Portugal
TOP DIVE SITES – MADEIRAMadeira Islands offer fantastic attractions for divers and become more and more popular every year among enthusiasts of this sport. Mild climate, crystal clear waters and tens of diverse dive spots make it a great diving destination also for beginners as there are many sheltered, shallow sites available. The Madeira Archipelago comprise Madeira Island, Porto Santo Island, Desertas Islands and Savage Islands.
Bom Rei (Bowbelle) – the wreck of a 90 m long sand dredger lies at a depth of 32 m. The ship was originally British (Bowbelle) but after a tragic collision with the Marchioness cruiser in 1989 was sold to company in Portugal and then renamed Bom Rei. She sank here during sand dredging operations due to a strong storm in 1996. The wreck now serves as an artificial reef and hosts many marine species such as groupers and eels.Location: Madalena do Mar (southwestern coast of Madeira)Type of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterClube Naval – a great spot to meet various marine species such as eels, parrotfish and barracudas. The maximum depth is 25 m but inexperienced divers may discover a lot of attractions at shallower depths.Location: southern coast of MadeiraType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterGarajau – there are numerous dive spots in the Garajau Marine Reserve. This zone is a paradise for underwater photography. Marine life is abundant. Divers may find there tunas, mackerels, large groupers and barracudas. The average depth is 20 m. The popular sites in this area include Pináculo, Mamas and Galo.Location: Garajau Marine Reserve (southern coast of Madeira)Type of dive: shore diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterLazareto – this dive site is located in Garajau Reserve. In this area divers may explore abundance of marine species such as anemones, sea wrasses, rays and many other. The maximum depth is 18 m.Location: Garajau Reserve (southern coast of Madeira)Type of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterMachico – this site offers colourful reef diving. Divers may admire black corals and profuse marine life. The maximum depth is 35 m.Location: Machico (northeastern coast of Madeira)Type of dive: shore diveRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open WaterMadeirense – the wreck of a cargo vessel lies at a depth of 25 m. The ship used to sail between Porto Santo and Madeira. She was deliberately sunk for diving purposes in 2000. Nowadays this artificial reef hosts plenty of marine species such as anemones, groupers, sergeant majors, prawns and many other. The visibility in this spot can reach 30 m.Location: Porto Santo Island (50 km northeast of Madeira)Type of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterPonta da Oliveira – this spot offers great cave diving. It is common to meet here eels, damselfish, lobsters, shrimps and many other species. Sometimes a monk seal can be seen in this zone. The maximum depth is 28 m.Location: southern coast of MadeiraType of dive: boat diveSea bed: sandRequirements: BSAC Sports Diver, PADI Advanced Open WaterPonta de São – this dive spot is well-known for its great visibility which in summer can even reach 50 m. This area is a nature reserve.Location: eastern coast of MadeiraType of dive: boat diveSea bed: rockRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water
T-reef – a great dive site with two pinnacles rising from the depth of 30 m. This area hosts profuse marine life such as eels, lobsters, barracudas and rays. The visibility is usually very good.Location: near Garajau ReserveType of dive: boat diveRequirements: BSAC Ocean Diver, PADI Open Water