Established in 1986, the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve is the crown jewel of Madeira diving. A short boat ride from Caniço delivers you to a protected stretch of coast where fishing has been banned for decades. The result: enormous, curious dusky groupers that swim right up to divers, joined by barracuda, moray eels and the occasional manta ray.
Highlights
- Friendly resident groupers up to 1.5 m long
- Crystal-clear visibility year round
- Suitable for first-time and certified divers
- Easy boat access from Caniço marina
Marine life you'll see
Dusky grouperBarracudaMoray eelParrotfishOctopus
Diver reviews
Read all reviewsSophie M.
Aug 2025
5.0
"Absolutely magical. The groupers are huge and completely unafraid. Best dive of our Madeira trip!"
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Lukas R.
Jul 2025
5.0
"Did my first ocean dive here. Calm conditions, amazing instructor, and a grouper bigger than me."
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Ana P.
Jun 2025
4.0
"Visibility was incredible. A bit busy on weekends but absolutely worth it."
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