Brava Diving Center
SSI centre on Praia da Ribeira Brava, Madeira, founded by Carlos Relvas (diving since 1968); runs a joint liveaboard with sister centre Calheta Dive Center.
Last updated September 2026
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About
Brava Diving Center and its sister business, Calheta Dive Center on Madeira's west coast, share more than a founder: the two run a joint three-day liveaboard around the Madeira archipelago. Both centres were founded by Carlos Relvas, who has dived since 1968.
Brava's own base sits on Praia da Ribeira Brava, on Madeira's south-central coast between Funchal and the island's west end, inside blue shipping containers on the beach's left side. Its own diving boat runs daily departures to dive spots along Madeira's southwest coast, with further trips to other parts of the island that carry Natural Reserve status.
The centre teaches the full SSI ladder, from Try Scuba and Scuba Rangers through Open Water, Advanced, Rescue and Nitrox, up to the professional Dive Guide, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor and Instructor levels. A four-day Open Water Diver course is priced at 350 EUR plus a manual pack.
The joint liveaboard with Calheta runs Advanced-certified divers through six dives over three days and two nights, from Ribeira Brava's own waters north around the archipelago to Porto Santo and the Desertas, for 780 EUR including meals (no alcohol), tanks and weights; dive equipment isn't included.
What divers say
Every review of Brava rates it five stars, dated between 2022 and 2025, and they converge on the same themes. Reviewers call the staff professional and friendly, single out two dives on the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck, and describe an off-boat snorkelling trip arranged on short notice. One returning or first-time diver recalls an open-water dive "a 3-minute ride away," and another points visitors to the shop itself: two blue shipping containers on the beach.
Dive Sites (1)
Facilities
Pricing
We do our best to show current pricing, but rates may change without notice. Last verified September 2026. Always confirm the latest prices on Brava Diving Center's official website before booking.
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Courses
Guided Dives
Other Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is the Corveta Afonso Cerqueira wreck that Brava dives?▾
The wreck's depth is given two ways: 12 to 33 metres in one description, and 24 to 32 metres in another that draws on press coverage of its 2018 sinking. Neither figure is confirmed against an independent survey, so plan the dive for the deeper end of either range and confirm the current profile with the centre before diving.
What's the day-by-day route on Brava's joint liveaboard?▾
Day one dives Baixa de São Pedro and a site off Porto Moniz, then sails overnight to Porto Santo. Day two dives the Madeirense wreck and the Corveta General Pereira D'Eça, with a free afternoon on Porto Santo before sailing on to the Desertas overnight. Day three dives Deserta Grande, home to Madeira's monk seal colony, and finishes at Garajau Reserve, before sailing back to Calheta.
How many languages does Brava teach in?▾
The centre advertises courses in 'six languages,' but its own course page names only five: English, Spanish, German, French and Portuguese. Confirm your preferred language when booking.
Is there a beginner-friendly dive site near Brava's shop?▾
Brava recommends a confined-water bay dive at Ribeira Brava for beginners, with a maximum depth of around 5 metres; it also runs a shallow shore dive nearby where a resident sea turtle is a regular sighting.
Can I snorkel with Brava without diving?▾
Yes. Brava sells a standalone snorkelling trip for 32 EUR, separate from its guided scuba dives.
Does Brava teach SSI's professional-level courses?▾
Yes. Beyond the recreational ladder from Try Scuba through Rescue Diver, the centre teaches SSI's professional track: Dive Guide, Divemaster, Assistant Instructor and Instructor.
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