Dive Site: Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

About Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

The Afonso Cerqueira wreck, a former Portuguese Navy corvette, was intentionally sunk on September 4, 2018, south of Cabo Girão, off the coast of Madeira Island. Immediately after its sinking, this 85-meter long vessel was designated a national park, serving as a purposeful artificial reef. Its strategic placement creates an exceptional underwater environment for divers, rich in both history and biodiversity, making it a prominent dive destination in the region. The wreck rests upright on the seabed, accessible at depths ranging from 12 to 30 meters. Divers can explore its well-preserved structure, including decks, cabins, and even original guns, which offer fascinating photographic opportunities. The integrity of the vessel provides a unique opportunity to navigate an intact warship, making it suitable for a wide range of certified divers. Since its sinking, the Afonso Cerqueira has rapidly become a magnet for marine life. Divers frequently encounter schools of barracuda and jackfish, along with dusky groupers, moray eels, octopus, triggerfish, and parrotfish. Nudibranchs and sea turtles are also common sightings, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem. This rich marine biodiversity combined with the wreck's structure ensures dynamic encounters. Access to the site is exclusively by boat from Funchal, following a short journey. The dive typically involves exploring the exterior of the wreck with an experienced guide. While suitable for Open Water divers under supervision or with deep experience, it is particularly rewarding for Advanced Open Water divers. The site can be dived even with reduced visibility, highlighting its consistent appeal.

Dive site facts: Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

Depth

12–30 m

Current

Mild

Entry

Liveaboard or dayboat

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wreck, Reef

Region / port

Portugal

Coordinates

38.6833° N, 9.4500° W

Conditions & Currents

The site is easily accessible by boat from Funchal. Specific current strengths and directions are not detailed in the sources, however, the wreck is presented as a diveable site, implying conditions are generally manageable for recreational diving. Entry is always from the boat, and divers explore the wreck with a guide. Visibility is generally good, and the site is still considered impressive even on days with reduced visibility, suggesting a degree of resilience to variable conditions. The depth range of 12 to 30 meters means it is suitable for a wide range of certification levels, from Open Water divers with deep experience or supervision to Advanced divers. Dive operators provide detailed briefings covering safety, wreck layout, marine life, and current conditions before each dive, ensuring divers are well-prepared for the specific day's experience.

Liveaboards diving Wreck Afonso Cerqueira

These liveaboards may visit Wreck Afonso Cerqueira on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Water And Wind

Portugal

8 guests13.41 m

$434/day