Madeira isn’t just about stunning landscapes and lush scenery—it’s also a fantastic spot for scuba diving enthusiasts. The island’s clear waters, vibrant marine life, and protected areas make it a top choice for underwater adventures. We particularly love the Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners because it offers a safe, well-paced introduction to diving, perfect for newcomers. The chance to learn with a PADI instructor and explore reefs teeming with colorful fish makes it an ideal starting point. For those craving something more thrilling, the Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium is a once-in-a-lifetime experience diving amid sharks, rays, and mantas in a controlled environment. If wreck exploration is your thing, the Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck offers an exciting peek into Madeira’s maritime history with a dive into a 85-meter-long ship. Curious about what’s available? Check our full list below.
The following list covers a variety of scuba tours in Madeira, from beginner lessons to advanced wreck explorations, with options in Funchal, Porto Santo, and Porto Moniz. Whether you’re just starting out or an experienced diver, you’ll find something suited to your interests.
1. Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners
At number 1, this beginners’ scuba experience in Funchal offers a gentle introduction to diving in Madeira’s protected marine area. The tour includes a comprehensive lesson with a PADI instructor, ensuring you learn the basics safely. After a quick practice in the pool, you’ll take your first breath underwater on a reef at a depth of up to 12 meters. The underwater world here is full of colored fish and coral, making it a memorable first taste of diving.
What makes this tour stand out is its high rating—4.9 out of 5 from 485 reviews—and the inclusion of a participation certificate. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the guide’s thorough briefings help calm nerves. The tour lasts about 3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day adventure. The logistical details, like parking and meeting points, are clearly explained, so there’s no stress about logistics. This tour is especially suited for those new to diving who want a safe, fun experience with a professional team.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for beginners wanting a safe, well-reviewed introduction to scuba diving in Madeira’s beautiful waters.
2. Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium
Number 2 on our list is the Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium, rated 4.9/5 from 142 reviews. For around $153, this 3-hour experience allows you to dive alongside rays, sharks, and mantas in a controlled, aquarium environment. It’s perfect for those who want the thrill of being close to these animals without venturing into open water. The tour includes all high-quality equipment, a briefing, and a warm-up session in a natural pool, making it accessible for both experienced and novice divers.
What makes this tour special is its combination of a guided tour of the Madeira Aquarium and the chance to see large marine animals close-up. You can learn about the species and their habitat from knowledgeable guides, and the behind-the-scenes tour of the technical zone adds a nice touch. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the safety of the experience, with many noting it as a highlight of their trip.
This experience is ideal for families or adventurous travelers looking for a safe yet exciting marine encounter. It’s not your typical open-water dive but delivers a memorable, interactive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to see sharks and rays up close in a controlled setting, with educational insights and expert guidance.
3. Funchal: Certified Scuba Diving, Guided Tour
At number 3, this tour caters to certified divers eager to explore Funchal’s eco park. For $32, you’ll get a 2-hour guided dive starting from the pier, focusing on the Atlantic’s fascinating marine life. This tour is only for experienced divers with certification, offering a chance to discover new underwater sights in a marine protected area.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on exploration—guided by a knowledgeable instructor who points out various species and features of the Eco park Funchal. The inclusion of an underground scooter adds a fun element, allowing you to cover more ground and enjoy a different perspective underwater. The calm waters and rich marine biodiversity make it a rewarding experience for those comfortable with diving.
The reviews praise the friendly guide and the chance to discover something new, making it ideal for divers seeking a local experience. The tour’s brief duration suits those with limited time but a keen interest in underwater exploration.
Bottom Line: A good choice for certified divers who want a guided, educational experience around Funchal’s marine park.
4. Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck
Number 4 is the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck tour, rated 4.9/5 from 15 reviews. For $63, you get a 2-hour exploration of this 85-meter-long shipwreck. The dive takes you inside the engine room and captain’s deck, offering a blend of wreck exploration and marine life viewing. This is a great option if you have some diving experience and want to add a fascinating artificial reef to your logbook.
What makes this dive stand out is the opportunity to practice wreck diving techniques while exploring a well-preserved vessel. The guide’s expertise ensures safety and a focus on marine ecology. Guests have praised the experience as “amazing,” with the chance to see diverse marine species around the wreck. The tour departs from Azul Diving Center, and its timing fits well into a day of exploration.
This dive is perfect for intermediate divers looking to try wreck diving without venturing into more complex sites. It combines history, marine biology, and adventure in one package.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for divers wanting to experience wreck exploration in a safe, guided environment.
5. Madeira, Ponta São Lourenço: Scuba Diving for Beginners
At number 5, this beginner tour in Ponta São Lourenço is perfect if you want to combine training and a first dive in a protected area. Rated 5/5 from 10 reviews, it costs around $51 and lasts 2 to 3 hours. The focus is on learning the basics with an instructor in shallow water before experiencing a full dive up to 12 meters.
The tour emphasizes learning in a safe environment, with trial dives in pools and then in open water. The underwater scenery is described as amazing, with colored fish and coral reefs surrounding you. It’s suitable for those who are new to diving but eager to experience the ocean firsthand. The guide’s teaching style strives to ease anxieties, and the small group size enhances safety and attention.
