About this place
Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas do Porto Santo is a network of protected areas around Porto Santo island in the Madeira archipelago. It covers coastal marine waters and the land portions of several small islets, and it is administered from the island's main town, Vila Baleira. The network was established in 2008 and is one of the main tools for protecting marine nature in this part of the Atlantic.
What is this protected network?
It is not a single compact reserve but a group of areas scattered around the island. It includes the land parts of six islets: Cenouras, Baixo (also called Cal), Cima (Dragoeiros), Fora (Rocha do Nordeste), Fonte (Fonte da Areia) and Ferro. A marine zone around Ilhéu da Cal and Ilhéu de Cima is added to that. According to Protected Planet, the whole site covers about 26.7 km² and falls under IUCN category Ib, meaning wilderness area.
What can you see underwater?
The marine zone around Cal and Cima holds two wrecks: the ship "O Madeirense" and the corvette "General Pereira D'Eça". They act as artificial reefs where marine life settles, and they matter both for nature and for diving. The waters around Porto Santo are known for good clarity, which draws divers to the area.
Who manages it, and what are the rules?
The network was created by a regional legislative decree passed by Madeira's Legislative Assembly, which also set its legal regime. It is managed by the Regional Secretariat for Environment and Natural Resources through the Porto Santo Natural Park Service. The stated aim is to protect marine resources and biodiversity. The management plan (POGRAMPPS) organises use of the area, and Portaria 75/2010 regulates recreational and commercial activity. Before visiting, especially by boat or with diving gear, check the current rules.
Protection under Natura 2000
The Porto Santo islets belong to the European Natura 2000 network as a Special Conservation Zone. In the management plan they appear as a Site of Community Importance (code PTPOR0001). This means protection rests not only on regional law but also on European Union law.
Frequently asked questions
When was the network created? In 2008. In 2020 local press marked its twelfth anniversary.
Which islets are included? Cenouras, Baixo (Cal), Cima, Fora, Fonte and Ferro.
Are there wrecks to dive? Yes, the wrecks of "O Madeirense" and the corvette "General Pereira D'Eça" lie in the marine zone around Ilhéu da Cal and Ilhéu de Cima.
Who is responsible for protection? The Regional Secretariat for Environment and Natural Resources, through the Porto Santo Natural Park Service.
Where can I find the usage rules? In the POGRAMPPS plan and in Portaria 75/2010.
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