visitmadeira.com · Official Tourism
Published Feb 19, 2026Official Madeira tourism article covering the wreck, visibility, and summer conditions.
Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
Madeira's signature boat wreck off Cabo Girão.
Scuba DivingBoatIntermediate12m - 30m
Local operator required
Boat-only wreck off Cabo Girão; plan through a Madeira charter or dive center.
Boat-only wreck with strong operator support; best for confident scuba divers planning a guided Madeira day trip.
About Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
Corveta Afonso Cerqueira is Madeira's signature boat wreck, a former Portuguese Navy corvette sunk off Cabo Girão and now sitting upright as an artificial reef. The wreck offers open exterior passes plus selected penetrable sections for trained wreck divers, with decks, cabins, and hull structure that photograph well. Plan it as a guided south-coast boat dive: simple logistics, a moderate depth profile, and conditions that still reward patience when the water is less than perfect.
Safety & Access
Site Conditions
Boat trafficOverhead environmentRestricted access
Safety Notes
Stay outside any interior sections unless trained for wreck penetration, keep buoyancy tight along the hull, and plan the ascent around surface traffic.
Access Restrictions
Boat access only; use a local operator and wreck-appropriate training for any interior sections.
Legal Notes
Protected marine-park setting; follow operator briefings and park etiquette.
Where Is Corveta Afonso Cerqueira?
Featured Operators
Loading local operators…
Local Intel For Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
A guided wreck dive with open exterior lines and selected penetrable spaces. Best for certified scuba divers who are comfortable with depth and wreck awareness.
Freediving
Not a practical freedive target because the wreck is deep and includes overhead structure.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkeling site beyond surface viewing.
Wildlife at Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Research Estimate At Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Avg. Visibility25m
Access4/5 · Simple entry
Aquatic Life4/5 · Great variety
Facilities4/5 · Good facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentLight current
SurgeLight surge
