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Diving
www.visitmadeira.pt
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
Dreamfish among other species, are a constant
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
Reserve, the first exclusively marine reserve to
be established in Portugal, on 4 October 1986, is
located on the south coast of Madeira Island,
east of Funchal.
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
Diving network of special conservation areas - the
Natura 2000 Network. Recently, on the island of
Porto Santo, a network of protected marine areas
For those who enjoy diving, the Madeira was created, which includes the six islets that
Archipelago is recognised as an excellent place surround the island, as well as the area where
for experienced divers, casual divers or simply the “Madeirense” was sunk in 2000, and more
for those who just want a leisurely experience. recently, the Military Corvette “General Pereira
Crystal clear waters with a temperate-warm D`Eça (CORDECA)”, with the intention of
(17-24°C) temperature that remains stable constituting an artificial reef to serve as shelter
throughout the year, allows you to dive at almost for the local marine fauna and to enhance diving.
any time of the year with very good visibility, in an
unrivalled blue, even near the coast. On the island of Madeira, it is possible to
discover the shipwrecks of Bom-Rei (sediment
One of the peculiarities of this archipelago is the dredging vessel) or Bowbelle at Madalena do
fact that it is a corridor for migratory and Mar, the Prompt (a coastal shipping vessel
epipelagic species such as the Almaco jack,
known in Madeira as “Charuteiro”, which swim in
huge shoals that can be observed frequently. The
passivity of the fish, accustomed to living
alongside the divers, allow unforgettable moments
that can be captured in photographs and video.
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
the island of Madeira, are also classified as
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, atricauda), zebra seabream (Diplodus cervinus)
which is the southernmost part of the national and white seabream (Diplodus sargus), among
territory, was the first reserve to be established in many others, but bigger than those found around
Portugal, with the objective of protecting a large Madeira island. Even when snorkelling right at the
colony of Cory’s shearwaters (Calonectris fish landing ramp, juvenile white seabream
diomedea), which was in steady decline. (Diplodus sargus), Azores chromis (Chromis
limbata) and Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus)
The sea around the Selvagens is a diver’s can be observed. In addition to this, we can also
paradise due to the temperature and transparency see several species of gobies that almost touch
of the waters. The temperature of the water is our feet. In the same cove, shoals of small
pleasant and as for the ichthyological fauna, there barracudas (Sphyraena viridensis), red porgy
are several species of fish common to the Madeira (Pagrus pagrus) and golden grey mullet (Liza
archipelago, such as Mediterranean parrotfish aurata) move quietly, not caring about human
(Sparisoma cretense), blacktail comber (Serranus presence.
Diving Spots
The richness of the flora and fauna in our
depths have already led to Madeira being
recognised as among the best diving
destinations in Europe.
3 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
drop (the 3rd Maria), where we find several
places to be explored, with very interesting
species, such as the rare orange coral
(Dendrophyllia ramea) and moray eels,
among other species of fish.
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
species of fish such as: Mediterranean
parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense) and barred
hogfish (Bodianus scrofa).
At the west end of Arena, we can usually find
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),
dreamfish (Sarpa salpa) and grunt (Pomadasys
incisus). When ascending to the surface, we can
find a large shoal of boxlip mullet (Oedalechilus
labeo) and a group of island groupers
(Mycteroperca fusca), always accompanied by
grey triggerfish (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
sand at the bottom, we usually find large
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
of seeing passing shoals of pelagic fish such as
barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and Almaco
jack (Seriola rivoliana).
Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus Natura
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
of a gilt-head bream fish farm (Sparus aurata),
which is frequently visited by these animals
looking for easy food.
Here we find an extensive rock platform,
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 If we go down to 30 metres, we come across
500 metres from the coast, near Santa Cruz (south a sandy seafloor, where we can see a round
coast of Madeira) offshore from Madeira’s airport. fantail stingray (Taeniura grabata) that protects
The occurrence of currents at this site is common, itself when it perceives the presence of divers
which is why diving must be well planned, who get too close, by raising only its tail with
according to the weather conditions and the state the venomous barb. The site is indicated by an
of the sea. anchor located on the rock. Passing this anchor,
we can see a giant anemone (Telmactatis
Although the drop begins at a depth of around 13 cricoides) with its squat shrimps (Thor
metres, if we descend by the anchor cable, the amboinensis). At 40 metres, we can still see a
dive begins at 25 metres, where there is a platform small rock colonised by encrusting anemones.
in the rock. At this site, we can see the most
common species associated with the bedrock, There is a great variety of fish and beautiful
such as ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Canary orange coral (Dendrophyllia ramea) which can be
damsel (Abudefduf luridus) and Azores chromis observed at this drop.
(Chromis limbata) accompanied by colonies of
encrusting anemones (Parazoanthus sp).
Parede The Cais do Sardinha is located on the south
do Sardinha
coast of the Ponta de São Lourenço, the
easternmost peninsula of the island of Madeira,
and has two islets which extend further into the
oR Cais do
ocean - Ilhéu do Desembarcadouro (also known
as Ilhéu da Metade or Ilhéu da Cevada) and
Ilhéu do Farol (also called Ilhéu da Ponta de
Sardinha 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,
is classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity
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
(Puffinus assimilis) 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
sea floor, where we can observe the common
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).
