Funchal: Advanced Scuba Diving Afonso Cerqueira Wreck

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, offers a thrilling opportunity for experienced scuba divers to explore the Afonso Cerqueira wreck. Operated by Azul Diving Center, this 2.5-hour adventure promises an immersive encounter with the underwater world, allowing divers to descend up to 30 meters and discover the impressive 85-meter long wreck surrounded by a protected reef teeming with marine life. While the brisk conditions may challenge even the most seasoned divers, the chance to witness the wreck’s captivating history and the surrounding aquatic ecosystem makes this an unforgettable dive experience.

Key Points

• Explore the Afonso Cerqueira wreck, a 85-meter long shipwreck located within a protected reef, accessible to advanced divers up to 30 meters depth.
• Experience diverse marine life, including schools of tropical fish, rays, and turtles, in the unique underwater environment surrounding the wreck.
• Dive package includes air tank, weight system, insurance, and equipment rental, with hotel pickup for convenience.
• Advanced diver certification is required, and certification documents must be presented to participate in the dive.
• The Afonso Cerqueira wreck dive is highly rated at 4.8/5 based on 10 reviews, with some feedback indicating a slightly rushed experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Scuba divers can explore the Afonso Cerqueira wreck with the Azul Diving Center in Funchal.

The experience lasts 2 hours, including 2.5 hours of scuba diving. Prices start from €55 per person, with a free cancellation option up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Divers can also take advantage of the "reserve now & pay later" option. An advanced diver certification is required to dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters, where they’ll discover the 85-meter-long wreck, including the engine room and captain’s deck.

The dive site is located within a protected reef and artificial national park, offering diverse marine life.

Dive Experience and Requirements

Advanced divers can explore the depths of the Afonso Cerqueira wreck, which sits within a protected reef and artificial national park.

With an advanced diver certification, they can dive to a maximum depth of 30 meters and discover the 85-meter long wreck, including the engine room and captain’s deck.

Divers can expect to see diverse marine life in this unique underwater environment.

While the experience provides an opportunity to add a wreck dive to their diving record, some feedback suggests the dive can feel rushed at times.

A flashlight is recommended for better visibility inside the wreck.

Location and Itinerary

The Azul Diving Center Madeira, located at the Cabo Girao Cliff, serves as the starting point for these diving excursions. From there, participants are transported by boat to the dive site. While the main sites passed are provided for reference, the itinerary may vary depending on factors such as weather and sea conditions.

Site Passed	Location
Cabo Girao Cliff	Starting Point
Afonso Cerqueira Wreck	Dive Site
Protected Reef	Artificial National Park
Captain’s Deck	Wreck Interior
Engine Room	Wreck Interior

The boat ride provides convenient access to the 85-meter long Afonso Cerqueira wreck, where divers can explore the diverse marine life and unique features of this protected artificial national park.

Pricing and Cancellation Policy

The Azul Diving Center Madeira offers scuba diving experiences in Funchal starting at €55.00 per person.

The 2-hour adventure includes 2.5 hours of diving the Afonso Cerqueira wreck. An advanced diver certification is required to explore the 85-meter-long wreck at a maximum depth of 30 meters.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The center also provides a reserve now and pay later option, making it easy to book the experience.

Though some divers felt the dive felt rushed at times, the overall rating from 10 reviews is an impressive 4.8 out of 5, with praise for the wreck itself and the guidance from the Azul Diving Center.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Included and Not Included

The Azul Diving Center Madeira includes several key items in the €55.00 per person scuba diving package.

Divers will receive an air tank (12/15lt at 200 bars), a weight system, and all necessary diving equipment rental. The package also covers insurance and national park fees of €3.

Participants will be provided with hotel pickup, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.

However, the dive isn’t suitable for those without the required advanced diver certification, as the maximum depth is 30 meters.

Divers must bring their own certification to participate in the Afonso Cerqueira wreck exploration.

Marine Life and Wreck Exploration

Divers exploring the Afonso Cerqueira wreck can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life thriving in this protected reef and artificial national park.

From schools of vibrant tropical fish to rays and turtles, the wreck has become a haven for a wide range of underwater species.

Navigating the 85-meter long vessel, divers can peer into the engine room and captain’s deck, discovering the wreck’s hidden nooks and crannies.

This wreck dive offers a unique opportunity to log an exploration of a historical maritime relic, providing a truly immersive and adventurous experience for advanced divers.

Diving Certification and Logistics

Advanced diver certification is required to embark on the Afonso Cerqueira wreck dive. This ensures participants’ safety and ability to navigate the 30-meter maximum depth.

To dive this wreck, divers must provide their certification documents upon arrival. The dive package includes:

1. Air tank (12/15lt at 200 bars)
2. Weight system
3. Insurance
4. Diving equipment rental and national park fees

Hotel pickup is also provided, making the logistics seamless.

While the wreck offers an exciting exploration opportunity, divers without the proper qualifications won’t be permitted to participate. The dive center ensures a safe and memorable experience for certified adventurers.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Azul Diving Center’s Afonso Cerqueira wreck dive, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 10 reviews.

Divers have highlighted the awe-inspiring experience of exploring the 85-meter long wreck, including the engine room and captain’s deck.

However, some feedback indicates the dive felt slightly rushed at times, and a flashlight is recommended for better visibility inside the wreck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Underwater Visibility at the Wreck Site?

The underwater visibility at the wreck site is generally good, though some feedback indicates that a flashlight may be recommended for better visibility inside the wreck, particularly in certain areas.

How Challenging Is the Entry and Exit From the Boat to the Water?

The entry and exit from the boat to the water is moderately challenging. Divers must carefully navigate the boat-to-water transition, but the diving center provides guidance and assistance to ensure a safe and smooth process for all participants.

Is There an Option to Receive a Guided Tour of the Wreck?

Yes, the Afonso Cerqueira wreck dive is guided by experienced instructors from the Azul Diving Center. Divers will explore the wreck’s key areas, including the engine room and captain’s deck, with the guidance of the dive leader.

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Dive?

Yes, divers can take photos and videos during the dive. The activity overview indicates that the dive equipment rental includes everything needed for the dive, which typically includes cameras and other underwater photography gear.

Are There Any Additional Safety Precautions for the Wreck Dive?

The wreck dive requires additional safety precautions due to the advanced depth and enclosed environment. Divers must have proper certification, use a guideline, and be equipped with a reliable dive light to navigate the wreck safely.

Recap

The Afonso Cerqueira wreck in Funchal provides certified divers with a thrilling advanced scuba experience. Divers can explore the 85-meter long wreck at depths of 30 meters, surrounded by vibrant marine life in a protected reef. While the 2.5-hour dive starts at €55 per person, participants should be prepared for potentially brisk conditions. This immersive underwater adventure promises an unforgettable encounter with the fascinating wreck and its diverse ecosystem.

You can check if your dates are available here: