This dive site, known as Lavafinger at Galo, is conveniently located directly at a dive center in Portugal, making it easily accessible for divers. Its well-suited entrance and manageable depths make it an excellent choice for beginners. Divers can navigate along an interesting wall, explore a small cave, and embark on an "anemone tour," highlighting a rich and varied underwater topography. There is no specific historical background or story provided for the site.
The marine life at Lavafinger is diverse and offers much to discover for those with a keen eye. Notable inhabitants include unique lancet ghost crabs, impressive tiger moray eels, and expansive sand eel fields. Other commonly sighted species found along the wall and reef include colorful parrot fish, distinctive puffer fish, various types of anemones, and robust groupers.
The best time to visit this dive site, typical for Madeira, is generally year-round, with warmer water temperatures and calmer conditions prevailing from late spring through autumn. For freedivers, the site's shallow average depth of 10 meters, coupled with its engaging wall and cave features, provides an excellent environment for breath-hold diving. Scuba divers will appreciate the ease of access and the abundance of both macro life and larger fish, making it an ideal spot for multiple dives and underwater photography.
