Top 4 scuba diving and snorkelling trips in Madeira

Edited by Roman Antonov

Our selection: the top 4 of 25 diving and snorkelling trips in Madeira

Viator lists 25 diving and snorkelling trips in Madeira. We analysed all of them, what each trip includes, its programme and its conditions, and picked the top 4. Here they are. The other formats are below.

Rating and the number of reviews count as one of the criteria: every trip here had 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor together, when we last went through the list.

Prices, times and reviews as of . We last went through the list on . How we choose.

Diving and snorkelling in Madeira: which one to choose

If you can swim and you're at least 12, I'd start with First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure. Choose its sea-dive option for a pool session followed by a dive with an instructor. The lowest price covers the pool alone.

For a first sea dive from age 10, look at the Funchal seafront dive inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel. Its Ocean Dive options include the reef. The aquarium dive also accepts beginners from 10. You meet sharks and rays in a 6 metre tank.

For snorkelling, I'd choose the Garajau kayak if you can swim and want to paddle. It runs in summer. The two coasteering trips combine snorkelling with activities along the cliffs.

The SSI Open Water course suits you if you want a qualification. Agree the dates before booking. Allow for a possible fourth day.

Diving in the aquarium
Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

Start with what matters most to you: whether you want a first sea dive or the tank with sharks and rays. Stars won't tell you that.

Compare the 4 shared trips: price, departure and length

Prices in EUR, as of 21 September 2026

Hide the tableShow the comparison table
4 trips, in list order. Prices are the lowest the operator lists. Your date may cost more.
TripHow you get thereVehicle or formatListed group limitFrom priceDurationDepartures (local time)Cancellation
01Diving in the Madeira AquariumMeet at the aquarium reception, Porto MonizScuba dive4 travellers€135 per adult2 hours 30 minutes10:00, 14:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
023 days Open Water Course | Scuba DivingMeet at Azul DivingScuba dive5 travellers€439 per adult3 days09:30 (Mon, Thu)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
03First-Time Scuba Diving AdventureMeet at Azul DivingScuba dive4 travellers€42 per adultPool only, the sea dive option from €85.2 hours 30 minutes09:30, 14:30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
04Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for BeginnersMeet at the centre in the Pestana Carlton Hotel, FunchalScuba dive8 travellers€45 per adultPool only, the reef dive option from €95, or €105 on Sundays.3 hours09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Group limit is the most people the operator takes on one departure. Times are the usual timetable. Check your date when you book.

All 4 trips have the same rule: free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

The trips

What to know before you book each one

  1. 01

    The tank dive with sharks and rays

    Diving in the Madeira Aquarium

    Diving in the aquarium

    4.98/5 from 216 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz has a 6 metre tank with sharks and rays. You dive with an instructor. Your family can watch through the glass. The visit also includes a first dive in the Cachalote natural pools.

    I'd choose this if you want sharks and rays up close on your first dive. Ages 10 to 80 can join. Choose a sea dive if you'd rather explore a reef.

    The trade-off. It's the priciest single dive here, from €135 per adult. You get yourself to Porto Moniz.

    From price
    €135 per adult
    Duration
    2 hours 30 minutes
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 4 people
    Listed guide languages
    Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    10:00, 14:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Meet at the reception of the Madeira Aquarium in Porto Moniz. There's no pickup.
    • Ages 10 to 80.
    • Don't book it for the day you fly.
    • You'll need at least moderate fitness.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  2. 02
    3 days Open Water Course | Scuba Diving

    4.94/5 from 48 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    This course leads to an SSI Open Water certificate. Training starts with theory and pool practice. You then make sea dives with an instructor. Digital learning materials are included.

    I'd take the course if you want to keep diving after Madeira. Ages 10 to 99 can join. Choose a first-dive session for a single outing.

    The trade-off. Set aside 3 days. Three on the ticket, but the course can spill into a fourth, so agree your dates with the centre before booking. Lunch and transport are on you.

    From price
    €439 per adult
    Duration
    3 days
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 5 people
    Listed guide languages
    English, Italian, French, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    09:30 (Mon, Thu)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • Starts on Mondays and Thursdays at 09:30. Book at least a day ahead.
    • Allow for a possible fourth day. Agree your course dates with the centre before booking.
    • Your booking needs the centre's approval.
    • Ages 10 to 99.
    • Arrange your own lunch and transport to Azul Diving.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  3. 03

    The first sea dive with the most reviews

    First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure

    First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure

    4.79/5 from 289 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    You learn the basics in a pool before the sea option takes you out with an instructor. That sea dive lasts about 45 to 50 minutes. Its maximum depth is 12 metres.

    I'd pick this for a first sea dive if you can swim and you're at least 12. It has the largest review base among these dives. Choose the pool option for practice without a sea dive.

    The trade-off. The pool-only option starts at €42 per adult. Choose Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira for the sea dive. You can arrange the sea session for the same day or another day.

