Diving Madeira by Visit Madeira

Diving

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For many, the Dusky Groupers are one of the greatest attractions, but each dive can be complemented by the presence of Rays, Stingrays, Moray Eels and Barracudas, known in Madeira as “Bicudas”. Bogues, Common two-banded seabream, Island grouper and feature, bestowing life to our wonderful underwater garden. With this archipelago being of volcanic origin and characterised for having a reduced island platform, we can make dives to great depths just at a small distance from the coast, as well as exceptional dives into caves and even shipwrecks. This archipelago has the oldest marine reserves in the country. The Garajau Partial Nature be established in Portugal, on 4 October 1986, is located on the south coast of Madeira Island, east of Funchal.

Diving For those who enjoy diving, the Madeira Archipelago is recognised as an excellent place for experienced divers, casual divers or simply for those who just want a leisurely experience. Crystal clear waters with a temperate-warm (17-24°C) temperature that remains stable throughout the year, allows you to dive at almost any time of the year with very good visibility, in an unrivalled blue, even near the coast. One of the peculiarities of this archipelago is the fact that it is a corridor for migratory and epipelagic species such as the Almaco jack, known in Madeira as “Charuteiro”, which swim in huge shoals that can be observed frequently. The alongside the divers, allow unforgettable moments that can be captured in photographs and video.

It has partial protection status that enables it to maintain the natural conditions necessary for the conservation of a unique biodiversity that constitutes a must visit draw on this island, providing an unforgettable diving experience. There is also the exclusively marine reserve in Madeira Island the Rocha do Navio Nature Reserve in, established in 1997, which is incorporated into the European ecological network of special conservation areas - the Natura 2000 Network. Recently, on the island of Porto Santo, a network of protected marine areas was created, which includes the six islets that surround the island, as well as the area where the “Madeirense” was sunk in 2000, and more recently, the Military Corvette “General Pereira D`Eça (CORDECA)”, with the intention of for the local marine fauna and to enhance diving. On the island of Madeira, it is possible to discover the shipwrecks of Bom-Rei (sediment dredging vessel) or Bowbelle at Madalena do Mar, the Prompt (a coastal shipping vessel

because, due to the orography of Madeira, the connection between Funchal and the other coastal localities, was carried out by sea, thus allowing the transport of passengers and goods) and the Forerunner and the Newton at Ponta de S. Lourenço (English steamers that were shipwrecked in 1854 and 1881). The Desertas Islands, located to the south of Nature Reserve areas and include zones with full protection status. Therefore, they constitute authentic sanctuaries for terrestrial and marine wildlife, with enormous importance for the conservation of species which are unique in the world, such as the Mediterranean monk seal. This is considered the second rarest seal in the world and one of the most threatened mammals on the planet. These seals are frequent visitors to the hidden caves of Madeira and with luck, they may surprise us with their friendly presence during on our dive.

Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve In 1971, the Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve, which is the southernmost part of the national Portugal, with the objective of protecting a large colony of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea), which was in steady decline. The sea around the Selvagens is a diver’s paradise due to the temperature and transparency of the waters. The temperature of the water is pleasant and as for the ichthyological fauna, there (Sparisoma cretense), blacktail comber (Serranus

atricauda), zebra seabream (Diplodus cervinus) and white seabream (Diplodus sargus), among many others, but bigger than those found around Madeira island. Even when snorkelling right at the (Diplodus sargus), Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) and Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) can be observed. In addition to this, we can also see several species of gobies that almost touch our feet. In the same cove, shoals of small barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis), red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) and golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) move quietly, not caring about human presence.

Diving Spots

depths have already led to Madeira being recognised as among the best diving destinations in Europe.

33 Marias Marias They are located to the east of Machico bay, forming three drops (hence the name), with a maximum depth of 20m. When diving all 3 drops, we must concentrate on the last places to be explored, with very interesting species, such as the rare orange coral (Dendrophyllia ramea) and moray eels,

arena Located within the Garajau Reserve, less than 100 metres from the coast. This is a rock formation, measuring 10 metres high from the bottom in the sand to the top. The dive begins at a depth of 8 metres and continues along a rock formation down to 22 metres. On this route, we can observe several Sparisoma cretense) and barred Bodianus scrofa). some red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) on a small rock peak and, at the bottom on the surrounding sand, hundreds of brown garden eels (Heteroconger longissimus).

