Madeira Press Kit - Associação de Promoção da Madeira

SCUBADIVING
SCUBADIVING
There are two main ways of diving: Free-diving, using only a mask and a breathing set, and
Autonomous diving, where the main difference is in the possibility of staying under water
for long periods using a pressure diving cylinder to breathe.
The mild weather, the sea water temperature between 17 and 24ºC, the clear waters and
the passivity of the fishes, accustomed to the divers, make of Madeira a place more and
more in the route of the diving practice.
One of the reference points to dive is the Reserva Reserva Reserva Reserva do do do do Garajau*, Garajau Garajau Garajau a rich biologic spot
offering unique conditions as a protected space with great scientific, recreation and tourist
interest. As an example, there is the great number of visitors, specially diving amateurs,
which come to this place all over the year.
Among the resident sea fauna, we have large fishes, for example the Dusky Grouper
(Epinephelus marginatus) which are a visit card of this Reserve, besides a great diversity of
other coastal species such as the White Sea Bream (Diplodus sargus) and the
Mediterranean Moray (Muraena Helena), not forgetting the interesting Garden Eels
colonies (Taenioconger longissimus), which hide themselves in the deep see sands.
In the summer, groups of Urjamantas (Mobula mobular) have been observed. Its aspect
and graciosity of movements make of this place and international attraction. Also in the
summer, we can see flocks of Rudderfish (Seriola zonata) and with some luck Turltles
(Caretta caretta) passing by.
There are several diving schools and leisure firms which have diving courses for every level
and organize diving excursions for more experienced divers.
*Parcial Parcial do Garajau Nature Reserve
The Madeira Nature Reserve was created in 1982 in order to preserve a huge natural
heritage, which is part of the world's heritage and includes some species in danger of