We also find some giant anemones (Telmactatis
cricoides) with their squat shrimps (Thor
amboinensis), sponges (Petrosia ficiformis)
and starfish (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
bottom consists of lava flows that have
solidified into irregular volcanic rock,
interspersed with areas of sand between
12 metres and 16 metres deep. The name Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus Natura
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.
Diamond lizard fish (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.
To the southwest, we find a 21-metre slope,
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
the return, associated with the rock zone, we find
small island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca) and
Atlantic trumpetfish (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 flows that extend from 6 metres to 30 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 bathing area. Towards the south, we find a wall of rock that belongs to a tongue of solidified lava, with a depth of up to 30 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 formation. Here we can find clouds of 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 the sandy sea floor, we can see a large shoal of grunts (Pomadasys incisus) that feed on debris. On the upper zone of the stone, we find a giant anemone (Telmatactis cricoides). During the return and at a safe level, the diver is accompanied by curious gray triggerfish (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
down to a depth of 22 metres, where the sea floor
consists of sand and loose rock, which we can
even see from the surface, given the magnificent
visibility of these waters. At the beginning of
the descent, we observe shoals of various
species such as bogues (Boops boops), Atlantic
trumpetfish (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
shoals of dreamfish (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 its 35 metre length, we find the rocks full of
Oliveira, this cave makes dives of this nature life and we can see Mediterranean slipper
always a privileged experience inspiring the lobster (Scyllarides latus) mechanical shrimp
curiosity and interest in all divers. Here, we can (Cinetorhynchus rigens), cleaner shrimp
find the Mediterranean monk seal, which uses (Lysmata grabhami) in action in the mouths
the cave as a refuge on the island, having of the moray eels (Muraena augusti), small
already been sighted by divers. cardinal fish (Apogon imberbis), flaming reef
lobster (Enoplometopus antillensis) and other
Although easy to reach at 12 metres deep, we crustaceans.
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 coveringmamas Incorporated into the Garajau Reserve, this dive and common eagle rays (Myliobatis aquila). is located to the west of Garajau beach, about 50 Continuing along the sandy sea floor, but further metres from the coast, and consists of two huge to the north, we find huge shoals of dreamfish rounded rock formations named “Mamas”. They (Sarpa sarpa) and grunts (Pomadasys incisus) rise from the sea floor, formed by an extension of that take advantage of organic debris to feed. sand to a depth of 30 metres, and extend to 13 As we approach the “Mamas”, we begin to see a metres below the surface. lot of gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus), black Starting at the east, we can behold a quantity and gold chromis (Chromis limbata), ornate of garden eels (Heteroconger longissimus) wrasse (Thalassoma pavo), Mediterranean
rainbow wrasse (Coris julis), and zebra
seabream (Diplodus cervinus). Around these
rocky formations, we find a pair of barred hogfish
(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 Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus Natura
This dive is located in the coastal area of Caniço,
(Thor amboinensis). In the darker crevices, small
next to the bathing area, less than 100 metres cardinal fish (Apogon imberbis) are hidden. On
from the coast. It is formed by a rocky wall that the sandy sea floor, we can see a great variety
begins at a depth of 6 metres and extends along of species such as: wide-eyed flounder (Bothus
the coast, down to a depth of 16 metres, where podas), striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus),
an area of sand begins. Guinea puffer (Sphoeroides marmoratus),
At the start of the dive, the descent is made Caribbean sharp-nose puffer (Canthigaster
to the top of the rocky wall, where we begin to rostrata), diamond lizard fish (Synodus synodus),
observe some of the characteristic marine life Atlantic saury (S. saurus) and pearly razorfish
of Madeira such as ornate wrasse (Thalassoma (Xyrichtys novacula).
pavo), Mediterranean rainbow wrasse (Coris
julis), Canary damsel (Abudefduf luridus) and At sunset, the more timid creatures come out
Azores chromis (Chromis limbata), starfish of their refuges and you can see many octopuses
(Ophidiaster ophidianus, Marthasterias glacialis) (Octopus vulgaris and Octopus macropus)
and long-spined sea urchins (Diadema wandering on the sandy sea floor, along with
antillarum), on a rocky, light-toned formation, its mechanical shrimp (Cinetorhynchus rigens),
colour endowed by barnacle cover (Chthamalus sea slugs (Hypselodoris picta), seahorses
stellatus). (Hippocampus hippocampus) and spider
Continuing on to the bottom, we find several crabs (Stenorhynchus lanceolatus).
species of moray eels (Muraena helena, Muraena To see all of this, this site is recommended
augusti, Gymnothorax unicolor, Enchelycore for night dives.
anatina), often accompanied by cleaner shrimps
(Lysmata grabhami), and giant anemones
(Telmactatis cricoides) with their squat shrimpsroca 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,
which starts on a sandy sea floor at a depth of
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 magnificent landscape of volcanic rock with
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
falls to the sandy sea floor at 30 metres.
