Guided Wreck Dive in Madeira – Corveta Afonso Cerqueira4.8(924 Reviews)2 hours and 30 minutes
From€45.00per person
Listing ID : 21391
4.8(924 Reviews)
Guided Wreck Dive in Madeira – Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
2h 30mDuration
Max 12 peopleGroup Size
EnglishSpeaking Guide
Mobile ticketAccepted
About this experience
Duration2 Hours 30 Minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtMarina Funchal, Madeira
LanguagesEnglish
Wreck Diving in Madeira
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
1
Arrival at the Shop, Marina Funchal
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.
2
Boat Transfer to the Dive Site
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.
3
Exterior Wreck Exploration
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.
4
Interior Penetration Dive
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.
5
Safety Stop and Ascent
After completing the dive profile, the group performs a safety stop before ascending. The dive guide leads a controlled return to the surface.
6
Return to Marina Funchal
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
Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled dive time. Participants must hold a valid scuba diving certification appropriate for the dive profile.
Duration
The total experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including boat transfer, dive time, and return to the marina.
Meeting Point
The shop is located at Marina Funchal, Madeira. Cruise ship passengers will find it a short walk from the port terminal.
What to Bring
Bring your dive certification card, swimwear, a towel, and any personal dive equipment you prefer to use. Gear rental is available on site.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy at the time of booking. Dives may be subject to weather and sea conditions.
Accessibility
This experience requires the ability to enter and exit a dive vessel and to dive at moderate depths. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or individuals without a recognised scuba certification.
Age Range
Participants must meet minimum age requirements for scuba diving as set by the certifying agency. Please confirm eligibility at the time of booking.
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.
What is the average depth of the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck?▼
The wreck sits at an average depth of 15 to 20 metres, making it accessible for certified divers with moderate experience.
Can divers access the interior of the wreck?▼
Yes. The corvette was sunk specifically for diving purposes, and guided access to interior spaces including the engine rooms, the bridge, and the bar area is available during the dive.
Is equipment rental available?▼
Gear rental is available directly at the shop in Funchal. Tanks and weights are included in the tour price.
Is this experience suitable for cruise ship passengers?▼
Yes. The shop is located at Marina Funchal, a short distance from the cruise terminal, making logistics straightforward for passengers with limited time in port.
What certification is required to join this dive?▼
A recognised scuba diving certification is required. Given the moderate difficulty rating and the possibility of wreck penetration, participants should have relevant experience. Confirm specific requirements at the time of booking.
Are multi-day or two-tank dive options available?▼
Yes. Multi-day packages and two-tank dive trips are offered separately. Two-tank dives operate on alternate days and can be booked as a distinct reservation.
The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck is located south of Cabo Girão on the southern coast of Madeira Island, Portugal. The dive departs from Marina Funchal, the main marina of Funchal, the island's capital city. Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, approximately 1,000 kilometres southwest of mainland Portugal and 520 kilometres west of the African coast. The island is a year-round destination accessible by direct flights from numerous European cities and is a regular port of call for Atlantic cruise itineraries. The warm, clear waters of the Madeiran coast support exceptional marine biodiversity, and the region has developed a strong reputation for recreational diving, whale watching, and ocean activities.
Activity Type: Scuba Diving | Difficulty: Moderate | Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal | Site: Corveta Afonso Cerqueira Wreck, South of Cabo Girão | Depth: 15-20 metres | Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes | Suitable For: Certified Divers | Special Feature: National Park, European Underwater Photography Championship 2022 Host Site
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