Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

If you’re considering trying something a bit different during your Madeira visit, this tour at the Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz might catch your eye. It’s not your typical sightseeing day. Instead, you get the chance to get up close and personal with marine creatures like sharks, rays, and mantas in a safe, controlled environment. We’ve gone through plenty of reviews and details, so here’s the lowdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your trip.

Two things we particularly like about this experience: first, how professional and friendly the guides seem to be—reviewers rave about their knowledge and patience. Second, it offers a unique, hands-on encounter with marine life that you can’t easily find elsewhere, especially without diving certification. One thing to keep in mind is that the experience lasts about 3 hours, so it’s a bit of a commitment if you’re on a tight schedule. It’s best suited for those who are curious about marine animals, ready to try something new, and comfortable with water. If you’re into marine life or want an experience that’s both fun and educational, this could be a highlight of your Madeira trip.

Key Points

• Accessible for non-certified divers: Perfect for beginners or those who haven’t done diving before.
• Includes all equipment: No need to rent or worry about gear—everything you need is provided.
• Guided tour and behind-the-scenes: Offers a comprehensive look at the aquarium, including technical zones.
• Close-up encounters with sharks, rays, and mantas: Experience these animals in a safe, controlled environment.
• Natural pool warm-up: Practice and get comfortable in a natural setting before heading into the aquarium.
• Small group size: Limited to just 4 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour offers a compelling mix of educational content and adventure, making it suitable whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone who’s never set foot in a scuba suit before. The itinerary kicks off at the Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, a scenic spot well-known for its natural beauty. From there, you’ll join a guided tour of the aquarium, where your guide will introduce you to the various species housed behind the glass, including fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic life. Expect to learn about how the aquarium operates, how they keep their animals happy, and a behind-the-scenes look at the technical zone.

What really sets this experience apart is the diving element. You don’t need diving certification to participate, which is a big plus for beginners or those who have never tried scuba before. Before jumping into the main tank, you’ll receive a pre-dive briefing that covers all the safety and equipment instructions, and then you’ll warm up in a natural pool. This step is crucial—it helps you build confidence and get comfortable with the gear in a relaxed environment before the main event.

Once you’re ready, it’s time for the main event: a tank dive in the aquarium’s large, glass-walled tank. Here, you’ll have the chance to swim alongside mantas, rays, and sharks. Many reviewers mention how surreal and unforgettable it is to see these creatures so close, especially in a setting where safety is tightly managed. Abílio, the guide, gets consistent praise for his knowledge, patience, and sense of humor, which helps calm any nerves and makes the whole process feel relaxed and fun.

The entire activity lasts about 3 hours, which includes the tour, briefing, warm-up, and dive. It’s a reasonably good length—long enough to enjoy the experience thoroughly but not so long that it becomes draining. Since all equipment is included, there’s no extra hassle or expense, making the price of $153 per person quite reasonable, especially considering how comprehensive and safe the experience is.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour package includes a guided tour of the Madeira Aquarium, a pre-dive briefing, and an introduction to diving in a natural pool. You’ll also get a tour and briefing in the aquarium’s technical zone, which is a neat behind-the-scenes peek. Finally, you’ll dive in the main tank and have the chance to see marine animals up close.

Not included are food and drinks, so plan to have a snack or meal before or after if you’re hungry. Also, keep in mind that this experience is not suitable for children under 10 years old, pregnant women, or anyone with medical restrictions related to diving.

The activity is hosted by the Lava Diving Center, which seems to pride itself on maintaining a small, intimate group environment—limited to 4 participants. This setup is ideal if you want personalized attention and a more relaxed experience.

The Real-World Experience from Reviews

From the dozens of reviews, the common thread is how much participants loved their guides, especially Abílio. One reviewer praised him as “playfully genuine,” mentioning his excellent English and ability to make everyone feel at ease. Several reviews highlight how safe and well-organized the experience is, with instructions explained clearly and plenty of reassurance, even for the most nervous.

Many people also comment on how beautiful the aquarium’s marine life is. Seeing sharks and rays up close in a controlled environment is described as “surreal” and “unforgettable.” One reviewer shared that their son, initially anxious, ended up proud and happy after the experience, thanks to the instructor’s patience and reassurance.

Multiple reviews highlight how good value for money this experience is, especially given the quality of equipment, guides, and the uniqueness of swimming with such creatures without needing certification.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. The natural pool warm-up is part of the experience, so you’ll want to be comfortable.
• Arrive ready to be flexible. The activity starts at different times depending on availability, so check ahead.
• Be aware of age restrictions. Participants must be over 10 years old, and those under 18 need to be accompanied by a guardian.
• Avoid flying on the same day as your dive for safety reasons; your body needs time to recover from the activity.
• No pregnancy or medical restrictions? This activity might be perfect for you! Otherwise, it’s best to skip.

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Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’ve ever been curious about marine life but aren’t ready for a full certification, this is a fantastic way to experience the underwater world at a beginner-friendly level. It’s especially ideal if you want a guided, safe introduction to scuba—plus, it’s a memorable way for families or groups of friends to share a unique adventure.

It’s also a smart choice if you’re looking for a mix of education and fun—the behind-the-scenes tour offers insights into how the aquarium operates. And, with a maximum of four participants per session, you get a personalized experience that feels less like a tour and more like a shared adventure.

The Sum Up

This tour at Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz offers a rare opportunity to get close to sharks, rays, and mantas in a safe, controlled environment. The combination of guided tours, educational insights, and hands-on diving makes it stand out from typical aquarium visits or snorkeling trips. It’s particularly appealing for those who want to try scuba without the certification hassle or for anyone eager to see marine life from a new perspective.

The reviews confirm that the guides, especially Abílio, create a friendly, reassuring atmosphere that makes even first-timers feel confident. The natural pool warm-up and behind-the-scenes tour add extra value, making this experience both fun and educational. Plus, the overall price seems justified considering the quality, safety, and uniqueness of the encounter.

While it’s not for everyone—mainly due to age restrictions and health considerations—it’s perfect for adventure-seekers, marine enthusiasts, and families with older kids looking for something special. If you value safety, personal attention, and a memorable marine experience, this tour is worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this experience suitable for non-divers?
Yes. You don’t need diving certification to participate. The activity includes an introduction to diving and a warm-up in a natural pool before the main tank dive.

What do I need to bring with me?
Bring your swimwear, towel, and beachwear. Everything else, including equipment, is provided.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 3 hours, including the tour, briefing, warm-up, and the actual dive.

Are there age restrictions?
Participants need to be over 10 years old. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

Is this activity safe for pregnant women or people with medical restrictions?
No, unfortunately, it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with medical conditions that restrict sports like diving.

If you’re after a fun, safe, and memorable marine experience in Madeira, especially if you’re curious about the underwater world but not ready for open water diving, this tour might just hit the spot. It combines educational insights, animal encounters, and personal guidance to create a truly rewarding adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: