantly, have fun exploring Madeira below the surface.