Dive the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira Wreck off Madeira
Explore one of the Atlantic's most celebrated artificial reefs, an 85-metre warship resting south of Cabo Girão.
The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck dive offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore a deliberately sunk Portuguese Navy corvette that has become one of the most significant dive sites in the Atlantic Ocean. Declared a national park shortly after its sinking in 2018, the wreck combines historical character with thriving marine biodiversity.
At an average depth of 15 to 20 metres, this site is well suited to divers with moderate experience. The wreck's accessible depth range allows ample bottom time to examine both the exterior hull, colonised by marine life, and the navigable interior spaces including engine rooms, the bridge, and the bar area.
In 2022, the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira hosted the European Underwater Photography Championship, a recognition of the site's exceptional visual quality and the clarity of Madeiran waters. The trip departs from the shop in Funchal, placing divers just minutes from the marina.
Tour Highlights
Dive an 85-metre Portuguese Navy corvette sunk specifically for recreational diving and now declared a national park.
Access interior spaces including the engine rooms, bridge, and bar area during a single guided dive.
Visit the host site of the 2022 European Underwater Photography Championship, recognised for outstanding visibility.
Observe a wide variety of marine animals that have colonised the wreck's exterior hull and superstructure.
Dive at a moderate average depth of 15 to 20 metres, making the site suitable for certified divers building wreck experience.
Tanks and weights are included, with additional gear rental available directly at the shop in Funchal.
How the Experience Unfolds
Participants meet at the shop located at Marina Funchal 15 minutes before the scheduled departure. Dive briefings, equipment checks, and gear rental are handled at this stage.
The group boards a dive vessel and heads south toward Cabo Girão, where the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira rests on the seabed. The crossing provides views of Madeira's dramatic southern coastline.
Divers descend to the hull and superstructure, where the highest concentration of marine life is found. The wreck's intact condition allows close inspection of deck features and the colonised outer surfaces.
Guided penetration takes divers through navigable interior sections including the engine rooms, the bridge, and the bar area. All areas are assessed for safety before entry.
After completing the dive profile, the group performs a safety stop before ascending. The dive guide leads a controlled return to the surface.
The vessel returns to Marina Funchal, where divers can debrief, return rental equipment, and discuss multi-day packages or two-tank dive options available on alternate days.
What Is Included and Excluded
Included
- Professional dive guide
- Tanks
- Weights
- Boat transfer to the wreck site
- Pre-dive briefing
Not Included
- Dive equipment rental (available at the shop)
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
Ready to Explore the Wreck?
Secure your place on one of the Atlantic's most celebrated wreck dives, departing from Marina Funchal. Multi-day packages and two-tank dive options are also available.
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