Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

Discover the Afonso Cerqueira Wreck on Madeira with Azul Diving Center

For those with a scuba certification looking to add a memorable wreck exploration to their experience, the Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck offers an exciting opportunity. Priced at $63 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour takes you out from Madeira’s coast to explore a famous 85-meter-long shipwreck, now a vibrant artificial reef. The tour is ideal for certified divers aiming to practice advanced skills, as it allows diving to a maximum depth of 30 meters.

This experience emphasizes both the thrill of discovering an underwater vessel and the chance to observe the thriving marine life that inhabits the protected reef. The Azul Diving Center leads the journey, providing all necessary equipment, insurance, and a boat ride to the site. While the tour is shorter in duration, it offers a rich encounter with Madeira’s underwater world, perfect for divers with some experience who want to explore a historic wreck and witness an artificial reef thriving with marine creatures.

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Key Points

• Price: Only $63 per person for a 2-hour advanced dive experience
• Location: Departing from Madeira, Portugal with Azul Diving Center
• Duration: About 2 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability
• Wreck Length: Explore the 85-meter-long Afonso Cerqueira vessel
• Maximum Depth: Dive up to 30 meters, suitable for certified divers with recent experience
• Highlights: Enter the ship’s engine room, captain’s deck, and cafeteria, and see vibrant marine life in the artificial reef

Starting Point at Azul Diving Center Madeira

The adventure begins at Azul Diving Center in Madeira. Here, divers meet their guides, who are fluent in English and knowledgeable about the wreck and marine environment. The center provides the air tanks (12 or 15 liters at 200 bars), weight systems, and insurance, ensuring all safety requirements are covered.

This central location simplifies logistics, and the center’s friendly staff help prepare everyone for the short boat ride out to the dive site. The boat ride itself offers an impressive view of Madeira’s coast, and travelers often appreciate feeling the ocean breeze as they head to the open sea.

Visiting Cabo Girao Cliff Before or After the Dive

While the main focus is on the wreck dive, some tour options include a visit to Cabo Girao Cliff, a notable sight near the dive site. This panoramic viewpoint offers an impressive vistas over Madeira’s rugged coastline and can be an ideal spot for photos before or after the underwater adventure.

The Dive Experience and Marine Exploration

Once at the site, divers are allowed to utilize their scuba certification to explore the wreck and the surrounding artificial reef. The Afonso Cerqueira is a historic vessel that has been underwater long enough to become a thriving habitat for marine life.

Guided by experienced instructors, divers explore the ship’s interior, including the engine room and cafeteria, along with the captain’s deck. The artificial reef is known for its colorful coral formations and a variety of marine creatures that make the wreck their home, making it an engaging experience for underwater photography and observation.

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The Itinerary and Dive Details

The tour starts and ends at Azul Diving Center in Madeira. Participants cruise out to the wreck, which is located in a protected marine park. The entire dive lasts around 2.5 hours including boat transit, and the actual underwater exploration focuses on the ship’s hull, engine room, and the vibrant reef life.

The maximum depth of 30 meters is suitable for divers with at least 6 logged dives and who have been diving within the last 12 months, as per certification requirements. The tour does not include food or drinks, but equipment rental is available at the shop if needed.

The Marine Life and Underwater Environment

The artificial reef created by the sunken ship hosts an abundance of marine species. Expect to see colorful fish, corals, and possibly larger ocean creatures, all thriving in the protected environment around the wreck. The vibrant marine biodiversity makes it a favorite for underwater photographers and anyone interested in observing marine ecosystems.

Practicalities: What to Bring and What’s Included

Participants should bring their diving certification and are advised to arrive prepared for a short boat ride. The included items in the tour are the boat ride, air tanks, weight systems, and insurance.

Extras such as rental equipment are available directly at the shop. There is a small national park fee of 3 euros that must be paid on-site. The tour does not include hotel pickup or food and drink, so you may want to plan accordingly.

The Expertise of Azul Diving Madeira

The guides at Azul Diving Center are praised for their friendliness and professionalism, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. The English-speaking instructors are well-versed in the local wreck and marine environment, helping ensure safety and enriching the diving experience.

Critically, the tour is designed for certified divers who meet the minimum requirement of 6 logged dives and have been diving in the last year. This focus on experienced divers ensures that everyone can comfortably explore the wreck and reef environment.

Why Divers Keep Coming Back

The high 4.9 out of 5 rating from 15 reviews reflects broad satisfaction. Many appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to explore the historic shipwreck in an area teeming with marine life. The friendly staff and top-notch organization contribute to a positive experience that often leads to repeat visits.

Suitability and Recommendations

This tour is best suited for certified divers with Open Water or equivalent certification. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to practice their skills, see a noteworthy wreck, and enjoy the beauty of Madeira’s marine environment. It is not suitable for non-certified divers or those without recent diving experience.

The Sum Up: An Engaging Wreck Dive in Madeira

The Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck offers a well-organized, exciting encounter with Madeira’s renowned shipwreck. With friendly guides, a short boat trip, and the chance to explore a historic vessel turned vibrant reef, it appeals to divers eager to combine history, marine biology, and adventure.

While the experience lasts only about 2 hours, the memories of exploring the engine room, captain’s deck, and observing marine life are bound to be lasting. The modest price of $63, along with the positive reviews, shows good value for certified divers seeking a spectacular underwater experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior diving experience required for this tour?
Yes, participants must hold a valid diving certification, with a minimum of 6 logged dives and have been diving within the last 12 months.

What is the maximum depth allowed during the dive?
Divers can go to 30 meters, suitable for open water certified divers.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour covers the boat ride, air tanks (12 or 15 liters) at 200 bars, weight system, and insurance.

Can I rent additional diving equipment at the shop?
Yes, diving equipment can be rented directly at the shop if needed.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there is a small national park fee of 3 euros payable on-site. The tour does not include food, drinks, or hotel pickup.

How long does the entire experience last?
The total duration is approximately 2 hours, including boat transit and the dive itself.

Is this tour suitable for non-divers?
No, only certified divers are allowed to participate, and those without recent diving experience should not join.

What distinguishes this wreck experience?
The Afonso Cerqueira wreck is notable for its length, historic significance, and the lively marine ecosystem it supports, making it a rewarding exploration for certified divers.

What do reviewers particularly praise about this tour?
Highlights include friendly guides, the opportunity to explore the ship’s interior, and witness thriving marine life around the artificial reef.

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