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.
Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus NaturaBaixa 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 are weak. Here, there are shoals of coastal fish such as Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) and saddled seabream (Oblada melanura), among many other species of fish. If you watch the crevices carefully, you can see the black moray eel (Muraena augusti) and striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) at the bottom. There is algae at this drop and the red starfish (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 rock formation being on a sea floor of clear sand that contributes to the excellent visibility of the site. Here, there are shoals of coastal fish, such as white seabream (Diplodus sargus), common two-branded seabream (Diplodus vulgaris), Azores chromis and sometimes a shoal of gray triggerfish (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
and America. We present five diving sites here,
covering more than a century presenting a broad
variety of sizes and types of ships, so that diving
aficionados can get to know a little more of the
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
constituting an artificial reef on
the sand. Although not having been sunk
deliberately, the ship remains in good state of
repair. Diving Features
•
From the vessel
•
Location: 32º 41 ‘15 “N 17º 07’ 38” W
•
Depth: 17-34 metres
•
Degree of Difficulty: medium
•
Ship’s Conservation Status: Good
Species:
Dreamfish (Sarpa salpa) | Grunt (Pomadasys
incisus) | Common two-banded seabream
(Diplodus vulgaris) | Yellow barracuda
(Sphyraena viridensis) | White trevally
(Pseudocaranx dentex) | Amberjack (Seriola spp)PROMPT
A 30.12-metre-long ship, with a beam Diving Features:
of 6 metres and a depth of 2.5 metres, it was •
From the vessel
built in 1895, for coastal shipping because, •
Location: 32º 38’ 16.9’’ N / 16º 54’ 52.3’’ W
due to the orography of Madeira, the connection •
Depth: 28-34 metres
between Funchal and the other coastal localities •
Degree of Difficulty: difficult
was conducted from the 15th century by sea, •
Ship’s Conservation Status: Reasonable
thus allowing the transport of passengers
and goods. Later, it became too slow and Species:
dangerous to sail the coast, which is why it would Azores chromis (Chromis limbata) | Yellow
be converted, at the Arsenal of Funchal, into a barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) | Gray
water transport frigate for support service to the triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) | Black moray
ships that anchored in the city’s bay. On 29 April eel (Muraena augusti) | Brown moray eel
1929, at 5 p.m., what was left of the original (Gymnothorax unicolor) | Amberjack (Seriola
Prompt sank off the Islet of Pontinha with a load spp).
of about 200 tonnes of water.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/
•
•
Location: 33º 02’ 39’’N / 16º 17’ 43’’W
Depth: 18-34 metres
NEWTON
•
•
Degree of Difficulty: medium
•
Ship’s Conservation Status: Reasonable
Species: At Ponta de São Lourenço (Baixa da Badajeira),
Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) the steamer Forerunner was shipwrecked in 1854
| Blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda) | and the Newton in 1881. The English steamer
Common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) | Spiny Forerunner, built in 1852, was shipwrecked on 25
butterfly ray (Gymnura altavela) | White trevally October 1854 on a voyage from Sierra Leone on
(Pseudocaranx dentex) | Amberjack (Seriola the African coast and bound for Plymouth,
spp) | Azores chromis (Chomis limbata) | England, after a one-day stop in the Bay of
Yellow barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) | Gray Funchal. Carrying many officers of the British army
triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) | Dreamfish and the Governor of Sierra Leone, three
(Sarpa salpa) | Grunt (Pomadasys incisus) | passengers and eleven crew members died. It is
Bogue (Boops boops) a dive site of great difficulty, demanding even for
advanced divers.
Diving Features:
•
From the vessel
•
Location: 32º 43’ 34.6’’ N / 16º 39’ 13.8’’ W
•
Depth: 6-22 metres
•
Degree of Difficulty: very difficult
•
Conservation Status of the Ship’s parts: good
Species:
Ornate wrasse (Thalassoma pavo) | Canary
damsel (Abudefduf luridus) | Barred hogfish
(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 Santo in order to create an artificial reef. The 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 • Location: 33º 02,827 N016ª 18,056W • Depth: 12-30 metres • Degree of Difficulty: medium • Conservation Status of the Ship’s parts: good Species: Dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) | Blacktail comber (Serranus atricauda) | Common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca) | Butterfly Ray (Gymnura altavela) | Spiny butterfly ray (Pseudocaranx dentex) | Amberjack (Seriola spp) | Azores chromis (Chomis limbata) | Yellow barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) | Gray triggerfish (Balistes capriscus) | Dreamfish (Sarpa salpa) | Grunt (Pomadasys incisus) | Bogue (Boops boops) Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus Natura
Cover Photography: Pedro Vasconcelos/Focus Natura Direção Regional do Turismo Av. Arriaga, 18, 9004-519 Funchal - Madeira P: +351 291 211 900 F: +351 291 232 151 www.visitmadeira.pt info.srtc@madeira.gov.pt
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