Scuba Diving in Garajau Nature Reserve

Scuba diving in the Garajau Partial Nature Reserve takes place off Praia do Garajau at Caniço, about 8 km east of Funchal on Madeira, Portugal. The reserve protects a stretch of rocky coastline and sea floor where fish are abundant and accustomed to divers, so groupers, barracuda, rays and shoals of smaller species are regularly seen. Azul Diving Center Madeira, which also runs whale-watching tours, is listed as an operator for dives here, and contact details are available through local booking listings. A typical outing lasts a half day, including briefing, equipment preparation and two dives. Certified divers should carry their certification card and log book, and the dives are generally suited to open water divers with a few logged dives, while beginners can ask about a supervised introductory dive where the centre offers one. Basic fitness and good health are required, and divers should declare medical conditions and avoid flying shortly after diving. The full diving kit is available for rent, and visitors bring swimwear and a towel. Sea temperature ranges from about 18 to 24°C, and the warmest water falls between June and October, though diving continues year-round. A thicker wetsuit is useful outside summer. Dive centres brief divers on the site, the depth limits, hand signals and the buddy system, and boats carry oxygen, first-aid equipment and radio contact with the emergency services. In case of an incident, surface support and the harbour authority coordinate evacuation to medical care in Funchal. The reserve has its own regulations, and divers must not touch or feed marine life, and should follow the guide's instructions. Operators confirm prices and booking terms directly, and visitors should ask about group size, visibility and cancellation for rough seas.