Madeira
Somewhere new to dive was on the cards and Madeira called.
We originally had six but due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ we dropped to five club members heading out to Funchal and a weeks underwater adventures.
The week didn’t start well with a bag being mis checked and not travelling with us. Arriving at the airport we were told the bag was on the way would be joining us at our hotel that evening.
Our rooms were comfortable and the hotel was close to the dive centre ,albeit down a steep slope, was an easy 10 minutes away, situated under the restaurant of a sister hotel.
Diving was simple enough, either off the pier or a short journey to the boats in the local harbour.
All dives were pleasantly warm and lasted about 50 minutes with visibility ranging between 10 and 30 meters. The marine life was plentiful, more so around the marine conservation areas and on the one wreck we visited.
Diving was limited as there was a big focus at the centre on training but we still managed to get some interesting dives in.
The dives off the pier lead us to small outcrops and highlights were octopus and a seahorse. These were mainly to about 15/16 meters in depth and consisted of a few swim throughs.
In between we walked the 10 or so yards to the hotel cafe, which provided us with coffee and a good lunch menu, also post dive beers.
The best dives of the weeks had to be on the marine reserves where we met Max the friendly grouper (see the embeded video) and about 7 other groupers. We also saw schools of Barracuda and the evidence that an MCZ really does make a difference to the marine life.
We also dived the purpose sunk Frigate The Corveta Afonso Cerqueira was sunk on 4 September 2018 south of Cabo Girão, off the coast of the island of Madeira. The ship was declared a national par and forms an artificial reef that is home to a variety of marine animals. The wreck is easily accessible by boat from Funchal. It is also an MCZ and has purpose built entrances and exits for divers.
Max
https://www.facebook.com/reel/810362074666548
A few highlights from the week included an excellent curry house and generally good food al round, daytime entertainment of the Madeira rally and a last day trip up into the hills via the cable car.
In addition Paul Tweedale reached a milestone with his 1000th dive (w tried to sign it on the Frigate but …… see picture 3!)
It was a really good trip and is a great place to dive, if not, with limited dive sites.