    From price
    €42 per adultPool only, the sea dive option from €85.
    Duration
    2 hours 30 minutesThe sea dive can follow the same day or on another day.
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 4 people
    Listed guide languages
    English
    Listed departure times
    09:30, 14:30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • The starting price of €42 per adult is for POOL ONLY. Choose Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira for the sea dive. It starts at €85 per adult.
    • You must be able to swim. Ages 12 to 99.
    • Leave at least 12 hours between your dive and your flight.
    • Bring a medical certificate if you have any medical condition.
    • Use the PADI learning materials and forms to prepare.
    • Meet at Azul Diving. Use the meeting-point map for directions.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

  4. 04

    The first dive on the Funchal seafront

    Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

    Funchal: Scuba Diving Experience for Beginners

    4.84/5 from 63 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

    The dive centre is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel in Funchal. A PADI instructor introduces the equipment in the pool. Choose an Ocean Dive option to visit the centre's reef. Insurance is included.

    This suits a first dive if you're staying near the hotel. Ages 10 to 75 can book. You can also choose a pool-only session.

    The trade-off. Prices start at €45 per adult for the pool only. The sea options cost more. Sunday has its own booking option. Arrange your own journey to the centre.

    From price
    €45 per adultPool only, the reef dive option from €95, or €105 on Sundays.
    Duration
    3 hours2 hours for the pool-only option.
    Listed group limit The most people the operator takes on one departure. Your trip may have fewer.?
    up to 8 people
    Listed guide languages
    German, Portuguese, English, Spanish
    Listed departure times
    09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00
    Cancellation
    Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
    Pickup
    Meet at the start point

    Lowest price the operator lists. Your date may cost more.

    Times are local. Check your date and the guide language when you book.

    Before you book

    • The pool-only option starts at €45 per adult. Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive starts at €95, the Sunday option at €105.
    • Allow 2 hours for Pool Only - Discover Scuba. Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive takes 3 hours.
    • Ages 10 to 75. Ask the centre about pool sessions for children aged 8 or 9 before booking.
    • Leave 12 hours after diving before you fly.
    • Contact the centre about any pre-existing medical condition before booking.
    • The centre is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel, two lifts down to sea level. Arrange your own transport.
    • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
    • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant or have a heart condition.
    View tour details

    Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

    Details as of .

Snorkelling without a tank: kayak and coasteering

These guided trips combine snorkelling with kayaking or coasteering. Each is priced per person. Choose the Garajau kayak for paddling in summer. The coasteering trips include activities along the cliffs.

Kayak and snorkelling at Garajau, summer only

Kayak and Snorkeling Tour in Underwater Nature Reserve Garajau

4.55/5 from 121 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

A guided kayak and snorkelling trip in the Garajau underwater reserve for swimmers aged 6 and over, with gear and a life jacket included. It runs in summer, with at least two people normally needed per booking.

From price
€49 per adult
Duration
2 hours
Listed group limit
up to 11 people
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English
Listed departure times
09:00, 13:00 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Before you book

  • Summer departures run from Monday to Saturday at 09:00 and 13:00.
  • Book for at least two people. Solo travellers should ask about joining an existing group.
  • You need to be able to swim. Ages 6 to 99.
  • Meet at the Lokoloko shop beside the Galosol reception in Caniço de Baixo. Pickup is excluded.
  • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
  • Give this one a miss if you have a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Coasteering with a boat ride and snorkelling

Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal

Coasteering Adventure with Snorkeling from Funchal

5.00/5 from 81 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

A guided coasteering trip from Funchal with a boat ride, snorkelling, cliff jumps, a slackline and sea caves. Ages 6 to 90 can join with moderate fitness, and transport from Funchal is included.

From price
€70 per adult
Duration
4 hours
Listed group limit
up to 12 people
Listed guide languages
Portuguese, English, Spanish
Listed departure times
08:30 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Meet at the start point

Before you book

  • For pickup, meet on the bench beside the road in front of the CR7 museum. Check your pickup time when booking.
  • With your own car, meet at 09:00 at the first bus parking area before the final roundabout. Use the second meeting-point map.
  • Ages 6 to 90. You'll need moderate fitness.
  • Bring a swimsuit and a towel.
  • Sign the waiver and registration form before taking part.
  • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
  • Give this one a miss if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Coasteering at Ponta de São Lourenço with hotel pickup

Coasteering Tour - Cliff jumping, swimming, scrambling.

Coasteering Tour - Cliff jumping, swimming, scrambling.

4.95/5 from 79 reviews, combined Viator and Tripadvisor

A guided coasteering trip at Ponta de São Lourenço with snorkelling, scrambling, abseiling, a zip line and optional cliff jumps. Hotel pickup is included. Children must be at least 7 and 1.20 m tall.

