{"id":3732,"date":"2026-11-11T23:00:58","date_gmt":"2026-11-11T23:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/how-many-marine-protected-areas-are-there-in-madeira-reserves-you-can-visit\/"},"modified":"2026-11-11T23:00:58","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T23:00:58","slug":"how-many-marine-protected-areas-are-there-in-madeira-reserves-you-can-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guiailhadamadeira.com\/pt\/how-many-marine-protected-areas-are-there-in-madeira-reserves-you-can-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Marine Protected Areas Are There in Madeira? Reserves You Can Visit"},"content":{"rendered":"

Madeira has eight named protected areas that include a marine zone, although only some are straightforward places for visitors to swim, snorkel, dive or join a boat trip.<\/strong> In this updated guide: understand why the total can be confusing, find Madeira\u2019s best-known marine reserves, learn where water activities are allowed, and see which remote island reserves can be visited by authorised boat trips.<\/p>\n

Why the number of marine protected areas in Madeira can vary<\/h2>\n

For visitors, the clearest answer is eight marine protected areas in Madeira<\/strong>: Garajau, Rocha do Navio, Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o, Cabo Gir\u00e3o, Ponta do Pargo, the Porto Santo Marine Protected Areas Network, the Desertas Islands and the Selvagens Islands.<\/p>\n

The apparent difference in totals comes from Madeira\u2019s layered conservation system. Some places are formally called Reserva Natural<\/em> (Natural Reserve), while others are marine parks, protected areas, Natura 2000 sites or mixed land-and-sea protected landscapes. Several also overlap. In practical terms, all eight have protected sea territory and rules intended to safeguard habitats, seabirds, fish populations, coastal geology and, in the offshore islands, exceptionally important wildlife.<\/p>\n

Do not assume that \u201cprotected\u201d means inaccessible. Madeira\u2019s marine conservation areas range from easily reached swimming and diving sites near Funchal to remote reserves where landing, diving and even anchoring require prior authorisation.<\/p>\n

The easiest marine reserves to experience from Madeira Island<\/h2>\n

Garajau Partial Natural Reserve<\/strong>, on the south coast east of Funchal, is Madeira\u2019s best-known visitor-friendly marine reserve. It runs along approximately six miles of coast between Ponta do Lazareto and Ponta da Oliveira. The sheltered water around Praia do Garajau is popular for swimming, snorkelling and recreational diving, with clear conditions often revealing large fish close to the rocky shore. Fishing and collecting marine life are prohibited, helping the underwater environment remain notably lively.<\/p>\n

Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve<\/strong> lies beneath Santana on Madeira\u2019s dramatic north coast. It is a much wilder proposition: access is via the Rocha do Navio cable car or a demanding steep path, and the sea can be rough. The reserve includes the waters around Rocha das Vinhas and Vi\u00fava islets. Recreational diving and non-motorised water sports are allowed, but this is not a casual beach-swimming destination; assess sea conditions carefully before going.<\/p>\n

Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o<\/strong>, at Madeira\u2019s eastern tip, protects a dry volcanic peninsula, offshore islets and adjoining waters. Most people visit on foot for the PR8 trail rather than for swimming, but boat trips regularly pass the headland and its sculpted cliffs. The Desembarcadouro and Farol islets have total-protection status, so visitors should keep to authorised routes and respect marked restrictions. The area is especially valuable for nesting seabirds and endemic coastal plants.<\/p>\n

