Dive Site: Garajau Marine Reserve

Dive site facts: Garajau Marine Reserve

Depth

5–40 m

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Mild to moderate

Visibility

10–40 m

Water temperature

18–24°C

Entry

Boat / Shore (cable car)

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wall, reef, marine reserve

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Madeira

Coordinates

32.63, -16.84

Conditions & Currents

The waters on Madeira's south coast, including Garajau, are generally calm, providing relaxing dive conditions suitable for all levels. While currents are typically mild, some sites within the reserve can experience stronger flows, offering more challenging yet rewarding experiences for advanced divers. Visibility is consistently very good, often exceeding 30 meters. Thermoclines are generally absent, with water temperatures remaining between 18-24°C year-round. Dive operators often book slots in advance, as only a limited number of boats are permitted in the Marine Protected Area at one time, ensuring a less crowded and more preserved environment. Entry to most sites is via boat, though shore access via a cable car to the main beach is also possible.

Marine life & sighting chances

Grouper

Year-round · common

Moray eel

Year-round · common

Barracuda

Year-round · common

Loggerhead sea turtle

Year-round · occasional

Atlantic manta ray

July-October · occasional

Gorgonian sea fan

Year-round · common

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Stingray

Year-round · occasional

Eagle ray

Year-round · occasional

Trumpet fish

Year-round · common

Jackfish

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving at Garajau often begins with a boat entry, typically just minutes from Funchal or Caniço. A popular route involves descending along a line from a buoy, about 50 meters from the main beach. Upon reaching 15 meters, you'll encounter large rocky boulders and sandy patches. The dive typically progresses along volcanic walls that drop from 5 to 40 meters, exploring crevices and overhangs where moray eels hide and sponges thrive. Schools of barracuda patrol the open water, while curious groupers often approach divers. You can continue along the reef, maintaining depths suitable for your certification, with the turn point usually determined by air consumption or bottom time. The safety stop is conducted in the shallower, protected areas of the reserve, often around 5 meters, before ascending back to the boat.

Underwater photography

Garajau Marine Reserve offers exceptional opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots of its dramatic volcanic topography and macro photography of the diverse marine life. The consistently high visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, makes wide-angle lenses ideal for capturing the expansive walls, arches, and large groupers that are a hallmark of this site. For close-up encounters with moray eels, nudibranchs, and other macro subjects, a macro lens with appropriate strobes is recommended. When photographing the famously curious groupers, maintain calm movements and avoid any actions that could disturb them. Buoyancy control is paramount, especially when navigating around delicate sponges and anemones on the volcanic structures, ensuring you don't stir up sediment or damage the environment. Use external lighting to bring out the vibrant colors of sponges and fish against the clear Atlantic waters.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Reis Magos

  Reis Magos is a beautiful dive site situated along the rocky coast of Madeira, Portugal, offering a diverse underwater landscape suitable…

• Desertas Islands

  Requires special permits and select operators due to protected status.

• Porto Santo Reef

  Located off Porto Santo Island, accessible via ferry or flight from Madeira.

• Pedra do Leão

  Pedra do Leão, or Lion's Rock, is a captivating dive site located near Sesimbra, Portugal.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Madeira and its dive sites, including Garajau, begins by flying into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC), which has direct flights from mainland Portugal and various European cities. From the capital, Funchal, dive centers are easily reached by car or transfer. Most Garajau dive sites are just short boat rides away, typically within 15 minutes, making Funchal a convenient base for dive holidays. Day trips to the neighboring Porto Santo Island, which offers additional diving, can be arranged by ferry or domestic flight. Diving in the Garajau Marine Reserve requires operators to book slots and pay a small fee per diver to the Instituto das Florestas e Conservação da Natureza, which contributes to the financial effort of conservation and monitoring activities. Typical dive packages in Madeira often include multiple dives at Garajau as part of an itinerary.

Safety & environment

Madeira is equipped with a hyperbaric chamber located in Funchal, providing essential support for dive emergencies. Divers should always ensure they have comprehensive dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation. Site-specific hazards at Garajau are generally low due to its protected and relatively calm nature, but divers should be mindful of volcanic rock formations and maintain excellent buoyancy control to avoid contact. Currents are typically mild but can occasionally be stronger, so divers should assess conditions with their dive guide. All diving in the marine reserve is regulated, with operators adhering to strict guidelines, including booking slots for limited boat access. Respecting marine life by not touching or disturbing it is a crucial conduct rule to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Garajau Marine Reserve FAQ

Liveaboards diving Garajau Marine Reserve

These liveaboards may visit Garajau Marine Reserve on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13 m