Madeira · GARAJAU DIVING, KAYAK & WATERSPORTS
13 reviewed
The Garajau marine reserve just east of Funchal has warm, clear water and big groupers used to divers. Here are the best ways into it: try-dives for beginners, guided reef dives, sea-kayak and snorkel trips, with what each includes, the experience needed, and prices for every option.
First-time scuba in Madeira: a classroom lesson, pool practice, and one real open-water session off Funchal up to 12 m.
“My first time diving. Instructor was great and very patient. I never felt unsafe. Plenty of time in ocean.”
A small-group scuba intro at Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz, with natural pool baptism, sharks and rays, and gear plus coaching.
“A unique and memorable experience even for an experienced diver. Me and my daughter (who has no experience of diving) was extremely well taken care of and the instructor was very professional, kind and provided a strong sense of security. This was important to me as I wanted to give my daughter a soft and secure introduction to diving. I would highly recommend this experience.”
Jet ski circuit off Funchal with no license needed. Small group, safety briefing, life jacket included, 15–30 minutes on the water.
“It was my first time on a jet ski and I really enjoyed it. I was the only participant thet morning, but they still took good care of me. The guide took me out to sea on a speedboat, where the jet ski was already prepared an I could start immediately. I was lucky, the sea was calm, so even without any experience I was able to speed up a little ;-)”
Parasailing over Madeira’s south coast from Funchal. A quiet 30-minute flight in a small group with life jackets, wind permitting.
“Booked for my nephew and his friend as a birthday present however was sent a text message the day before informing me this activity was not available. The company however did offer an alternative of Jet skiing however a little disappointed to find the boys had to share 1 jet ski between them meaning they only got a 15 minute experience each. The original activity was for a 30 minute parasailing which they both would have experienced the activity for 30 minutes. Never the less the boys had fun. Just thought the price paid vs the length of time and notice given wasn’t justified.”
A small-group snorkelling trip from Funchal to Ponta de São Lourenço’s marine reserve, with gear included and a safety-first guide.
“Extraordinary experience, with super and very invested guides, nico and captain (Roberto) very friendlyAuto-translated”
Kayak the coast near Funchal, snorkel at Ponta do Lazareto in Garajau Nature Reserve, and learn safety basics in a small group.
“Great experience and our guide knew a lot about nature and Funchal. We had fun jumping from the cliff. All in all great trip.”
Take an SSI Open Water course in Funchal, Madeira: classroom + pool practice, then open-water training with a calm small team and certified results.
“We did our advanced PADI with Azul dive centre”
Kayak the Atlantic in Funchal, then snorkel with gear included on a small-group, carbon-neutral outing. Easy pace, 1.5 hours.
“Fabio and Roberto made sure everyone had an amazing time. Very fun activity and suitable for most. My friend Marwan Alhaddad also says he enjoyed.”
SUP plus snorkeling in Funchal, Madeira. Small groups, included gear, lifejackets required, and a tour described as fully carbon neutral.
“Wszystko poszło pomyślnie, widoki były przepiękne, dotarłam bez problemu. Cała obsługa jest serdeczna i pomocna. Jedyne co, to pan, który poinstruował mnie jak korzystać z deski - obiecał odebrać mnie z deski o umówionej godzinie, gdy skończę pływać (potwierdzonej kilka razy) nie dotarł. Po odczekaniu 10 minut na desce na wodzie, poprosiłam innych turystów na pomoście o pomoc w wejściu z powrotem na ląd i z zamocowaniem deski, żeby nie odpłynęła i żebym ja była bezpieczna.”
Stand-up paddleboarding in Funchal, Madeira. A 1-hour session with equipment, friendly staff, calm views, and marine life spotting.
“We had so much fun paddle boarding - this is great value for money, but it is just for hire so do not expect any lessons. We weren’t sure about the timing of our slot so we rang in the morning and they said to turn up whenever we wanted - we arrived about 11 and went straight out to sea, but worth noting there were a lot of people queuing for various activities when we came out. There are some worrying reviews on trip advisor about getting into the water and having to walk down a slippy path into the sea, we didn’t find it so bad, just take…”
Try scuba in Madeira with a private PADI-style lesson, all gear included, then shallow-water time to see marine life. Transfers available.
“En France, il existe une expression « être pris pour un pigeon »... nous avons eu le sentiment de nous être gentiment, mais sûrement, bien fait arnaquer !!Un conseil n’y allez pas.”
Funchal DPV scooter adventure for certified scuba pros: guided fast underwater scooter time near a house reef, 2 hours, $69.
Certified scuba outing from Funchal to Garajau National Park for a small-group boat session with curious Dusky groupers.
“Niks dan lof voor deze mensen. Als beginnende duiker was mij aangeraden om eerst een duik vanaf de kant te doen voordat ik aan de Maracuja-duik begon. Helaas kreeg ik tijdens deze laatste duik last van paniek. Hier werd direct adequaat op gereageerd, waardoor ik de duik toch heb kunnen afmaken onder begeleiding. Na afloop werd er op de boot continu gecheckt of ik oké was, en ik werd aangemoedigd om een nieuwe duik in te plannen om mijn angst te overwinnen. Ook tijdens die tweede duik, een paar dagen later, werd ik goed in de gaten gehouden, zonder me ongemakkelijk te laten voelen. Mijn speciale dank gaat uit naar…”
