Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

If you’re considering a scuba experience in Madeira, the Afonso Cerqueira wreck is one of those adventures that can truly elevate your trip. This particular tour, offered by Azul Diving Center, promises an exciting exploration of a sunken ship turned artificial reef, giving certified divers a chance to see incredible marine life and explore the ship’s interior. Whether you’re deepening your diving skills or just love the idea of swimming through a historic wreck, this experience has a lot to offer.

What makes this tour stand out are a couple of things we really appreciate: the opportunity to explore inside a ship’s engine room and captain’s deck, and the chance to be guided by knowledgeable instructors who make the whole experience safe and memorable. On the flip side, it’s a two-hour window, so if you’re after a longer, more relaxed dive day, this might feel a bit quick. Still, if you’re comfortable with diving to 30 meters and have some experience, this will be right up your alley. It’s especially well-suited for divers who want to add a wreck exploration to their Madeira itinerary with a professional team.

Key Points

• Certified divers with at least 6 logged dives can participate, making it suitable for those with some experience.
• The price point of $63 offers good value for a guided wreck exploration, including boat transfer and equipment.
• The scenic cruise along Madeira’s coast adds to the experience, with ocean breezes and beautiful views.
• Exploring inside the wreck provides a unique perspective, revealing engine rooms, cafeterias, and the captain’s deck.
• Guides are noted for their friendliness and expertise, making the trip both safe and enjoyable.
• The activity is 2 hours long, so it’s a manageable window that fits into a busy travel day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck Tour

The Experience Overview

This tour is designed for certified divers who want a more advanced underwater adventure. The Afonso Cerqueira wreck lies about 30 meters deep, making it suitable for divers with a minimum of 6 logged dives and recent diving activity within the last year. The boat ride out from the Azul Diving Center offers a chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Madeira’s coastline, especially as you cruise past the iconic Cabo Girao Cliff.

Once at the site, you’ll be diving alongside an 85-meter-long ship, which has become an artificial reef and protected marine habitat. The vessel’s sunken structure creates a fascinating environment filled with vibrant marine life, making it a visually stunning dive. This experience is perfect for those who appreciate marine biodiversity and want to see what lives around such a fascinating wreck.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Start at Azul Diving Center Madeira:
Your day begins with checking in at the dive shop, where you’ll meet your guides and get briefed. They’ll ensure you’re comfortable with the plan and equipment, answer questions, and go over safety procedures. Here, you’ll also rent any equipment you might need if you didn’t bring your own.

Cruise to Cabo Girao Cliff:
The boat ride itself is part of the adventure. You can relax on deck, enjoy the ocean breeze, and soak in the views of Madeira’s dramatic coast. This part of the experience often garners positive reviews, with travelers appreciating the friendly staff and the scenic surroundings.

The Dive at Afonso Cerqueira:
Once on site, your guides will help you gear up and enter the water. You’ll start your descent to around 30 meters, where the wreck rests. The highlight is the chance to swim through the ship’s interior—entering areas like the engine room or the cafeteria. This adds a dimension of discovery that many divers find thrilling.

Marine Life and Underwater Exploration:
The wreck has become a haven for marine creatures, providing an explosion of colors and movement. From schools of fish to larger inhabitants, you’ll experience the diversity up close. Guides are skilled at pointing out interesting sights and ensuring everyone’s safety.

Return and Reflection:
After your dive, you’ll cruise back to the dive center, often with time for a quick chat or sharing photos. The entire activity lasts about 2 hours, making it ideal if you’re looking for a compact yet comprehensive underwater experience.

The Equipment and Logistics

The tour includes air tanks (12/15 liters at 200 bars), a weight system, and insurance. You’ll need your diving certification and should have logged at least 6 dives, including recent activity within the last 12 months. Equipment, if needed, can be rented directly at the shop, which is convenient and ensures you’re suited up properly.

Note: The tour does not include food, drinks, or hotel pickup, so plan accordingly. The cost of €3 for national park fees is nominal but worth mentioning since it’s not included in the price.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This is an experience for divers with some experience who want to go beyond the typical beach or shallow reef dives. If you’re eager to explore a historic wreck and discover its hidden corners, this trip is perfect. It’s also suited for those comfortable with deeper dives (up to 30 meters) and open water certification.

If you’re traveling with more experienced divers or looking to add a wreck exploration to your Madeira itinerary, you’ll find this tour both satisfying and memorable. However, if you’re completely new to diving or haven’t logged enough dives, you might want to consider a beginner experience first.

What Do the Reviews Say?

One reviewer, Alessandre Dos, shared that they really enjoyed the wreck and would recommend the activity without hesitation. They highlighted the friendly staff and top-notch guides as major positives, echoing the sentiments of many who appreciate good service and safety. The fact that the wreck has become a favorite activity for many suggests that the guides do a good job of making the experience accessible and fun.

The Price and Value

At $63 per person, this tour offers solid value. It includes boat transportation, air supply, and insurance, which are essential for a safe experience. Renting additional equipment is straightforward at the shop, and the overall cost compares favorably with other guided underwater adventures. For a two-hour guided exploration of a historic wreck, it’s an accessible way to add a unique highlight to your Madeira trip.

Final Thoughts: Is This Wreck Tour Right for You?

If you’re a certified diver looking to explore Madeira’s underwater history, this tour is a great choice. The friendly guides, well-organized logistics, and spectacular marine environment make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for divers who want to enhance their experience with a wreck and aren’t afraid of a shallower, more technical environment.

Those who value professional guidance and want to see inside a ship will find this to be a rewarding adventure. The scenic boat ride and marine biodiversity further elevate the experience, making it more than just a standard underwater tour.

However, keep in mind that it’s not suitable for non-certified divers, and the duration is fairly short. If you’re after a leisurely, extended exploration or are new to diving, you might want to look at other options first.

FAQs

Do I need to be an advanced diver to participate?
Yes, this activity is intended for certified divers with at least 6 logged dives and recent diving experience. You should be comfortable diving to 30 meters.

Does the price include all equipment?
The tour includes air tanks, weight system, and insurance. If you need additional equipment, you can rent it at the shop.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience is around 2 hours, including boat ride, briefing, and the dive itself.

Is this activity suitable for families with children?
This tour is designed for certified divers with experience, so it’s not suitable for children or non-divers.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
Yes, there’s a small national park fee of 3 euros, which isn’t included in the ticket price.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English, making communication straightforward for most travelers.

This wreck exploration offers a solid mix of adventure, scenery, and marine life, suited well for those with some diving experience seeking a memorable underwater experience in Madeira. It’s a reliable choice if you’re eager to add a wreck discovery to your travel diary and enjoy the company of a professional, friendly team.

You can check availability for your dates here: