NORTH ATLANTIC
Madeira · Garajau Marine Reserve
- Portugal
- Intermediate
- January - December
Plan your dive
- Experience level
- Intermediate
- Depth guide
- Common routes around 20 m; deeper sections reach 30 m
- When to go
- January - December
- Site type
- Volcanic Reef
Featured wildlife
- Dusky grouper
About this dive site
Dusky groupers over protected volcanic reefs on Madeira’s south coast.
Garajau’s protected seabed lies below Madeira’s southern cliffs, close to Caniço and Funchal. Volcanic rock, sand and ledges support resident fish, with dusky groupers a highlight for divers and photographers. Entry may be by boat or through an operator’s shore arrangement, depending on the route. Choose the depth for your qualification, confirm current and exit conditions and give large fish space instead of feeding or crowding them.
Most trips target January - December, but wind, swell and current still decide the day's site. Calendar peak is January - December, but skippers still move sites when wind, swell or current change. Book with a crew that knows Madeira day to day, not just the map pin.