Dive Site: Reis Magos

About Reis Magos

Reis Magos is a beautiful dive site situated along the rocky coast of Madeira, Portugal, offering a diverse underwater landscape suitable for all levels of divers. The topography begins with a rocky wall starting at approximately 6 meters, extending along the coastline down to 16 meters where it transitions into a sandy plateau. This site features large rock formations, intriguing reef tunnels, and beautiful sandy areas that harbor a variety of marine life. An interesting highlight includes a swim-through known as the "Blue Hole." Marine life at Reis Magos is abundant and varied, with many species concentrated along the rocky walls. Divers can frequently encounter octopuses, moray eels, seahorses, frogfish, parrotfish, and wrasse among the rocks. Cleaner shrimp and queenfish are also common sights. The sandy bottoms are home to flatfish, rays, lizardfish, and balloonfish. Night dives here are particularly rewarding, revealing spider crabs, flounders, and a dazzling display of bioluminescent fish as other nocturnal species emerge. The site is noted for its clear waters, with visibility generally ranging from 10 to 30 meters, making it a favorite for underwater photographers. Entry to Reis Magos is typically a shore dive via steps, making it accessible. While generally calm, divers should be aware that strong currents and high waves can occasionally occur, potentially affecting exit conditions. Due to the diverse depth range and generally mild conditions, it accommodates divers from beginners to more experienced individuals. However, during periods of higher swell, divers may experience surge even at moderate depths. Pleasure boats can sometimes visit the area, so using a surface buoy is advisable for safety.

Dive site facts: Reis Magos

Depth

6–16 m

Typical dive

12–20 m

Current

Mild, occasionally medium to strong

Visibility

10–30 m

Water temperature

16–24°C

Entry

Shore via steps

Level

All levels

Dive type

Wall, reef, macro, night

Night dive

Permitted and popular

Region / port

Madeira, Portugal

Coordinates

32.65, -16.89

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Reis Magos are generally mild, however, they can occasionally become medium to strong, particularly in certain conditions or at specific depths. Divers may experience some surge, especially closer to the surface or during high waves, which can make entries and exits challenging. While the site is typically calm, it's important to be aware of the potential for stronger currents that can influence buoyancy control and air consumption. Using a surface buoy is recommended for visibility to pleasure boats, and divers should be prepared to adjust their dive plan if conditions are more dynamic, especially during an ascent and safety stop where maintaining depth against an upward pull of current can be tricky.

Marine life & sighting chances

Octopus

common

Moray Eel

common

Lizard Fish

common

Cleaner Shrimp

common

Parrotfish

common

Wrasse

common

Seahorse

occasional

Frogfish

occasional

Flatfish

common

Ray

occasional

Squid

occasional

Cuttlefish

occasional

Toadfish

rare

Spider Crab

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Entry to Reis Magos is conveniently made from shore via steps. Upon descending, you will find yourself at the beginning of a rocky wall at around 6 meters depth. Follow this wall as it gradually slopes down to a sandy plateau, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 16 meters. The dive typically proceeds along the contours of the wall and adjacent rocky formations, exploring crevices and overhangs where much of the marine life congregates. Divers often explore a small swim-through cave, affectionately known as the 'Blue Hole,' found at around 15-20 meters. Once you reach the sandy areas, keep an eye out for flatfish and rays. The turn point is usually dictated by air consumption or bottom time, maintaining a maximum depth of 16 meters for recreational limits. The ascent is a gradual return along the wall, with the safety stop conducted in the shallower, protected areas of the reef or while carefully monitoring buoyancy if there's any upward current.

Underwater photography

Reis Magos is a highly favored spot for underwater photographers due to its excellent visibility and diverse marine life. For wide-angle shots, the extensive rocky wall and impressive formations, including the 'Blue Hole' swim-through, offer compelling subjects. Consider bringing a dome port to capture the grandeur of the underwater landscape. Macro photographers will delight in the abundance of smaller creatures such as seahorses, cleaner shrimp, and frogfish hidden among the rocks and crevices; a macro lens will be invaluable here. During night dives, the site transforms, presenting unique opportunities to photograph nocturnal species like octopuses, cuttlefish, and various crabs with external lighting. Buoyancy control is paramount to avoid disturbing the sandy bottom and maintaining clear shots.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Garajau Marine Reserve

  A popular dive site known for Dusky groupers and rock formations.

• Pedra do Leão

  Another local spot in Madeira offering diverse marine life.

• Desertas Islands

  A nature reserve offering more remote and pristine diving experiences.

• Porto Santo Reef

  Located on a nearby island, known for coral reefs and shipwrecks.

• Dollabarat

  A highly regarded site with unique rock formations and abundant life.

Getting there & logistics

Reis Magos is located on Madeira Island, Portugal. The nearest international airport is Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). Divers typically stay in accommodations near Caniço de Baixo, which offers easy access to the dive site. Most dive packages to Madeira focus on shore dives and short boat trips to nearby sites. Day trips are common, with dives usually departing from local dive centers that are often within walking distance of the site. There are no specific permits or park fees required for diving at Reis Magos, as it's freely accessible. Typical dive excursions last half a day, often combining two dives with a surface interval, allowing for leisure time in the afternoon.

Safety & environment

Safety at Reis Magos is enhanced by its shore entry and generally mild conditions, but divers should be aware of potential hazards. While currents are usually gentle, they can occasionally be strong, requiring vigilance and good buoyancy control; always deploy a surface marker buoy to ensure visibility to boat traffic. It is advisable to have adequate dive insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and evacuation, as access to recompression chambers in Madeira can involve transportation time. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Funchal. Always dive with a reputable local dive center and follow their briefings, especially concerning entry and exit procedures, as high waves can sometimes make getting out of the water challenging. Be mindful of marine life and avoid touching or disturbing the delicate ecosystem.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Reis Magos FAQ

Liveaboards diving Reis Magos

These liveaboards may visit Reis Magos on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m

$434/day