From price
€70 per adult
Duration
4 hours
Listed group limit
up to 20 people
Listed guide languages
German, Portuguese, English, French, Spanish
Listed departure times
09:00 (Tue, Thu)
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Pickup
Hotel pickup or meet at the start point

Before you book

  • Tuesdays and Thursdays at 09:00. Pickup is scheduled 30 minutes before departure.
  • Ages 7 to 60. Children must be at least 1.20 m tall.
  • Include at least one adult aged 18 to 60 in each booking.
  • Hotel pickup is included. Check whether your accommodation is covered.
  • If you travel independently, meet at the end of the road at Ponta de São Lourenço.
  • All fitness levels can join.
  • Cancel at least 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
  • Give this one a miss if you're pregnant, or if you have a back or spine injury or a heart condition.
View tour details

Book through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Details as of .

Back to the comparison table

Diving and snorkelling in Madeira: questions before booking

Short answers from the listings

Where can I try scuba diving as a complete beginner?

Both first-dive trips teach beginners in a pool before a sea dive. I'd pick First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure for a swimmer aged 12 or over. The Funchal seafront dive accepts ages 10 to 75. Choose a sea option at either centre. You don't need a diving certificate for either trip.

Does the starting price include a sea dive?

No. Both first-dive trips advertise their pool-only option at the lowest price. For First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure, select Scuba Diving Experience in Madeira. At the Funchal centre, choose Scuba Diving with Ocean Dive or Sunday Try Dive w/ Ocean Dive. The linked options tables show starting prices per adult for the full sessions.

Which snorkelling trip would you choose?

I'd pick the Garajau kayak for paddling and snorkelling in summer. You need to be able to swim. A guide and snorkelling equipment are included. Solo travellers should ask about joining an existing booking. For snorkelling within a coasteering day, compare the Funchal trip with Ponta de São Lourenço. The latter includes hotel pickup and optional cliff jumps.

Can I dive with sharks in Madeira?

Yes. The Madeira Aquarium dive puts beginners in a 6 metre tank with sharks and rays. An instructor stays with you. Ages 10 to 80 can join. The programme also includes a first dive in the Cachalote natural pools.

Can my 10-year-old dive or snorkel?

Yes. A 10-year-old meets the age limits for the Funchal sea dive and the aquarium dive. The Open Water course also starts at 10. First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure starts at 12. The Garajau kayak takes swimmers from 6. Funchal coasteering takes ages 6 to 90 with moderate fitness. São Lourenço coasteering starts at 7 and requires a height of at least 1.20 m. Include an adult aged 18 to 60 in that booking.

How should I plan diving around my flight?

The two first-dive trips require a 12-hour gap after diving before you fly. Keep the whole day of your flight free if you choose the aquarium dive. Read your chosen trip's conditions before arranging your dates.

Where do I meet, and is pickup included?

Arrange your own journey to the dive centres. The Funchal seafront centre is inside the Pestana Carlton Hotel. The aquarium meeting point is its reception in Porto Moniz. Use the tour-page maps for the first-time dive and the course. The Garajau kayak meets beside the Galosol reception in Caniço de Baixo. Funchal coasteering offers transport from the CR7 museum meeting point. São Lourenço coasteering includes hotel pickup. Check that your accommodation is covered.

What happens in bad weather?

The first-dive trips and the course can be cancelled for bad weather. So can the kayak and both coasteering trips. Both coasteering trips can also be cancelled if too few people book. You can cancel any trip here for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure. Check the booking terms for what happens if the trip itself is cancelled.

Which trip gives me a diving qualification?

Choose the SSI Open Water course if you want a qualification. Training begins with theory and pool practice. Sea dives follow with an instructor. The certificate covers dives to 18 metres with a buddy. Agree the finish date before booking. Allow for a possible fourth day.

What should I bring?

For Funchal coasteering, bring your own swimsuit and towel. Lunch is excluded on that trip and the Open Water course. Food and drinks are excluded on the Funchal beginner dive and the Garajau kayak. For First-Time Scuba Diving Adventure, bring a medical certificate if you have any medical condition.

How this selection was made

How we compared

We started from the 25 diving and snorkelling trips in Madeira that guides and other providers sell on Viator. We read every one of them.

First the bar: 4.5 stars or more from at least 30 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor counted together. 17 of the 25 fell short of that and stayed out. We also look at the Viator reviews on their own. A trip rated below 4.5 by five or more Viator travellers stays out, whatever the combined score says.

Then the fit. Does the trip do what this page promises? Do its details agree with each other? When the same trip is sold under two names, we show it once.

The order comes from this score. It uses the exact rating. Ties go to the trip with more reviews.

(rating × reviews + 4.6 × 50) ÷ (reviews + 50)

The score is about reviews, nothing else. It does not say how good your day will be. We have no review texts and we have not taken every trip. The line under each name says when we would pick it. Commission never changes the order.

Who made this list

Edited by Roman Antonov. I love Madeira and keep going back. Trip details come from the operators' own listings on Viator, read line by line and compared. One detail is ours: the listing doesn't say where the aquarium is, and it's in Porto Moniz.

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Where the details come from.

Prices, times, conditions and review counts come from the operators' listings on Viator, as of 21 September 2026. We last went through this list on 20 September 2026.

Bookings go through Viator. If you book through a link here, we earn a commission. It costs you nothing extra. How we earn.