Sécurité · Guide de destination
Atlantic island walls, marine reserves, and easy add-on days to Porto Santo
Madeira is generally a straightforward destination for guided diving, but it is still open Atlantic. Sea state, surge, and wind can change plans quickly, so prioritize operators that adapt sites to conditions and keep an SMB culture for ascents. Conservation is central to the experience: several prime sites are marine protected areas with specific rules, reservations, and per-dive fees that support management.
For urgent medical emergencies, call 112 in Portugal. For dive injuries and suspected decompression illness, activate emergency services early and follow professional advice. Madeira has hospital services in Funchal, including a hyperbaric medicine outpatient unit at Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonca (SESARAM). Your dive operator will typically coordinate evacuation and medical contact if an incident occurs.
Atlantic swell and surge
Swell direction matters more than air temperature. A moderate swell can turn rocky snorkel entries unsafe and can cancel exposed boat sites. Always accept operator cancellations and use sheltered south-coast alternatives.
Rocky shore entries
Many access points are pebbly, rocky, or ladder-based. Wear booties, keep fins on only when stable, and plan an exit before fatigue sets in.
Boat traffic near popular sites
In south-coast bays, boats and swimmers may share the same water. Use a surface float and stay predictable, especially when freediving or snorkeling.
Peak weather changes fast
Mountain fog and wind can arrive suddenly. Bring layers, do not rely on a single viewpoint, and treat closed trails as closed.
À ne pas faire
Évitez de vous mettre à l'eau quand atlantic swell and surge. Confirmez les briefings locaux avant de vous engager.
| Contact | Rôle | Téléphone | Disponibilité |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency number (Portugal) | Police, ambulance, and fire | 112 | 24/7 |
| SANAS Madeira | Maritime rescue and emergency support at sea | +351 291 230 112 | 24/7 |
| Hospital Dr. Nelio Mendonca (SESARAM) | Hospital services in Funchal (hyperbaric medicine listed) | +351 291 705 600 | 24/7 emergency department (call 112 in emergencies) |
| IFCN (Madeira nature authority) | Protected area information and SIMplifica-linked services | +351 291 145 590 | business hours |