Funchal’s Garajau National Park offers certified divers an exceptional underwater adventure. This 2.5-hour experience takes participants on a short boat cruise to explore vibrant marine ecosystems. Priced at $46.79 per person, the intimate tour is limited to just six divers, ensuring personalized attention. With dive insurance and equipment included, this is a safe and unforgettable opportunity to encounter Dusky Groupers and other captivating marine life. What lies beneath the waves of Garajau National Park?
Key Points
- The Garajau National Park dive experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is priced at $46.79 per person for certified divers only.
- The dive features a small group size limited to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate underwater exploration experience.
- Participants must have dived within the last 12 months and will start with a safety briefing at Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel in Funchal.
- Divers can expect to encounter friendly Dusky Groupers and explore the vibrant marine ecosystem of the Garajau National Park.
- The dive package includes tank, weights, boat trip, and experienced dive guide, with dive insurance and entrance fee to the park also included.
Activity Overview
The Garajau National Park dive experience takes place in Funchal, lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
Priced from $46.79 per person, this activity is for certified divers only – participants must have dived within the last 12 months.
The small group size is limited to 6 participants, ensuring an intimate experience. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
A small group size of 6 ensures an intimate experience, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
After a safety briefing, the group will embark on a boat cruise to Praia do Garajau, where they’ll dive and explore the diverse marine life of this protected area established over 35 years ago.
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Itinerary
Guests start at Madeira Divepoint – Dive&Snorkel in Funchal, where they’ll receive a safety briefing.
They’ll then take a 10-15 minute boat cruise to Praia do Garajau.
The scuba diving at Garajau National Park follows, where they can:
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Explore the best dive sites on the island.
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Encounter friendly Dusky Groupers.
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Dive in a marine protected area established over 35 years ago.
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Capture marine life with a recommended camera.
After the dive, the boat will cruise back to the dive center for equipment return and a hot shower.
Highlights
Visitors can explore the best dive sites on the island while seeing Garajau National Park‘s vibrant marine ecosystem.
Divers have the opportunity to encounter friendly Dusky Groupers, a captivating species found in the marine protected area. Established over 35 years ago, this reserve offers a unique chance to experience the underwater wonders of Madeira.
Divers are encouraged to bring a camera to capture the mesmerizing marine life they encounter. With a small group size limited to 6 participants, this dive experience ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of the park’s remarkable underwater world.
Inclusions
The dive package includes a tank and weights, with full equipment available on-site for an additional fee.
The dive package includes a tank and weights, with full equipment available on-site for an additional fee.
The inclusions cover:
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Boat trip to the dive site
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Experienced dive guide
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Dive insurance
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Entrance fee to Garajau National Park
Plus, the package provides a dive computer, which is mandatory by law, and a dive torch, which is recommended but not required.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
The meeting point for this activity is the dive center inside the Pestana Carlton hotel, where participants can use the elevators to access the sea level.
Divers should come prepared with their swimwear, towel, and diving certification.
The activity offers a flexible booking option, allowing participants to reserve now and pay later.
It’s important to note that this scuba diving excursion is only available to certified divers who’ve dived within the last 12 months.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
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Dive Site Details
Garajau National Park is a renowned marine protected area located off the coast of Funchal, offering divers the opportunity to explore its diverse underwater ecosystems.
The dive site features:
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A rich abundance of marine life, including friendly Dusky Groupers, colorful coral formations, and a variety of fish species.
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Visibility that can reach up to 30 meters, providing excellent conditions for underwater photography and exploration.
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A depth range suitable for both beginner and experienced divers, with the maximum depth reaching around 30 meters.
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A well-preserved, pristine underwater environment that has been protected for over 35 years.
Marine Life Encounters
While exploring the waters of Garajau National Park, divers can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life.
The park is home to friendly Dusky Groupers, which are known for their curious nature and interaction with divers. Plus, divers may spot schools of colorful fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and triggerfish.
The area’s protected status has allowed the marine ecosystem to thrive, offering opportunities to observe a wide range of species in their natural habitats.
Divers are encouraged to bring underwater cameras to capture the vibrant and unique marine life found in this special diving destination.
Safety and Regulations
Because Garajau National Park is a protected marine area, there are specific safety requirements and regulations that divers must follow.
These include:
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Certified divers only: Divers must have a valid certification and have dived within the last 12 months.
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Small group size: Dives are limited to 6 participants to ensure personalized attention.
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Mandatory equipment: Divers must use a dive computer and are recommended to have a dive torch.
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Strict cancellation policy: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Adhering to these regulations ensures the safety and preservation of this unique marine environment.
The Sum Up
Funchal’s Garajau National Park offers a remarkable diving adventure for certified divers. The 2.5-hour experience provides personalized attention in a small group, exploring vibrant underwater ecosystems and encountering friendly Dusky Groupers. With dive insurance and equipment included, this intimate adventure ensures both safety and unforgettable marine exploration, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking a unique diving experience in Funchal.
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