In the middle of Arena, there is an entrance in the rock with access to a tunnel that serves as shelter for some shoals of seabream (Diplodus sargus, Diplodus vulgaris, Diplodus cervinus), Sarpa salpa) and grunt (Pomadasys incisus). When ascending to the surface, we can Oedalechilus labeo) and a group of island groupers (Mycteroperca fusca), always accompanied by Balistes capriscus), which try to interact without any intimidation. Due to its location, this dive features a great diversity of species.

Baixa da Cruz Located offshore from Machico village in front of 3 Marias, less than 100 metres from the coast. This dive begins at a depth of three metres, with a small peak and gets deeper until reaching the sand at the bottom at 35 metres. Here, from a prime location, we can observe the black coral (Antipathella wollastoni) that exists in great quantity, starting from an in depth of 20-25 metres. If we want to explore the area in its entirety, we will see the density of black coral when increasing with depth. Encrusting anemones (Parazoanthus sp) are also common. The colour of some giant anemones (Telmatactis cricoides) are added to this panorama. In the stingrays (Dasyatis parsnaca). Although black coral is undoubtedly the main attraction for visitors to Baixa da Cruz, it is advisable to be aware of the water column during the course of the dive, as there is the possibility barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana).

baixa d’abra OR Baixa do Lobo Located just a few tens of metres from the coast, and facing the Ponta da Gaivota near the Quinta do Lorde tourist village, from this location it is possible to watch the monk seal (Monachus monachus), due to the proximity Sparus aurata), which is frequently visited by these animals looking for easy food. 14 metres below the surface that drops on the northern slope down to 30 metres, and on the east and western slopes, down to a depth of 40 metres, forming a steeply sloping wall that delineates the platform. The dive begins at the top of this and continues to lower depths. Where the slope is more accentuated, branches of black coral (Antipathella wollastoni) and

yellow polys (Parazoanthus sp) grow. Some large red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) and pink dentex (Dentex gibbosus) are also inhabitants of this reef. It is also possible to encounter a monk seal and, in this case, we must take into account that they are large wild animals and for safety reasons, it is recommended that there are no interactions on behalf of the divers. The monk seal is one of the largest seals and reaches about 3 metres in length and can weigh up to 400kg, living up to 35 years of age. It uses the existing beaches inside caves to rest and to reproduce.

Baixa de Santa Catarina The Baixa de Santa Catarina is located about 500 metres from the coast, near Santa Cruz (south coast of Madeira) offshore from Madeira’s airport. The occurrence of currents at this site is common, which is why diving must be well planned, according to the weather conditions and the state of the sea. Although the drop begins at a depth of around 13 metres, if we descend by the anchor cable, the dive begins at 25 metres, where there is a platform in the rock. At this site, we can see the most common species associated with the bedrock, such as ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) and Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) accompanied by colonies of encrusting anemones (Parazoanthus sp).

If we go down to 30 metres, we come across fantail stingray (Taeniura grabata) that protects itself when it perceives the presence of divers who get too close, by raising only its tail with the venomous barb. The site is indicated by an anchor located on the rock. Passing this anchor, we can see a giant anemone (Telmactatis cricoides) with its squat shrimps (Thor amboinensis). At 40 metres, we can still see a small rock colonised by encrusting anemones. orange coral (Dendrophyllia ramea) which can be observed at this drop.

