Corveta Afonso Cerqueira
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Location
Madeira
Dive Type
Recreational
Dive Site
Sea
What you will see
Wreck
Average Depth:
15mts
Maximum Depth:
30mts
Water Temperature:
14ºC-24ºC
The Corvette Afonso Cerqueira, after Madeirense, a merchant navy ship that linked the islands of the archipelago, and Corvette General Pereira D'Eça, (spot “Cordeca”, here in Portugal Dive website), is the third ship to go deep into the seas of the Madeira Archipelago.
The objective was the creation of a road map of artificial reefs with environmental tourism potentialities.
The Afonso Cerqueira, also known as the Corveta Afonso, is a former Portuguese navy vessel that has rested on the seabed since 4 September 2018, off the south coast of Madeira near Cabo Girão. Following its controlled sinking, the wreck was immediately declared a protected national park. Over the years, it has developed into an impressive artificial reef and a true underwater paradise for divers.
Measuring 85 meters in length, the wreck remains largely intact and lies at a diver-friendly depth, making it ideal for both experienced divers and underwater photographers. The site is easily accessible by boat from Funchal. Its rich marine life — including schools of fish, colourful tube worms, and other sea creatures — makes it a hotspot for biodiversity.
Beyond its natural value, the Afonso Cerqueira also holds historic charm: during a dive, you can glide past decks, cabins, and structural features that still retain much of their original form. The wreck offers excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography and even hosted the European Championship of Underwater Photography in 2022.
Even on days with reduced visibility, this site remains impressive and highly popular among divers. The combination of history, maritime architecture, and vibrant marine life makes the Corveta Afonso one of Madeira’s absolute top dive spots.
-- Spot description by Pieter Firlefyn
-- Photos By Pedro Vasconcelos, Pieter Firlefyn and Wojciech Zgola
Back
The objective was the creation of a road map of artificial reefs with environmental tourism potentialities.
The Afonso Cerqueira, also known as the Corveta Afonso, is a former Portuguese navy vessel that has rested on the seabed since 4 September 2018, off the south coast of Madeira near Cabo Girão. Following its controlled sinking, the wreck was immediately declared a protected national park. Over the years, it has developed into an impressive artificial reef and a true underwater paradise for divers.
Measuring 85 meters in length, the wreck remains largely intact and lies at a diver-friendly depth, making it ideal for both experienced divers and underwater photographers. The site is easily accessible by boat from Funchal. Its rich marine life — including schools of fish, colourful tube worms, and other sea creatures — makes it a hotspot for biodiversity.
Beyond its natural value, the Afonso Cerqueira also holds historic charm: during a dive, you can glide past decks, cabins, and structural features that still retain much of their original form. The wreck offers excellent opportunities for both macro and wide-angle photography and even hosted the European Championship of Underwater Photography in 2022.
Even on days with reduced visibility, this site remains impressive and highly popular among divers. The combination of history, maritime architecture, and vibrant marine life makes the Corveta Afonso one of Madeira’s absolute top dive spots.
-- Spot description by Pieter Firlefyn
-- Photos By Pedro Vasconcelos, Pieter Firlefyn and Wojciech Zgola