Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
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Arena is one of several dive sites within the Garajau National Park, located a 5–10 minute boat ride from Funchal, Madeira. The park is characterised by extremely rich biodiversity and clear waters, with an average depth of 15–20 metres across its sites.
The waters at Arena and the surrounding Garajau sites are known for excellent visibility and abundant marine life. Resident and passing species include tunas, mackerels, large groupers, barracudas, stingrays, eagle rays, and moray eels. Less common but reported sightings include monk seal, frogfish, seahorses, sharks, manta rays, and turtles, making the area well suited to underwater photography.
Access is by boat from Funchal. With a beginner difficulty rating, Arena is accessible to newly certified divers alongside more experienced visitors.
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
East Atlantic Sally Lightfoot CrabGrapsus adscensionisReported here · unconfirmed
European ParrotfishSparisoma cretenseReported here · unconfirmed
Ornate WrasseThalassoma pavoReported here · unconfirmed
Blacktail ComberSerranus atricaudaReported here · unconfirmed
GrouperGrouperReported here · unconfirmed
BarracudaBarracudaReported here · unconfirmed
TunaTunaReported here · unconfirmed
MackerelMackerelReported here · unconfirmed
Eagle rayEagle rayReported here · unconfirmed
FrogfishFrogfishReported here · unconfirmed
SeahorseSeahorseReported here · unconfirmed
Manta rayManta rayReported here · unconfirmedDurable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
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