Parede do Sardinha oR Cais do Sardinha

The Cais do Sardinha is located on the south coast of the Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost peninsula of the island of Madeira, and has two islets which extend further into the ocean - Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro (also known as Ilhéu da Metade or Ilhéu da Cevada) and Ilhéu do Farol (also called Ilhéu da Ponta de São Lourenço or Ilhéu de Fora). The peninsula, as well as the entire marine area adjacent to the north coast (from the east end of Ilhéu do Farol to the tip of Ponta do Espigão Amarelo), to the bathymetric depth of 50 metres, is incorporated into the Natura 2000 Network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Within the framework of Birdlife International, the Ponta de S. Lourenço, Area (IBA), being an important nesting site for seabirds. Seabirds of interest to the community nest at this site, birds such as Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea borealis), Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii), Madeiran storm petrel (Oceanodroma castro), Little shearwater ( ) and Common tern (Sterna hirundo). The coastal cliff that constitutes Ponta de São Lourenço, extends below the surface, forming a wall of rock with a very steep slope that reaches an area of sand 37 metres below the water’s surface. The dive begins with the descent to the sandy stingray (Dasyatis parsnaca) and common eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila). The ascent is made slowly along the wall which is covered in branches of black coral (Antipathella wollastoni) which give life to the light-toned bare rock, its colour endowed by barnacle cover (Chthamalus stellatus). Telmactatis cricoides) with their squat shrimps (Thor amboinensis), sponges ( ) Ophidiaster ophidianus and Marthasterias glacialis) which also add a special colour to the rock. Closer to the surface, we can see clusters of ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) and Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) in search of food.

Baixas das Moreias

(Funchal Naval Club)

Diving at Funchal Naval Club is done in front of its own beach complex, less than 100 metres from the coast. The interspersed with areas of sand between 12 metres and 16 metres deep. The name of the drop comes from the existence of several species of moray eels in the

recesses of the rock, such as the brown moray Gymnothorax unicolor, the black moray, the Mediterranean moray and the fangtooth moray. Synodus synodus), striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca), Guinea puffer (Sphoeroides marmoratus) and Caribbean sharp-nose puffer (Canthigaster rostrata) live in the sandy areas. and it is in this zone that large shoals of grunts (Pomadasys incisus) and common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris) are concentrated and distributed along the contours of the rocky wall, accompanied by hundreds of Azores chromis (Chromis limbata). In the water column, shoals of barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and Almaco jacks (Seriola rivoliana) may hover. On small island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca) and Aulostomus strigosus).

galo Situated in the coastal area of Caniço, less than 50 metres from the Galo Hotel Resort, this is a prime site, located in the Garajau Nature Reserve, with sheltered, calm and usually clear waters, ideal for a relaxed dive. The bottom consists of lava metres deep and which form three tongues of rock interspersed by areas of sand and loose rock. The dive begins at a depth of 6 metres, within the bathing area of the Galo Resort, where there is a small cave that is often visited by snorkelers, who frequent the a wall of rock that belongs to a tongue of metres, where it ends with a circular opening that crosses the formation from one side to the other. When we ascend towards the west, we can discover another part of the rock Azores chromis (Chromis limbata), many blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda) of various sizes and island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca). In the upper area of the formation, at 12 metres deep, there is a hole that houses a brown moray eel (Gymnothorax unicolor) already known by divers of Galo as “Esmeralda”. On shoal of grunts (Pomadasys incisus) that feed on debris. On the upper zone (Telmatactis cricoides). During the return and at a safe level, the diver is (Balistes capriscus).

garajau This site is the most sought after and most visited by divers and is located less than 100 metres from the coast, just offshore from the beach of the same name. Despite its proximity to the coast, the descent begins into the water column consists of sand and loose rock, which we can visibility of these waters. At the beginning of the descent, we observe shoals of various species such as bogues (Boops boops), Atlantic Aulostomus strigosus) and saddled seabream (Oblada melanura). Upon reaching the bottom, we are welcomed by a dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and, a little further down, by two more, who are the company and ecstasy of the divers. During the dive, we can also observe large Sarpa salpa), grunts (Pomadasys incisus) and common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris). Near the surface, in the water column, there is a large school of yellow barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and sometimes some Almaco jack (Seriola rivoliana), which accompany us during the ascent.

