Porto Moniz: Diving with Sharks and Rays in Madeira Aquarium

Madeira’s north coast gives you a rare chance to get close to sharks, rays, mantas, and other fish without heading out to sea. At Porto Moniz’s Madeira Aquarium, you learn basic scuba skills, practice in a natural ocean pool, then enter the main tank with an instructor beside you.

I like the small groups, limited to four, and the calm approach of instructors such as Abílio Sousa. I also like that the session is more than a short underwater photo opportunity: you get an aquarium tour, a look at the technical zone, and time to get comfortable with the equipment.

The main limitation is the tank itself. One past participant found it a little small, so this is not a wide-open ocean expedition. It is a controlled introduction to scuba, best suited to first-timers, families, and curious swimmers who want a safe taste of the sport.

Key points to know before booking

• Practice comes before the main tank: You learn the basics and get used to the equipment in a natural ocean pool before entering the aquarium.
• Abílio Sousa is a major part of the experience: He is praised for his calm manner, humor, clear English, and patient coaching.
• You may see sharks, rays, mantas, and many other fish: The aquarium puts you close to species that can be hard to spot in open water.
• The technical-zone visit adds real context: You see how the aquarium filters its water and cares for its animals behind the scenes.
• Four people is the maximum group size: That gives the instructor room to work at your pace, especially if you are nervous.
• Allow three hours and bring swimwear: You will also need a towel and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included.

What your three hours in Porto Moniz look like

The activity begins at Aquário da Madeira in Porto Moniz. Show your booking voucher to the aquarium staff, then meet the instructor for the day’s program.

The order can vary slightly according to experience and comfort. You will receive a guided tour of the aquarium, an introduction to the equipment, a briefing in the technical zone, practice in a natural pool, and time in the main tank. The whole visit lasts about three hours, so it is not a rushed change-and-go activity.

That generous time matters. Scuba can feel strange at first, especially when you are learning to breathe through a regulator, control your balance, and manage the equipment. The session is designed to give you a chance to settle in rather than push you straight into the large tank.

Starting with the aquarium and its sea life

The aquarium tour gives you a useful introduction before you enter the water. You can see the species you may encounter later and learn more about the fish and crustaceans found around Madeira.

This first part is especially helpful for children and first-time participants. It turns the animals from a general attraction into recognizable creatures with particular shapes, habits, and movements. You may also see fish at close range that you would not normally notice from a viewing platform.

One appealing detail is the chance to learn how the aquarium operates. The guide explains how the water is filtered and how the staff care for the animals. That technical background makes the tank feel less like a simple display and more like a working marine facility.

The tour also gives you time to ask questions before putting on the equipment. If you are uneasy about sharks or unsure how close you will get to the animals, this is the right moment to speak up.

Getting comfortable in the natural ocean pool

Before entering the aquarium’s main tank, you receive a basic introduction to scuba. You learn how to use the equipment and what to do while underwater, then practice in a natural pool formed along Madeira’s volcanic coast.

This is one of the most useful parts of the experience. The pool gives you a place to find your balance, test your breathing, and understand the instructor’s hand signals without the distraction of sharks and rays moving around you.

Several first-time participants needed time to settle their nerves, and the instruction was adjusted to suit them. One young participant arrived anxious but managed the full session after Abílio broke the process into smaller steps. That tells you something important about the pace: you are not expected to feel confident the moment you arrive.

The natural pool is also more than a rehearsal space. It gives you an early look at Madeira’s volcanic coast and lets you experience the water before the indoor aquarium session. The supplied information does not promise a particular water temperature, so bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear rather than assuming you will stay dry.

Entering the main tank with sharks and rays

Once you are ready, you enter the aquarium’s main tank with the instructor. This is the central moment of the activity, and it gives you a controlled way to see marine life at very close range.

The tank contains sharks, rays, mantas, and a variety of other fish. You may find yourself watching a ray glide past at eye level or seeing a shark move through the water just a short distance away. Some participants have even been able to touch two of the fish, though you should treat that as a possibility rather than a guaranteed part of the session.

The setting offers a different kind of underwater experience from a sea-based excursion. You are not searching for animals in a wide area or relying on luck. The aquarium keeps the setting controlled, and the instructor remains with you as you learn how to move and observe.

There is a tradeoff. One participant described the tank as a little small, and that is worth considering if you already have substantial scuba experience. You will not get the feeling of exploring a reef or covering a large stretch of ocean. For a beginner, though, the limited space can be reassuring. You can concentrate on breathing and body position instead of navigation.

The main tank is also good for family members who are not taking part. One parent was able to remain near the tank entrance while the child entered the water, then take photos and video from the viewing area. Confirm the exact arrangements with the aquarium staff on the day, but the setup can work well when one person wants to watch rather than participate.

Why the instructor matters so much

The instructor can make or break a first scuba experience. Here, Abílio Sousa receives repeated praise for being calm, patient, funny, and attentive. He is described as speaking excellent English and explaining each stage clearly.

That combination is important. You need technical instruction, but you also need someone who notices when you are tense or unsure. Abílio has worked with people who had never tried scuba before, as well as participants with earlier experience who were ready to enter the tank sooner.

