Boat out from Funchal to Garajau National Park, a marine reserve famed for large dusky groupers and clear waters. Certified divers will find dramatic volcanic reef walls and abundant fish life on guided boat dives.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips away from Funchal and the Atlantic opens into a hard, blue horizon. Spray tags the rail as the guide points east—10–15 minutes to the protected drop-offs of Garajau National Park. Below, the sea moves with intent: kelp and rock reef create labyrinths where dusky groupers peer from caves, morays wind through crevices and shoals of smaller fish wheel like living clouds.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to deploy gear, perform water entries, and handle short surface swims
Wildlife
History
Garajau was designated as a marine protected area in the late 20th century to conserve fish stocks and coastal habitats, helping local fisheries recover.
Conservation
The reserve restricts fishing and promotes dive-based tourism; follow no-touch policies and pack out any waste to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the Garajau National Park Dive from Funchal for Certified Divers today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Certification and Recent Dive
You must be a certified diver with 10+ dives and have dived within the last 12 months; bring certification and recent log entries.
Protect Your Gear from Salt
Rinse regulators, computer, and cameras after the dive and bring a dry bag for electronics on the boat.
Watch the Currents
Ask your guide about current direction and plan your entry/exit on the sheltered side—boat dives can have surge or drift sections.
Bring a Wide-Angle or Macro Setup
Dusky groupers make great close subjects, but reef life also rewards macro photography; choose gear accordingly.
Full or shorty wetsuit (3–7mm)
Water temps can be cool in spring—wetsuit thickness depends on tolerance and time submerged.
spring
Mask, fins, snorkel
Reliable fit and a serviceable snorkel make surface intervals and entries easier.
Dive computer with back-up timing
Tracks no-deco limits during boat dives and helps manage repetitive dives.
Underwater camera or action camera with protection
Garajau’s fish life and groupers reward photography—bring lights for best color.
summer