Gruta da Ponta da Oliveira Located less than 50 metres east of Ponta da Oliveira, this cave makes dives of this nature always a privileged experience inspiring the curiosity and interest in all divers. Here, we can the cave as a refuge on the island, having already been sighted by divers. Although easy to reach at 12 metres deep, we must take due precautions regarding the monk seal, because it is a large wild animal, it can be aggressive when it feels threatened. If the cave is empty, you can fully enjoy its beauty. Upon entering, after covering

life and we can see Mediterranean slipper lobster (Scyllarides latus) mechanical shrimp (Cinetorhynchus rigens), cleaner shrimp (Lysmata grabhami) in action in the mouths of the moray eels (Muraena augusti), small Apogon imberbis lobster (Enoplometopus antillensis) and other crustaceans.

mamas Incorporated into the Garajau Reserve, this dive is located to the west of Garajau beach, about 50 metres from the coast, and consists of two huge rounded rock formations named “Mamas”. They sand to a depth of 30 metres, and extend to 13 metres below the surface. Starting at the east, we can behold a quantity of garden eels (Heteroconger longissimus)

and common eagle rays (Myliobatis aquila). (Sarpa sarpa) and grunts (Pomadasys incisus) that take advantage of organic debris to feed. As we approach the “Mamas”, we begin to see a Balistes capriscus), black and gold chromis (Chromis limbata), ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Mediterranean

rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), and zebra seabream (Diplodus cervinus). Around these (Bodianus scrofa), the male of which surprises by its size, many moray eels (Muraena augusti) in the cracks of the rock, including fangtooth moray eels (Enchelycore anatina) and many blacktail combers (Serranus atricauda). The concentration of small bogues (Boops boops), at the top of the rock formations, sometimes causes large shoals of barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) to appear.

reis magos This dive is located in the coastal area of Caniço, next to the bathing area, less than 100 metres from the coast. It is formed by a rocky wall that begins at a depth of 6 metres and extends along the coast, down to a depth of 16 metres, where an area of sand begins. At the start of the dive, the descent is made to the top of the rocky wall, where we begin to observe some of the characteristic marine life of Madeira such as ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) and Azores chromis (Chromis limbata (Ophidiaster ophidianus, Marthasterias glacialis) and long-spined sea urchins (Diadema antillarum), on a rocky, light-toned formation, its colour endowed by barnacle cover (Chthamalus stellatus). species of moray eels (Muraena helena, Muraena augusti, Gymnothorax unicolor, Enchelycore anatina), often accompanied by cleaner shrimps (Lysmata grabhami), and giant anemones (Telmactatis cricoides) with their squat shrimps

(Thor amboinensis). In the darker crevices, small Apogon imberbis) are hidden. On Bothus podas), striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), Guinea puffer (Sphoeroides marmoratus), Caribbean sharp-nose puffer (Canthigaster Synodus synodus), rostrata Atlantic saury (S. saurus (Xyrichtys novacula). At sunset, the more timid creatures come out of their refuges and you can see many octopuses (Octopus vulgaris and Octopus macropus) mechanical shrimp (Cinetorhynchus rigens), sea slugs (Hypselodoris picta), seahorses (Hippocampus hippocampus) and spider crabs (Stenorhynchus lanceolatus). To see all of this, this site is recommended for night dives.

roca mar Located in the coastal area of Caniço de Baixo, 10 metres from the bathing area adjacent to the Roca Mar hotel, from which the name of this dive site derives. It begins at a depth of 6 metres, where there is a tunnel that crosses the pontoon to access the bathing area from one side to the other.

Baixa das Bicudas The Baixa das Bicudas is located in front of the west breakwater of the port of Porto Santo, about 1.5 miles from the coast. Its name is due to the great shoals of barracuda, or “bicuda” (Sphyraena viridensis). It is a rock formation site, 30 metres, and rises along a sloping wall up to 22 metres, where a huge platform is formed. On this platform, a rich community of moray eels (Muraena augusti, Gymnothorax unicolor), forkbeard (Phycis phycis) and dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) are hidden. As we descend from the surface, we can see a rounded relief, populated by colonies of orange sponge (Batzella inops) that contrast with the blue of the clear waters. Next to the slope, we reach a rocky basin, which forms a circle and

Baixa do max The Baixa do Max, located within the bay of Porto Santo, very close to Ilhéu de Cima, and within the Protected Marine Area, is associated with the same islet. Its name is due to a large dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) that once lived there, known as Max.

Baixa do Carneiro The Baixa do Carneiro is located in the Lido area and is accessible by land from the Lido Bathing Complex. It is a rock formation at a depth of between 8 and 12 metres, where the currents such as Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) and saddled seabream (Oblada melanura), among crevices carefully, you can see the black moray eel (Muraena augusti) and striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) at the bottom. There is algae Ophidiaster ophidianus) appears here.

