Madeira Shipwreck Diving: The Madeirense, Corveta & Beyond
Madeira and Porto Santo are home to some of the Atlantic's most accessible large shipwrecks — purpose-sunk for divers and now teeming with marine life. Here's everything you need to know before booking a wreck dive.
Wreck diving in Madeira at a glance
Unlike most European destinations where wrecks are war casualties at extreme depth, Madeira's two showcase wrecks were intentionally scuttled in shallow, recreational depths to create artificial reefs. That makes them dramatic, photogenic and accessible to any reasonably experienced diver — no technical certification required.
Both major wrecks lie off the island of Porto Santo, a 2-hour ferry from Madeira. Most dive trips combine an overnight stay or run as a long day trip with a dive boat transfer.
The Madeirense ferry wreck
The Madeirense was a 70-metre passenger and cargo ferry that operated between Madeira and Porto Santo for over 30 years. Decommissioned in 2000, it was sunk deliberately on 1 August 2000 to create one of the largest dive attractions in the Atlantic islands. Today it sits upright on a sandy bottom in 32 m of water, with the upper deck around 20 m down.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Wreck length | 70 m |
| Top of wreck | 20 m |
| Sand bottom | 32 m |
| Visibility | 20 – 35 m |
| Required level | Advanced Open Water (or Open Water + experience) |
| Penetration | Possible with proper training; large open holds |
| Best season | May to October |
After 25 years underwater, the wreck has become a vibrant artificial reef. You'll find dense schools of bream, large amberjack patrolling the deck, scorpionfish hiding in the corners, octopus living in old cabins, and resident moray eels in the engine room. Manta ray sightings are not unusual in late summer.
The Corveta General Pereira d'Eça
Sunk in 2016, the Corveta General Pereira d'Eça is a 67-metre former Portuguese Navy corvette resting upright at 30 m, less than 10 minutes from Porto Santo's main port. Of the two wrecks, the Corveta is the more 'shipwreck-like' — its military lines are still sharp, with the gun turret, bridge and antennas all clearly visible.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Wreck length | 67 m |
| Top of wreck (bridge) | 18 m |
| Sand bottom | 30 m |
| Visibility | 20 – 35 m |
| Required level | Advanced Open Water |
| Penetration | Limited — wreck specialty recommended |
| Best season | May to October |
Marine life is still developing on this newer wreck — meaning less coverage than the Madeirense but cleaner sight-lines for photography. Expect schools of jacks, moray eels, and growing populations of bream and grouper.
What certification do I need?
- Open Water certified divers — most schools accept you on the wrecks if you have at least 15–20 logged dives. The deck depth of ~20 m is within recreational limits.
- Advanced Open Water — the standard recommendation. Gives you depth comfort to 30 m and the navigation skills the wrecks reward.
- Wreck Specialty — required by some operators if you want to penetrate the Madeirense's holds or the Corveta's interior corridors.
- Nitrox — optional but recommended for back-to-back wreck dives. Most Porto Santo operators offer EAN32 fills.
How to book a wreck dive
Two practical options:
- Day trip from Madeira — Manta Diving Madeira and Haliotis Madeira both offer day-trip wreck packages: early ferry to Porto Santo, two tank dives on the wrecks, ferry home. Long day (12+ hours) but no overnight needed.
- Overnight on Porto Santo — The relaxed option. Stay one or two nights on the island, dive the wrecks at your own pace, enjoy the famous 9 km golden beach in between dives.
A two-tank wreck-diving day on Porto Santo runs €110–€160 with full gear. A combined day trip including the Madeira–Porto Santo return ferry adds €40–€60. Overnight packages start around €280 for two days of diving plus accommodation.
Other wrecks worth knowing about
Beyond the two main attractions, Madeira has a handful of smaller wrecks for experienced divers: the Bowbelle (a sand dredger off Caniço, 30 m), and several less-visited wrecks at technical depths along the south coast. None are on standard tour menus — ask schools directly if you have advanced certifications and want to explore.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a wreck diver to dive the Madeirense?
No — the wreck sits in 20–32 m and most operators take Advanced Open Water divers without any wreck specialty. You'll dive the outside of the wreck only. Wreck specialty is required to penetrate the holds.
How deep is the Madeirense wreck?
The wreck rests on a sand bottom at 32 m, with the top of the upper deck at around 20 m. Most of the dive is spent between 22 and 28 m.
Can I dive the Madeirense on a day trip from Funchal?
Yes — Manta Diving Madeira and Haliotis Madeira run organised day trips that include the early ferry to Porto Santo, two tank dives on the wrecks, lunch and the ferry back. It's a long day (around 12 hours) but very doable.
Are the wrecks dangerous?
No — both wrecks were professionally cleaned and prepared before being scuttled, and they sit upright in clear, open water at recreational depths. As with any dive, follow your guide's plan, watch your depth and air, and don't enter the wreck without proper training.
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