His approach appears to be practical rather than hurried. You can use the natural pool to build confidence, and the instructor stays with you during the main tank session. Families have also found him reassuring with older children, including a 10-year-old participant who received careful guidance throughout the process.

The activity is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French. If you have questions about the language for your particular session, check the available starting time when booking.

A behind-the-scenes look at the technical zone

The technical-zone tour is an excellent addition because it shows you the less visible work behind the aquarium exhibits. You receive a briefing and learn about systems such as water filtration and animal care.

This part may appeal most to adults and older children who want more than a photo beside a shark. Aquariums depend on carefully managed water systems, and seeing that side of the operation helps explain why the animals can live in a controlled environment.

It also gives the activity a stronger sense of place. Porto Moniz is known for its volcanic coastline and natural pools, while the aquarium offers a window into Madeira’s marine life. The combination links the outdoor coast, the aquarium displays, and the care systems that keep the tanks running.

Do not expect a long engineering tour with technical diagrams or a full staff-area visit. The supplied details promise a tour and briefing in the technical zone, so think of it as an informative behind-the-scenes component within a three-hour activity.

How much value you get for $159

At $159 per person, this is not a cheap aquarium ticket. It is also more than a standard introductory scuba lesson, since the price covers equipment, instruction, the natural-pool practice, a guided aquarium tour, a technical-zone visit, and time in the main tank.

I think the value is strongest for a first-time participant. You do not need a scuba certificate, and you do not have to buy or rent equipment separately for this session. The instructor-led format also reduces the pressure of figuring out what to do next.

The small group helps justify the price. With a maximum of four people, the instructor can spend more time with someone who needs extra help. That is particularly useful for families with different confidence levels or for anyone who feels nervous about breathing underwater.

The value is less clear if you are already a certified and experienced scuba diver looking for a full underwater excursion. The tank is controlled and relatively compact, and the session is designed as an introduction rather than an advanced sea trip.

Think of the cost as paying for access, equipment, instruction, animal encounters, and a guided look at the aquarium’s operation. If you only want to see the aquarium, a regular visit will likely be more suitable. If you want to learn basic scuba in a memorable setting, the package offers much more.

Who should book this activity

This experience suits adults and children aged 10 or older who want to try scuba without committing to a certification course. It is especially useful for people who are curious but nervous, since the natural pool gives you time to get used to the equipment before the main tank.

Families can make good use of the format. One adult and a child can take part together, while another family member watches from the aquarium viewing area. The maximum age is not stated, but anyone taking part must be medically fit for the activity and able to follow the instructor’s directions.

It also suits couples and small groups who want a memorable activity in Porto Moniz. The aquarium tour gives non-divers something to enjoy, while the underwater session provides the main thrill.

You should reconsider if you have a cold, are pregnant, or have a medical restriction that prevents sports such as scuba. You also should not fly on the same day as the session for safety reasons. Plan this activity with a day before your flight, not as a final Madeira outing.

What to bring and how to plan the day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included, so plan those separately around the three-hour visit.

Check the available starting times before booking. The experience begins and ends at Aquário da Madeira, and the supplied details do not include transportation from another part of the island. Arrange your route to Porto Moniz yourself unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.

Arrive ready to spend time in both outdoor and indoor settings. You will use a natural ocean pool and later enter the aquarium tank, so carrying dry clothing for afterward is sensible.

Keep your day flexible if possible. Some participants have changed their session time with the instructor, but you should not assume a change is guaranteed. Use the booking contact details to ask before relying on a different time.

The cancellation policy is helpful if your plans are uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which lets you hold a place without paying at once.

My final take: a strong first scuba experience

I would recommend this for anyone who wants a carefully guided introduction to scuba and a close look at Madeira’s marine life. The best features are the small group, the practice in the natural pool, the included equipment, and the instructor’s patient approach, particularly for first-timers.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to experienced divers seeking a large underwater area or a true open-sea session. The main tank is limited in size, and the activity is about learning, observing, and building confidence rather than covering distance.

Book it if you want a structured three-hour experience that combines an aquarium visit with a personal underwater session. Skip it if you only want a quick aquarium tour, cannot take part in water sports, or will be flying later that same day.

FAQ

Where does the experience begin?

It begins at Aquário da Madeira in Porto Moniz. Show your voucher to the aquarium staff at the meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts three hours, including the guided aquarium tour, technical-zone visit, instruction, natural-pool practice, and main-tank session.

Do I need a scuba certificate?

No. The experience includes an introduction to scuba and is designed to let you try it without certification.

What animals might I see in the main tank?

You may see sharks, rays, mantas, and a variety of other fish. The aquarium tour also includes fish and crustaceans found in Madeira’s waters.

Is equipment included?

Yes. The equipment needed for the session is provided.

How many people can join one group?

The group is limited to four participants.

What languages are available?

Instruction is available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and beachwear. Food and drinks are not included.

Can children take part?

Participants must be at least 10 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Can I fly on the same day?

No. For safety reasons, you should not travel by plane on the day of the scuba session.

Who should not take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, people with a cold, or anyone medically restricted from sports such as scuba.