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PICO DOURO

Pico Douro sits in a relatively shallow 20 metres, making it an inviting dive for many. It's an old fishing trawler, not one of those imposing warships, but it’s got real character. We love the way the light filters through the superstructure, catching the schools of glasseyes that swarm inside the hull. You can duck into the wheelhouse, imagining the last moments of the crew. The wreck itself is remarkably intact, considering its age and the currents that sometimes sweep through here. The metalwork is encrusted with sponges and tunicates, a real explosion of colour against the rust. Keep an eye out for resident moray eels peeking from crevices, and we’ve often spotted eagle rays cruising past the bow. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before the thermocline pushes up, when the visibility often hits its peak and the light is just right. Be mindful of occasional strong surge, particularly on an outgoing tide.