Baixa do Cotrim, Porto Santo

(within the Network of Protected Marine Areas)

The Baixa do Cotrim is located within the Serra de Fora, in front of Cotrim Beach, at Porto dos Frades. The drop is within the bay so it is a calm dive, usually without currents and with crystal clear waters. The top of the drop is at a depth of one metre and has a maximum depth of 22 metres, this that contributes to the excellent visibility of the as white seabream (Diplodus sargus), common two-branded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris), Azores chromis and sometimes a shoal of gray Balistes capriscus) and striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), among many others.

SHIPWRECKS AND SINKINGS In this archipelago, you can explore the remains of some of the many shipwrecks that have occurred in the sea around Madeira, a route for the passage of ships between Europe and Africa covering more than a century presenting a broad variety of sizes and types of ships, so that diving maritime history and culture of Madeira.

BOM REI oR BOWBELLE The Bom-Rei, a 79.91-metre-long ship, was built at Troon shipyards in Scotland in 1964 for sediment dredging. In the early hours of 20 August 1989, while sailing on the River Thames, it collided with a passenger ship suffering only some material damage, but the accident caused more than 50 fatalities. A year later, it was sold to Portugal to operate in Madeira for sand dredging, and was given the name Bom-Rei. On the 25th of March 1996, this time in open sea, near Madalena do Mar, it sank due to overloading. The crew managed to save themselves, but the Bom-Rei sank 800m off the coast, today the sand. Although not having been sunk deliberately, the ship remains in good state of repair.

Diving Features From the vessel • • • • •

Species:

PROMPT A 30.12-metre-long ship, with a beam of 6 metres and a depth of 2.5 metres, it was built in 1895, for coastal shipping because, due to the orography of Madeira, the connection between Funchal and the other coastal localities was conducted from the 15th century by sea, thus allowing the transport of passengers and goods. Later, it became too slow and dangerous to sail the coast, which is why it would be converted, at the Arsenal of Funchal, into a water transport frigate for support service to the ships that anchored in the city’s bay. On 29 April 1929, at 5 p.m., what was left of the original Prompt sank off the Islet of Pontinha with a load of about 200 tonnes of water.

Diving Features: From the vessel • • • • •

MADEIRENSE The Madeirense, was both a cargo and passenger ship at 70.38 metres in length, with a beam of 11.03 metres and a depth of 5.35 metres, was commissioned in 1962. Until 1989, it made biweekly trips to Lisbon, calling at Porto Santo, where it was transporting passengers to and from Funchal, and carrying canned tuna from the now-defunct cannery of Porto Santo. In the 1990s, and already owned by Porto Santo Line, it was transformed to increase its passenger-carrying capacity from 12 to 120 people on the Funchal-Porto Santo route, maintaining the cargo transportation, which played an important role in supplying that island. On 21 October 2000, it was sunk between Porto de Abrigo and Ilhéu de Cima, and is incorporated into the Network of Protected Marine Areas of Porto Santo Island. Diving Features: From the vessel • • • • •

FORERUNNER/ NEWTON At Ponta de São Lourenço (Baixa da Badajeira), the steamer Forerunner was shipwrecked in 1854 and the Newton in 1881. The English steamer Forerunner, built in 1852, was shipwrecked on 25 October 1854 on a voyage from Sierra Leone on the African coast and bound for Plymouth, England, after a one-day stop in the Bay of and the Governor of Sierra Leone, three passengers and eleven crew members died. It is advanced divers. Diving Features: From the vessel

• • • • •

Species: Ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) | Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus (Bodianus scrofa) | Common two-banded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris).

Military Corvette General Pereira D’ Eça (CORDECA) The Corvette NRP General Pereira d’Eça (F477) was sunk on 13th of July 2016, offshore Porto Portuguese Navy warship, built in 1970, at 1,438 tonnes and 85 metres in length, has become another spot for diving enthusiasts who will be able to dive to a depth of 30 metres, exploring the entire length of the ship. Diving Features: From the vessel • • • • •

Direção Regional do Turismo Av. Arriaga, 18, 9004-519 Funchal - Madeira