This experience is ideal for travelers with limited time or those wanting a structured, beginner-friendly introduction. The reviews highlight the calm, professional guidance and the feeling of accomplishment after the dive.
Bottom Line: A top pick for first-time divers seeking a well-organized, rewarding introduction in a beautiful location.
6. Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners in Ponta de São Lourenço
Number 6 features another beginner experience, rated 5.0/5 and priced at about $98.40. This 2.5-hour tour emphasizes learning the basics with a professional instructor, including trial dives in shallow water. The highlight is the chance to see colorful fish and enjoy a relaxed, safe experience.
It’s perfect if you prefer a smaller group or more personalized instruction. While details about the exact location aren’t extensive, the reviews mention high satisfaction with the instructor’s patience and clear communication. The tour is suitable for non-swimmers and those new to water sports, making it an accessible introductory option.
Bottom Line: A flexible, beginner-friendly choice with personalized attention for novices.
7. Madeira: 4-hour Scuba Dive from Porto Santo Island
Number 7 brings you to Porto Santo, with a full 4-hour scuba experience. This tour explores the crystal-clear waters, volcanic formations, and sandy seabottoms of Porto Santo Island. It’s perfect for divers who want a comprehensive experience, including the possibility of wreck diving.
The trip includes a 20-minute speedboat ride to the dive site, with a briefing and 2 hours of underwater exploration. The marine environment here is famous for its rock formations and marine life, offering a different experience from Madeira’s waters. The reviews are glowing, with one traveler calling it a “great exploration of Porto Santo’s underwater world.”
This tour suits those with some diving experience or certified divers looking for a scenic, longer dive. The combination of boat travel and exploration makes it an ideal full-day activity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for experienced divers seeking a varied, scenic diving adventure on Porto Santo.
8. Madeira: Beginner Scuba Dive From Porto Santo Island
This 2.5-hour beginner tour on Porto Santo offers a safe introduction for first-timers. The focus is on learning the basics, practicing in shallow water, and experiencing the underwater environment. The tour is limited to small groups, making for a personalized, engaging experience.
Ideal for those dreaming of breathing underwater for the first time, it’s designed to build confidence while exploring colorful marine life. The reviews praise the professional instructors and the smooth, reassuring approach, making it accessible even for non-swimmers or those with fears.
Bottom Line: An excellent gateway experience for first-time divers wanting to try in a relaxed setting.
9. My first scuba dive in the Ocean from Madeira
Number 9 is a specialized first-timer adventure in the Garajau Marine Reserve. For $171, you get to try scuba diving for the first time with a trained instructor guiding you through the process. The focus is on safety, fun, and discovering Madeira’s underwater treasures.
The experience lasts about 4 hours, providing plenty of time for instruction, acclimation, and the actual dive. Reviewers describe it as an unforgettable, rewarding experience that opened up a new world for them. The marine reserve’s colorful fish and volcanic formations make for a spectacular setting.
This trip is ideal for travelers who have always wanted to breathe underwater and are ready for a guided, first-time dive in a protected environment.
Bottom Line: A memorable, introductory experience suitable for first-timers eager to see Madeira’s underwater world.
10. Scuba dive Madeira, the safe port of the Atlantic
Last on our list, this scuba experience offers a 4-hour exploration of Madeira’s marine life and volcanic formations. It’s suitable for divers of various levels, especially those interested in exploring the Garajau maritime reserve. The tour emphasizes safe diving in Madeira’s well-known waters and includes a chance to see diverse marine species.
The reviews, though not detailed, echo the quality of the experience, making it a dependable choice. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive dive in a trusted marine reserve, combining reef and rock formations with colorful fish.
Bottom Line: Reliable, well-rounded scuba experience for divers seeking to explore Madeira’s waters in safety.
How to Choose Your Perfect Madeira Scuba Tour
When selecting the right tour, consider your experience level, budget, and interests. If you’re new to diving, options like the Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners or the Ponta São Lourenço beginner dive are great starting points. For certified divers craving exploration, the Funchal guided tour or the wreck adventure at Afonso Cerqueira are solid options. Those interested in marine life encounters should consider the Shark and Ray experience, while Porto Santo offers longer, scenic dives like the full-day exploration.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, and always check what’s included—gear, certification requirements, and location specifics. Keep your fitness level in mind; some dives involve boat rides or walking to dive sites. Finally, pick a tour that matches your comfort zone and curiosity; Madeira’s underwater world is accessible for all levels with the right guide.
Final Thoughts
Madeira offers a diverse range of scuba experiences that cater to everyone from first-timers to veteran divers. Whether you prefer a safe introduction in shallow waters, an adrenaline rush with sharks and wrecks, or a scenic exploration of volcanic formations, the options are plentiful. For families or nervous newcomers, the beginner tours provide confidence and fun. For those seeking adventure, wreck dives and marine life encounters deliver unforgettable moments.
Remember, the best dives happen with good planning—book early, check the requirements, and choose a tour that fits your skill level and interests. Madeira’s underwater world is waiting; now’s the time to explore it.
