Island Sees Rising Interest in Scuba Diving Among First-Time Visitors
Scuba diving in Madeira is attracting growing numbers of tourists, especially young people seeking new and active experiences. Local dive schools report a noticeable increase in demand over the last four years, with many first-time divers signing up for beginner lessons and short discovery sessions.
There’s been a larger flow of young tourists. Over these last four years, I’ve seen a noticeable shift — the public is much younger now. Many of them mix diving with hiking while they’re here.
The island’s natural features help explain this rise. Madeira’s waters are known for being clear and calm, offering good visibility and safe conditions for beginners.
Clear Waters and Marine Life Make Madeira a Prime Spot for All Experience Levels
Madeira has become a favorite location for divers of all skill levels. The most popular diving areas stretch between the Garajau Marine Reserve and Ponta de São Lourenço. These sites offer a variety of underwater views, including volcanic rock formations and diverse sea life.
Some tourists bring their own equipment and stay for weeks to explore different diving spots. Others sign up for short courses for a first dive experience. An instructor described the experience as similar to a safari - each dive offering unexpected encounters with marine life.
An Expensive Hobby: Locals Are Interested Yet Still Struggeling to Afford
While diving tourism continues to grow, it remains out of reach for many local residents due to cost. The equipment, training, and guided dives can be expensive, especially compared to local salaries. Despite this, local interest is slowly increasing. Dive schools have seen a small but steady rise in the number of Madeirans signing up for introductory lessons and beginner-level dives.
The truth is, diving can be expensive, which is why not many Madeirans practice it. Since it’s a bit pricey compared to our average salaries, it’s not that common among locals. But that’s changing — more and more Madeirans are starting to try it, doing courses or introductory dives.
Divers Call for More Protected Marine Zones to Preserve Underwater Beauty
Members of the diving community believe the region should do more to protect its coastal waters. While the Garajau Marine Reserve is considered a success, many divers would like to see additional protected zones created around the island. “There is still a lot of life in our waters,” said a dive instructor. “But we need to protect it. More marine parks would help keep this place special and continue to bring in visitors who care about the ocean.”
As more tourists arrive each year for diving experiences, the pressure to balance tourism with conservation continues to grow. For Madeira, maintaining the health of its underwater landscapes may be essential to sustaining this type of tourism in the long term.
Source: RTP Madeira
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