Cabo Gir\u00e3o<\/strong> e Ponta do Pargo<\/strong> are also protected coastal-and-marine areas. Cabo Gir\u00e3o\u2019s marine park sits below the famous cliff and helps protect deep coastal habitats, while Ponta do Pargo safeguards an exposed far-western coastline. These are better understood as conservation landscapes seen from the sea or viewpoints than as independent beach attractions. Recreational diving at Cabo Gir\u00e3o is regulated, and local sea conditions should always guide plans.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Protected area<\/th>\nWhere it is<\/th>\nBest visitor experience<\/th>\nSwimming, diving and access<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Garajau Partial Natural Reserve<\/td>\nSouth coast, east of Funchal<\/td>\nSnorkelling and recreational diving<\/td>\nSwimming and recreational diving are permitted; do not fish or collect marine life.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rocha do Navio Natural Reserve<\/td>\nNorth coast, below Santana<\/td>\nWild scenery and advanced diving<\/td>\nMarine access is free, but the coast is exposed and conditions can be difficult.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o Protected Area<\/td>\nEastern tip of Madeira<\/td>\nPR8 coastal walk and boat views<\/td>\nKeep to permitted visitor areas; offshore islets include strict-protection zones.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cabo Gir\u00e3o Protected Area<\/td>\nSouth coast, west of Funchal<\/td>\nCliff views and regulated diving<\/td>\nMarine activities are subject to local conservation rules and sea conditions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ponta do Pargo Protected Area<\/td>\nFar west of Madeira<\/td>\nRemote coastal scenery<\/td>\nBest appreciated from land or by sea on suitable days; not a standard swimming stop.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Porto Santo Marine Protected Areas Network<\/td>\nPorto Santo and surrounding islets<\/td>\nBoat trips, diving and islet wildlife<\/td>\nVisits to islets require prior authorisation; marine areas include wreck sites.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desertas Islands Natural Reserve<\/td>\nSoutheast of Madeira<\/td>\nAuthorised boat excursion and wildlife viewing<\/td>\nLanding and activities are controlled; diving is allowed only in designated partial-protection waters.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve<\/td>\nFar southeast of Madeira<\/td>\nExpedition-style wildlife visit<\/td>\nPrior authorisation is essential; fishing is prohibited throughout the reserve.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

The offshore reserves: Desertas, Porto Santo and Selvagens<\/h2>\n

The Desertas Islands Natural Reserve<\/strong> is the most realistic offshore reserve for a day at sea from Madeira. The three rugged islands \u2014 Ilh\u00e9u Ch\u00e3o, Deserta Grande and Bugio \u2014 lie southeast of the main island. They are famous for the critically protected Mediterranean monk seal, known locally as lobo-marinho<\/em>, as well as seabirds and sharply arid landscapes. Commercial maritime-tourism boats can visit, but access is managed by the regional conservation authority. Landing is normally associated with the authorised area at Doca Bay on Deserta Grande; do not treat the islands as a free-roaming hiking destination.<\/p>\n

The Porto Santo Marine Protected Areas Network<\/strong> combines Porto Santo\u2019s surrounding islets with protected waters around Ilh\u00e9u da Cal and Ilh\u00e9u de Cima. It also includes the areas around the deliberately sunk vessels O Madeirense<\/em> and the corvette Pereira D\u2019E\u00e7a<\/em>, both of interest to divers. The six islets are ecologically sensitive, and visits or landings require prior authorisation. For most holidaymakers, Porto Santo\u2019s long sandy beach remains the easy choice; see our Porto Santo Beach guide<\/a> for practical planning.<\/p>\n

The Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve<\/strong> is a true expedition destination rather than a normal day trip. Located far to the southeast, it protects Selvagem Grande, Selvagem Pequena, Ilh\u00e9u de Fora and the surrounding sea out to 12 nautical miles. Visitor access, diving, interpretive walks and overnight stays require authorisation from the IFCN, Madeira\u2019s nature-conservation authority. If you see a trip advertised, confirm exactly what authorisations, landing arrangements and weather contingencies are included before booking.<\/p>\n

Where can you swim, snorkel and dive?<\/h2>\n

For an uncomplicated sea day, choose Garajau<\/strong>. It is the reserve most visitors can enjoy independently, provided conditions are calm and you stay clear of prohibited activities. Rocha do Navio is rewarding but more weather-dependent, while Ponta de S\u00e3o Louren\u00e7o is primarily a hiking and sightseeing area rather than a reliable swim stop.<\/p>\n

Diving is actively supported in several protected areas, but the rules differ by location. Garajau, Rocha do Navio and the partial-protection waters of the Desertas allow recreational diving; the Selvagens also allow it with authorisation. Use a properly licensed local dive operator, ask where the planned site sits within the protected-area zoning, and never touch wildlife, move rocks or remove shells.<\/p>\n

For shore-based snorkelling, protected status does not automatically mean easy entry or safe conditions. Madeira has steep coasts, surge and occasional strong currents. If your priority is an accessible swim with facilities, our guide to Madeira\u2019s lidos and seawater pools<\/a> is a more suitable starting point.<\/p>\n

How to visit responsibly<\/h2>\n