Scuba Diving in Portugal

Explore 280 dive sites and 53 dive centres in Portugal. Conditions, marine life, and the best time to dive.

Portugal Diving at a Glance

2 dive regions, 280 dive sites, 53 dive centres, 272 marine species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Portugal

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Dive in Portugal

The best months to dive in Portugal are January, February, March, based on water temperature, visibility, wave conditions, and currents.

Month-by-Month Diving Conditions

  • January: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • February: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • March: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • April: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • May: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • June: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • July: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • August: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • September: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • October: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • November: Poor, water 16.8°C
  • December: Poor, water 16.8°C

Recommended Packing List for Portugal

Based on average water temperature of 16.8°C.

  • Wetsuit (5-7mm) - recommended for 17°C water
  • Hood & Gloves (3-5mm) - helps retain warmth
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Dive Regions