Dive-site story
Located within Madeira's first partial marine nature reserve established in 1986, Garajau Beach features a sheltered pebble bay that steps down into a volcanic rock reef and sandy plateaus. Protected status has allowed apex species to flourish with minimal fear of human visitors. Divers frequently encounter resident dusky groupers that approach closely along rocky ledges, alongside schooling pelagics patrolling the outer drop-offs.
Habituated dusky groupers that interact calmly with divers
Volcanic boulders sheltering morays and octopus
Passing schools of yellowmouth barracuda in open water
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn bring the highest water temperatures and clearest conditions.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dusky GrouperEpinephelus marginatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Atlantic TrumpetfishAulostomus strigosus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellowmouth BarracudaSphyraena viridensis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Common StingrayDasyatis pastinaca | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Mediterranean MorayMuraena helena | Common |
Marine forecast
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