Scuba Diving

It's a dive into another world. The only baggage you are allowed is SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus). You could explore an expanse of sunken treasures, pose or photograph. Scuba or recreational diving is a relationship with a twist.

Most people think scuba diving is something that you see on National Geographic or the Discovery Channel, Madhava said. Bangalore is one of the best equipped cities to learn scuba diving. There are a lot of pools, and there's not only a huge interest in water sports, but also a great inclination to join the race. Whether novice or advanced, diving enthusiasts can’t help but be lured into the busy aquatic gardens and translucent ocean surrounding the spectacular Madeira Islands.

Here, the dramatic topography and clear sub-tropical waters brought in by the Gulf Stream culminate in an awe-inspiring sub-aqua experience enjoyed all year round.

With sea cliffs dropping sharply to depths of 3,000 metres, Madeira’s deep and temperate waters, ranging from 17°C – 24°C, provide a colourful home for dolphins, whales and a dazzling host of sea creatures.

The protected biosphere of the Parcial do Garajau Nature Reserve which hugs Madeira’s southern shore famously attracts a rare combination of warm and cold water species, including Barracudas, Mediterranean Moray, White Sea Bream, Monkfish, Turtles and even the colossal Atlantic Manta Ray.

Providing the chance to spot the monk seal – Europe’s most endangered mammal – on the Desertas Islands Nature Reserve and explore wrecks such as the Bom Rei (Bowbelle) at Madalena do Mar and the sunken Madeirense, which was famously shipwrecked off the coast of Porto Santo in 2000, Madeira is a diving and snorkelling paradise, attracting a wealth of underwater flora and fauna and scuba divers alike.

Thanks to its remarkable coastline, truly breathtaking array of sea life, and magnificent variety of dive points, Madeira is a scuba goldmine for all abilities.