Funchal in 1 Days - Two guided boat dives inside Reserva Natural do Garajau
In Collaboration with Azul Diving Madeira | Blue Safari Madeira. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Two guided boat dives inside the Reserva Natural do Garajau from Azul Diving Center in Funchal. Tanks (12L air to 200 bar), weights and a dive guide (max ratio 6:1) are included. Meets at Azul Diving Center for check-in, briefing, two boat dives with a surface interval and return to the shop for gear rinse and debrief.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Azul Diving Madeira | Blue Safari Madeira, inspired by the tour 2 Dives trip | Garajau Marine Reserve. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Two guided boat dives inside Reserva Natural do Garajau
- Tanks (12L air to 200 bar) and weights included
- Small group guide ratio (max 6:1)
- Wide variety of marine life and underwater photography opportunities
- Convenient meeting point at Azul Diving Center, Marina Funchal area
More than 20 itineraries in Funchal.
Itinerary
Day 1
Full morning 2-dive boat trip from Azul Diving Center to sites inside the Garajau Marine Reserve. Planned time blocks: check-in and paperwork, safety briefing and kit-up, Dive 1, surface interval, Dive 2, return and rinse/debrief.
Check-in at Azul Diving Center
Sign in, present certification and logbook, complete any outstanding forms and confirm rental needs (if required).
Tips from local experts:
- Bring your dive certification card and logbook — the guide will confirm certification and minimum logged dives.
- Wear swimwear under light clothing; bring a towel and a short-sleeved top for after the dive (limited changing space).
- If you require rental kit, arrive a few minutes early to allow staff to size and prepare equipment.
Safety briefing & kit-up
Group safety briefing covering dive plan, hand signals, emergency procedures and entry/exit procedures. Staff will set up included 12L tanks and belt/weights.
Tips from local experts:
- Tell the team about any recent dives or medical conditions during briefing; a refresher may be required if you haven't dived recently.
- Confirm your tank (12L AIR to 200 bar) and weight allocation during kit-up — tanks and weights are included.
- Have a small ziplock or waterproof pouch for personal items; staff can store valuables at the shop during the trip.
Boat transfer and Dive 1 — Garajau Marine Reserve
Short boat transfer from the dive base to a selected site inside the Reserva Natural do Garajau; guided dive focusing on local marine life and underwater features (average depths 15–20 m).
- Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Equalize early and frequently during descent — typical dive depths in the reserve are around 15–20 m.
- Stay with the guide and buddy team; group sizes are managed (max 6 divers per guide).
- Be prepared to pay the regional marine reserve fee at the shop before boarding (the reserve is protected).
Surface interval (on boat)
Surface interval between dives on the boat: rest, hydrate, snack lightly and check equipment for the second dive.
- Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Hydrate during the surface interval and avoid alcoholic drinks before or between dives.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen and a light cover-up while on the surface to protect from sun exposure.
- Return to the boat and listen for the crew's call; the team will brief dive-2 entry procedures during the interval.
Dive 2 — Garajau Marine Reserve
Second guided dive at a different site inside the reserve; opportunity to see additional marine life and underwater formations.
- Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tips from local experts:
- Monitor your computer and air supply during the dive; plan your turn-around to maintain safe reserve air.
- Keep neutral buoyancy to protect the reef and improve photo opportunities.
- If you frequently take photos, brief the guide before entry so they can help with positioning or additional lighting.
Return to Azul Diving Center — rinse, debrief and pack
Boat returns to the dive base. Rinse personal equipment, debrief with the guide and log the dives before leaving.
Tips from local experts:
- Rinse and hang any personal equipment on-site; staff can assist with rinsing and drying heavier items.
- Log your dives in your logbook before you leave if you plan additional dives during your stay.
- Ask the dive team for local site recommendations or how to book the afternoon 14:00 trip if you want another dive.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Outdoor, Break |
Why this experience
You'll descend into Madeira's most protected underwater world—the Garajau Marine Reserve, where the Atlantic's richest marine life congregates. After a safety briefing and kit-up at Azul Diving Center, a boat carries you to the reserve for two guided dives. Your first immersion reveals coral gardens, schools of grouper, and if you're lucky, rays gliding across the sand. Back on the surface for a break, you'll catch your breath before dropping down again for a second dive to explore deeper sections or hunt for octopuses hiding in crevices. It's the closest you'll get to swimming inside a living aquarium.
Before you go
- Best time: Spring through autumn, when water temperature is warmest and visibility is excellent. Summer offers the clearest conditions.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current dive pricing. Two-dive trips are typically mid-range, with additional costs for rental gear if you don't bring your own.
- Difficulty: Moderate — requires PADI certification (Open Water or Advanced). Beginners should book an intro/discovery dive instead.
- What to bring: Your dive certification card, logbook, and any personal dive gear you prefer (wetsuit, BCD, computer). Underwater camera optional but popular.
- Getting there: Meet at Azul Diving Center in Funchal. The center is reachable by local bus or taxi; parking available nearby.
- Accessibility: Diving requires mobility and good physical condition. Discuss any health concerns with the dive operator before booking.
Frequently asked questions
What if I'm not PADI certified? Ask the operator about intro or discovery dives—these are single dives guided by an instructor and don't require certification.
How deep do these dives go? Typical depths are 12-25 meters (40-80 feet). The operator will brief you on max depth before descent.
What's the surface interval like? You'll spend 30-45 minutes on the boat between dives. The crew usually provides light snacks and fresh water.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable part is the two-dive guided tour, which includes boat transport, dive guide, and use of the dive center's air fills. Gear rental (wetsuit, BCD, tank) may cost extra—confirm at checkout.
Complete your trip in Funchal
Discover other ways to explore Funchal's waters and landscapes.
- Full-day private sailing cruise — Snorkel and relax aboard a private boat along Madeira's south coast.
- Sunset Seaborn Catamaran cruise — Evening sailing with dolphin watching and sunset views.
- Panoramic e-bike road tour to Câmara de Lobos — Explore the coast from above with a coffee break overlooking vineyards.
Browse all Funchal itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
