Wreck Diving in Porto Santo

Augusto Salgado · Issue 92, Sep/Oct 2016 · pp. 47–52

Products mentioned: Nikon D7100, Tokina 10-17 mm, Hugyfot Housing, Subtronic Strobes

It has been more than 20 years since I last dived in Porto Santo Island, the second biggest island of the Madeira’s archipelago, that measures just 6 by 11 kilometres. One might struggle to find it on a map, but just look 40 kilometres northeast from Madeira and there it is. Contrary to Madeira, this island has a nine kilometres’ long sandy beach, and it’s known for its very clear and blue waters. And, with just a handful of hotels and restaurants, Porto Santo has been classified as one of the last ‘undiscovered’ resorts in Europe. The climate in Porto Santo, mild all year round, with a sea temperature ranging between 17ºC and 22ºC, makes this island always attractive, even in the winter. Since 13th July this year, the island is also the home of a new artificial reef, the ex Portuguese Navy corvette General Pereira D’Eça. It was an excellent excuse to go diving in Porto Santo again. With…