Funchal: Wreck Dive F488 Frigate – Certified Divers

Funchal, the vibrant capital of Madeira, offers a unique underwater adventure for certified divers. The Wreck Dive F488 Frigate promises an unforgettable experience, taking participants to a depth of 80 meters to explore a decommissioned navy frigate. With personalized attention and comprehensive safety measures, this 2.5-hour dive caters to those who’ve dived within the past year, ensuring an exhilarating yet secure exploration of Madeira’s submerged secrets.

Key Points

• The wreck dive location is in Funchal, Madeira at Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel, reaching a maximum depth of 80 meters on a decommissioned navy frigate.
• The dive is open only to certified divers who have dived within the last 12 months, with a comprehensive safety briefing provided by the instructor.
• The dive package includes tank, weights, boat trip, dive guide, and dive insurance, with personal dive computer required and torch recommended for better visibility.
• The dive duration is 2.5 hours, with a group size limited to 6 divers for a personalized experience, and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The dive price starts from $46.79 per person, with excellent availability for reservations and the option to defer payment until closer to the dive date.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Wreck Dive Location and Duration

The F488 Frigate wreck dive takes place in Funchal, Madeira, with the dive center located at Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel.

The total duration of the dive experience is 2.5 hours. Participants can book their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The group size is limited to 6 divers, ensuring a personalized and safe diving adventure.

Price and Availability

How much does the F488 Frigate wreck dive cost?

The dive is priced from $46.79 per person.

Availability is excellent, as you can reserve now and pay later.

There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

1. Prices start from $46.79 per person.

2. Availability: Reserve now & pay later.

3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

4. Group size limited to 6 participants.

Diving Experience and Requirements

As this is a world-class wreck dive on a decommissioned navy frigate, the F488 offers an exceptional underwater experience.

The depth reaches 80 meters, with the entire frigate prepared as an artificial reef. The dive is open only to certified divers who’ve dived within the last 12 months.

Reaching 80 meters, the decommissioned navy frigate has been transformed into an exceptional artificial reef, open only to certified divers.

A comprehensive safety briefing by the instructor ensures participants are fully prepared. Divers must bring their own dive computer, as it’s required by law.

Plus, a dive torch is recommended for optimal visibility and exploration of the wreck’s interior.

Safety Briefing

Before participants descend into the depths of the F488 frigate, the instructor provides a comprehensive safety briefing.

The briefing covers:

1. Dive Plan: Reviewing the dive plan, including the maximum depth, duration, and safety procedures.

2. Wreck Orientation: Familiarizing divers with the layout and key features of the wreck to ensure safe navigation.

3. Communication Signals: Practicing hand signals and other communication methods to be used during the dive.

4. Emergency Procedures: Outlining emergency protocols and the roles of the dive guide and participants in the event of any issues.

This thorough safety briefing ensures divers are well-prepared and confident to explore the F488 frigate wreck.

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Itinerary Details

The wreck dive experience begins at the Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel center in Funchal. Participants will receive a comprehensive safety briefing before boarding the boat for a 10-15 minute cruise to the wreck site near Cabo Girao Cliff. At the dive site, certified divers will descend to explore the 80-meter long decommissioned navy frigate that has been prepared as an artificial reef. During the dive, you will have the opportunity to view the marine life that now inhabits the wreck. Finally, divers will return to the dive center to return their equipment and enjoy a hot shower.

| Starting Point | Activities | Duration |

| — | — | — |

| Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel, Funchal | Safety briefing, Boat cruise, Scuba diving, Marine life viewing | 2.5 hours |

Equipment Provided and Additional Services

The dive operator provides participants with a tank and weights as part of the wreck dive experience.

Full dive equipment, including a mask, fins, and wetsuit, is available for an additional fee.

The boat trip, dive guide, and dive insurance are all included in the package.

Divers must bring their own dive computer, as it’s required by law.

Plus, a dive torch is recommended to enhance the wreck exploration experience.

1. Tank and weights included

2. Full equipment rentals available

3. Boat trip, dive guide, and insurance provided

4. Dive computer required, torch recommended

Meeting Point and What to Bring

Participants meet at the dive center inside the Pestana Carlton hotel, which can be accessed via elevators that lead down to sea level.

Divers should bring their swimwear and towel. Presentation of a valid diving certification is required. Non-certified divers can opt for the Try Scuba Diving Experience.

Participants must bring their own dive computer, as it’s mandatory by law. A dive torch is also recommended, though not required.

The dive center provides the necessary tanks, weights, and full equipment rental for an additional fee.

Non-Certified Divers Option

For non-certified divers, the Try Scuba Diving Experience offers an opportunity to explore the wreck. This introductory dive experience includes:

1. Comprehensive safety briefing by a qualified instructor.

2. Guided exploration of the F488 Frigate wreck site.

3. All necessary scuba equipment provided.

4. Supervision and guidance throughout the dive.

While certified divers can fully enjoy the wreck’s depths, this option allows non-certified individuals to witness the underwater wonder without the need for prior training.

It’s an excellent way for beginners to experience the thrill of wreck diving in a safe and controlled environment.

The Sum Up

The Wreck Dive F488 Frigate in Funchal, Madeira offers an unforgettable deep-water diving experience for certified divers. With a maximum of six divers per group, participants can explore a decommissioned navy frigate at a depth of 80 meters. While essential equipment is provided, divers must bring their own dive computers and are encouraged to use a dive torch for enhanced visibility during this thrilling 2.5-hour adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: