Diving in Portugal

Mediterranean & Europe

2 regions

280 dive sites

Portugal isn't always the first place that springs to mind for diving, and that's precisely what we like about it. Forget tropical reefs; this is raw, compelling Atlantic diving, where the ocean feels ancient and full of secrets. For pelagic action, the Azores are non-negotiable, offering genuine chances for open-ocean encounters with everything from mako sharks to sperm whales in summer. Closer to the mainland, the Algarve serves up some surprisingly rich coastal dives, especially around Sagres, with its dramatic drop-offs and the occasional sunfish gliding by. Our personal pick, though, has to be the Berlengas Nature Reserve - a small archipelago off Peniche, where the granite walls are plastered with jewel anemones and the occasional school of tuna flashes past. It’s rugged, often windy, but utterly captivating, best experienced from June to September.

Portugal Dive Regions

2 diving areas in Portugal

Algarve & Berlengas

The Algarve and Berlengas islands offer a surprisingly varied take on European diving. We love the dramatic rock formations here, especially around the Berlengas archipelago. Think granite boulders draped in golden cup corals, often hiding secretive moray eels and spider crabs. Down in the Algarve, the coastline is a maze of grottoes and caverns. It’s not about the big pelagics here, though a lucky few might spot a Bryde's Whale offshore. Instead, it’s about the smaller, intricate details. Look for nudibranchs tucked into crevices and octopus peeking from rocky dens. The wrecks, like the Ocean Revival Park, are also a fantastic contrast to the natural reefs, creating artificial habitats that swarm with resident triggerfish. Visibility can vary, especially closer to shore, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the water in the caves. Our pick for a tranquil surface interval is exploring the Berlengas Nature Reserve, maybe catching a glimpse of a Eurasian Curlew. For something truly unique, keep an eye out for the unusual deep-sea species like lanternfish and constellationfish that occasionally surface or are found in deeper waters.

224 dive sites

Azores

The Azores isn't your typical tropical escape. Forget warm, shallow reefs; this is raw, untamed Atlantic diving. Think dramatic volcanic architecture dropping into the blue, and a very real chance of spotting the big stuff. We love the seamounts here, especially Princess Alice Bank, where mobulas glide past in formation - it’s a proper spectacle. What makes the Azores truly special is the pelagic action. From June to October, blue sharks are a regular sight, often inquisitive and always graceful. We’ve had incredible encounters, just hanging in the blue, watching them circle. Visibility can be epic, 30 meters or more on a good day, giving you that profound sense of open ocean. The water can be chilly, even in summer, so a good 7mm wetsuit is sensible. For a different vibe, the cave diving is also fantastic, eerie and beautiful, with sunlight filtering through cracks above. It’s a place that demands respect, but rewards you with genuinely unique experiences.

56 dive sites