Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

This experience made our article of 9 Fantastic Scuba Diving Experiences In Madeira.

Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

If you’re a certified diver looking to add a memorable shipwreck exploration to your Madeira adventure, the Afonso Cerqueira wreck tour with Azul Diving Center offers an exciting opportunity. For around $63, you’ll spend about two hours on the water, cruising out from Funchal’s coast to explore this impressive 85-meter-long shipwreck turned artificial reef. The experience promises a perfect blend of marine life discovery, underwater exploration, and the thrill of navigating a sunken vessel’s interior.

What we love about this experience is the chance to enter into the ship’s engine room and captains deck, which adds a layer of adventure often missing from typical reef dives. Plus, the guides are praised for their friendliness and expertise, making even complex wreck exploration accessible. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that this tour is only suitable for certified divers with a minimum of six logged dives, so beginners need not apply.

This tour is best suited for adventurous, experienced divers who want to explore the history and marine life of Madeira’s waters. It’s also a good pick for those eager to combine skill practice with a memorable, visually stunning dive.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Wreck Exploration: Dive into the 85-meter-long Afonso Cerqueira shipwreck, exploring its hull, engine room, and captain’s deck.
• Marine Diversity: The reef around the wreck is teeming with colorful marine life, providing excellent photo opportunities.
• Expert Guidance: Guides are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable, making the experience accessible for certified divers.
• Value for Money: At $63, this tour offers a significant adventure at a reasonable price, including boat ride, tanks, and insurance.
• Extra Experience: Ideal for divers looking to practice skills, add a wreck to their record, and enjoy Madeira’s underwater scenery.
• Limited Suitability: Only for certified divers who have been diving recently; not suitable for beginners or non-certified divers.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

The adventure kicks off at the Azul Diving Center in Funchal, where you’ll meet your guides and gear up for the boat ride. The journey to the wreck site takes you out into open waters, where the fresh ocean breeze and panoramic views of Madeira’s coast set an invigorating scene. The boat ride itself is part of the charm — a chance to relax, chat with fellow divers, and soak in the stunning scenery of Cabo Girao Cliff if you choose to stop there.

Once on site, you’ll take your tanks, check gear, and get a briefing from your instructor or guide. For those with a certified status, the maximum depth of 30 meters is within reach, and the wreck becomes a playground of discovery. We loved the way the guides emphasized safety while encouraging exploration, making sure everyone was comfortable with entering the ship’s interior, including the engine room and cafeteria.

The wreck is a magnificent relic, now covered with vibrant corals and home to an array of marine life. As one reviewer put it, “Everyone from the dive center was friendly and our guides were top-notch,” which really helps when navigating an unfamiliar wreck. You’ll see the ship’s structure up close, with windows, corridors, and machinery to examine. The interior rooms give a sense of what life was like aboard, even if only in a ghostly, underwater way.

The marine environment surrounding the wreck is equally captivating. Expect to see a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other reef dwellers, making it a photo-worthy and lively scene. The artificial reef has become a protected habitat, which adds to the value of the experience — supporting conservation while offering a spectacular underwater landscape.

After about 2 hours submerged, you’ll cruise back to the coast, often with the picture of Madeira’s dramatic cliffs and clear waters lingering in your mind. The entire process, from safety briefing to return, is designed to maximize your enjoyment and comfort, especially with the knowledgeable guides helping along the way.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Start at Azul Diving Center in Funchal: Your meeting point, where gear is checked, and you get a briefing. This is also where you’ll rent equipment if needed, as the tour includes tanks, weights, and insurance, but not rental gear.

Boat ride to the wreck site: Usually around 2.5 hours total, including travel time. This part is both scenic and relaxing, giving you a chance to appreciate Madeira’s rugged coastline and ocean views.

Scuba dive at the Afonso Cerqueira wreck: Approximately 2 hours in the water. Expect to explore the ship’s hull, engine room, and captains deck, with marine life swirling around you.

Return to Azul Diving Center: After the dive, a leisurely cruise back, with time to debrief and share photos, concludes the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The cost of $63 covers the essentials: boat transfer, tanks (12/15 liters at 200 bars), weight system, and insurance. You’ll need to rent your diving equipment separately if you don’t have your own, but the shop makes it easy to do so on-site. The 3-euro national park fee is a small additional cost.

Not included are food, drinks, or hotel pickup, which makes this a straightforward, dive-focused experience. It’s well suited for those who already have their certification and want to maximize their dive time in Madeira’s waters.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for certified divers seeking a memorable wreck exploration. The guides’ professionalism and the stunning environment make it suitable for those wanting a safe yet adventurous underwater experience. It’s especially attractive if you enjoy seeing marine life up close and are interested in exploring a shipwreck inside and out.

If you’re a photographer, the wreck and surrounding reef promise vivid underwater scenes. If you want to practice your skills or add a wreck to your diving log, this is a reliable, well-organized option.

Final Thoughts

The Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck tour delivers excellent value for experienced divers eager to explore Madeira’s underwater heritage. The combination of a historic wreck, vibrant marine life, and considerate guides makes it a rewarding adventure. Whether you’re looking to document marine creatures, explore a sunken ship, or simply enjoy a scenic boat ride, this tour hits the right notes.

The tour’s organized structure, safety emphasis, and authentic underwater exploration make it a standout choice. For divers with the right certification, it’s a chance to tick off a significant item on your bucket list while enjoying Madeira’s stunning waters.

FAQs

Do I need to be a certified diver? Yes, this tour is only for divers with a minimum of 6 logged dives and recent diving experience within the last 12 months. It’s designed for those comfortable at depths of up to 30 meters.

What is included in the price? The fee covers the boat ride, air tanks (12/15 liters at 200 bars), weights, and insurance. Equipment rental is not included but can be arranged at the shop.

How long is the dive? The underwater portion lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the wreck and see marine life.

Can I rent equipment there? Yes, diving equipment can be rented directly at the shop if you don’t have your own gear.

Are there any additional costs? Yes, a small national park fee of 3 euros applies. Food, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included.

What should I bring? You need your diving certification and, if you have personal gear, bring that along. No alcohol or drugs allowed before diving.

How far in advance should I book? You can reserve your spot and pay later, providing flexibility with your travel plans. It’s advisable to book at least a few days ahead to secure your preferred time.

What is the cancellation policy? Full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. No penalties for late cancellations if made within that window.

Who is this experience best suited for? Certified divers eager to explore wrecks and underwater ecosystems, especially those interested in marine history and photography. It’s not suitable for beginners or non-certified divers.

This Madeira wreck adventure offers more than just a typical reef experience — it blends history, marine life, and skill-building into one memorable outing. By choosing this tour, you’re guaranteed an authentic, well-guided dive that highlights the natural beauty and intriguing history beneath Madeira’s waves.

You can check availability for your dates here: