

Best for advanced divers, 15-33m, boat entry, strong current.
Baixa do Max is a challenging wall and reef site located off Porto Santo. The topography features a wall dropping from 15 to 33 metres, making it suitable for advanced divers only. Access is by boat, which is necessary due to strong currents and surface surf. Visibility can reach up to 20 metres, though conditions vary significantly. The site is subject to strong, shifting currents that require careful planning and communication with the boat skipper. Divers should be prepared for deep-diving conditions and use a surface marker buoy. Species recorded around this area include dusky grouper, great barracuda, common octopus, and various reef fish and invertebrates.
33.04550, -16.27660
Current strength and direction can shift quickly, so brief thoroughly with your skipper before entering and agree on an abort signal. Check local conditions on the day, as surge and surface chop affect both entry and exit from the boat.
Porto Santo is accessible by flight from Lisbon or Funchal, or by ferry from Funchal. The dive centre provides transfers from hotels.
Recorded nearby, within 20km
Depth
15-33m
Visibility
Up to 20m
Skill Level
Advanced
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
18-23°C
Current
Strong
Species recorded around this area include dusky grouper, great barracuda, common octopus, common stingray, trumpetfish, pufferfish, cleaner shrimp, European parrotfish, Turkish wrasse, black moray, arrow crab, slipper lobster, kingfish, and banded coral shrimp.
No, Baixa do Max is intended for advanced divers due to the depth range of 15 to 33 metres and the presence of strong currents.
The wall at Baixa do Max drops through a depth range of 15 to 33 metres.
This is a boat-only dive site due to the strong currents and surf conditions.
Snorkelling is not recommended at Baixa do Max due to the depth of the reef and wall, as well as the strong currents and surface conditions.
Diving at Baixa do Max in Porto Santo requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 5mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Baixa do Max in Porto Santo. Water temperatures range from 18°C to 23°C.
Baixa do Max in Porto Santo can have strong currents. Advanced experience with drift diving and current navigation is recommended.
Visibility at Baixa do Max in Porto Santo can reach up to 20 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.