Madeira Aquarium: Dive with Sharks, Rays & Morays Experience

Summary

Dive into Madeira’s underwater world with sharks and rays in a safe aquarium setting

You’ll slip into a wetsuit and dive right into Madeira Aquarium’s main tank, surrounded by sharks, rays, and morays in clear water while friends or family watch from above. With a local guide leading you through every step — including a look behind-the-scenes — this is a day trip that leaves you feeling braver than when you started.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was handing me a wetsuit before I’d even wrapped my head around what I was about to do. The air inside Madeira Aquarium smelled faintly salty, like wet stone and seaweed — not quite ocean, but close. Our guide, João, grinned when he saw my face. “First time?” he asked, and I just nodded. He showed us the tanks first — morays curling behind rocks, rays gliding like shadows. My nephew pressed his nose to the glass and pointed at a shark that looked way too relaxed for something with so many teeth.

The whole diving thing felt unreal until I was standing on the edge of the main tank, 6 meters deep and apparently holding half a million liters of water (João said it so casually). Slipping into the water was colder than I expected — kind of electric against my skin — but then everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the regulator. The sharks moved past without even glancing at me; one ray brushed by so close I could see its eyes flick up at me for half a second. It’s weird how peaceful it feels down there, even with your family watching from above waving awkwardly through the glass.

Afterwards we got to peek behind the scenes — João took us through some technical areas where they feed the fish and check all the systems (he joked about how much lettuce one turtle can eat). I still think about floating there with those animals, feeling both tiny and part of something bigger. If you’re nervous or have never tried diving before, it’s honestly less scary than you’d imagine — plus you get all your equipment sorted for you, which helps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diving experience at Madeira Aquarium

• Arrive at Madeira Aquarium
• Receive diving equipment
• Participate in baptism at Cachalote pools
• Take guided tour of Aquarium and technical area
• Dive in main tank with sharks and rays
• Interact with companions during dive

Top questions

Can beginners join this diving experience at Madeira Aquarium?

Yes, people with or without diving experience can participate.

What species will I see during the dive?

You’ll be in contact with sharks, rays, morays, and other species found in Madeira Aquarium.

Is all scuba equipment provided?

Yes, all necessary scuba equipment is included in your booking.

Can family or friends watch me dive?

Yes, family or friends can observe you during your dive from outside the tank.

How deep is the main tank for diving?

The main tank is 6 meters deep and holds 500,000 liters of water.

Is this activity suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Are there any health restrictions?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Madeira Aquarium.

What’s included

Your day includes full use of SCUBA equipment for your dive in Madeira Aquarium’s main tank among sharks and rays; guidance from a professional local instructor; an introductory session (baptism) in the natural pools; plus a guided tour of both public exhibits and technical backstage areas after your dive.