Madeira · SCUBA DIVING
Good scuba diving tours fill up in summer and the great ones go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Beginner scuba training in Funchal: PADI pool practice and a shallow Atlantic reef session. Small group, gear and insurance included.
“This was incredible, the instructors were polite, helpful, and very encouraging. It was all easy to follow and explained clearly with enough practice to know we were safe. I loved every moment. thank you so much to the team xx”
Beginner scuba training in Funchal: pool practice, short theory, then 45 minutes on a protected reef up to 12 m, certificate included.
“I had a great experience with this diving course. The guides were super friendly, the atmosphere was relaxed, and everything was well organized. It was also very affordable. Highly recommended!”
Small-group scuba trial in Funchal with full gear, classroom and pool practice, then an open-water session up to 12 m plus a certificate.
“Rafa tended to our every need and did all he could to help or family have an enjoyable experience. Highly recommended!”
Small-group scuba session at Aquario da Madeira, with guided training, natural pools, and a 6m tank packed with local sharks and rays.
“Up to 4 propel max, but it is a very good experience. Would recommend and do again. Abilio and his colleague we're both professional and we could ask for more.”
3 hours in Porto Moniz, Madeira: guided aquarium tour plus small-group scuba training with mantas, rays and sharks in a controlled tank.
“What an amazing experience ! It was my son’s (age 11) first time diving and he was very anxious and apprehensive, Abilio was absolutely amazing with him, talked him through everything, broke it down into stages for him, clearly explained everything to him and really reassured him, I had thought when we got there my son wasn’t going to do it but because of Alibio taking his time to reassure him he did it and was so happy and proud of himself at the end :) The whole experience was amazing, I was able to stay close to my son and observe then when he did the main dive in…”
Beginner scuba training in Funchal, Madeira. PADI instructor, pool practice, shallow reef swim, gear and insurance included. 3 hours.
“Super friendly and sincerely patient. Explained everything thoroughly and showed me an experience I had never had before! Saw so many fish and octopus and everything else!”
SSI Open Water course in Funchal, Madeira. 3 days of pool skills and open-water training, equipment included, max group size 5. Cert to 18m.
“We did our advanced PADI with Azul dive centre”
Small-group certified scuba session in Funchal, in a marine protected area, with a relaxed entry, photo time, hot showers, and an optional scooter.
“This is a great place to dive if you are new to diving. You will have a personal guide for the dive. My guide was excellent. The dive is shallow — the maximum depth we reached was 36 ft. We saw barracuda, a sleeping octopus, many schools, etc. It’s a very relaxing dive and great place to build confidence.”
Advanced scuba at Madeira’s Afonso Cerqueira wreck, exploring cabins and engine space in a protected reef up to 30m.
“The best dive centre we have visited. The staff are extremely helpful and considerate. The dives were great but about 10 mins short. It would be great to have more air and get that extra few mins. However, by far the best PADI dive centre we have visited. Tq Oreo and Vladimir Ged and Jack”
Beginner scuba training in Madeira: theory, pool practice, an ocean swim to 12m near Ponta de São Lourenço, gear included, certificate.
“Bellissima esperienza, la guida super preparata e presente in ogni momento dell'attività. Ci ha messo a nostro agio ed è stata molto empatica nel gestire le nostre emozioni del momento (da non sottovalutare visto che per noi si trattava della prima immersione in assoluto).”
Beginner scuba training in Ponta de São Lourenço with small groups, a private reef in Funchal’s protected waters, and wildlife at up to 12m.
“Great time with Vlad and his mate. In spite of the cloudy weather, we had a lovely time. We recommend this snorkeling experience because it's fun and safe.”
First-time scuba training in Madeira with theory, shallow-water sea session, private instructor, gear and transfers from the Funchal area.
“En France, il existe une expression « être pris pour un pigeon »... nous avons eu le sentiment de nous être gentiment, mais sûrement, bien fait arnaquer !!Un conseil n’y allez pas.”
4-hour scuba tour from Porto Santo with two guided underwater sessions, clear visibility, marine life, and the Madeirense wreck.
Every kind of day on the island, and the best of each.
