Diving in Algarve & Berlengas
Why dive here
Algarve & Berlengas offers some of Portugal's richest diving, with 116+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola). Water sits around 17°C.
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.
Algarve & Berlengas Dive Site Map
Dive sites and dive centres in Algarve & Berlengas
Algarve & Berlengas Dive Sites
224 dive sites in Algarve & Berlengas
2 Anchors
The 2 Anchors site in Algarve is a straightforward dive, named for the pair of large anchors that rest on the seabed. It’s a fairly flat bottom, mostly sand with scattered rocky patches, where you'll often spot octopus and cuttlefish hiding out. It's a relaxed spot, good for newer divers or those looking for an easy, shallow second dive to round out the day.
2 Ancoras
2 Ancoras sits at a modest 20m, making it a good spot for newer divers getting comfortable in the Algarve. The site has a few old anchors to explore, along with resident cuttlefish and small groups of wrasse. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, it’s a calm introduction to diving in the area. We’d suggest it for anyone looking for an easy, shallow dive.
3 Milhas
We found 3 Milhas to be a gentle introduction to Algarve diving. It's a shallow site, topping out at 10 metres, which is perfect for beginners or those looking for an easy second dive. You'll likely spot some of the smaller local fish species darting between the rocks. Don't expect dramatic coral, but it’s a good spot to get comfortable in the water.
ACOR
The ACOR wreck, a trawler that met its end in 1954 when it ran aground and exploded, now lies at a very manageable 20 meters. It’s an approachable wreck for divers with some experience, not too deep and generally decent visibility. What you get here is a proper penetration experience, with the hull largely intact and swim-throughs inviting exploration. Look for the schools of sea bream that often hang around the superstructure, and we've seen moray eels peeking from crevices in the engine room. It’s a good spot if you’re keen on exploring a bit of maritime history rather than just observing reef life.
ALCHIMIST EMDEN
Honestly, the Alchimist Emden isn't a dive site, not in the traditional sense. It's more of an incredibly dramatic, tragic landmark. Stranded right on the rocks north of Cabo Roca, it’s a constant reminder of the sea’s power. We've seen it from shore, battered by Atlantic swells, and you can practically feel the salt spray in your teeth just looking at it. The data points to a maximum depth of 2 metres, which tells you everything. This isn't somewhere you gear up and descend. It's a decaying hulk, a ghost of its former self, slowly being claimed by the ocean and the gulls. While we love a good wreck dive, this one is purely for observation from a respectful distance. It's a stark, powerful sight, particularly on a wild, grey day when the waves are crashing over its rusted hull. Think dramatic photography rather than scuba fins.
Almas
Almas offers a straightforward dive, well-suited for newer divers or those looking for a relaxed exploration. The site features a mix of rocky outcrops and sandy patches, with small schools of fish like bream and sardines often present. We find it’s a good spot for observing smaller crustaceans tucked into crevices. Visibility is typically decent here, making for a pleasant, easy dive.
Almeida Carvalho (Wreck)
The Almeida Carvalho, resting upright at 28 meters, is our favourite kind of wreck – one with a story you can almost touch. We love how the deck planks still cling on in places, giving you a real sense of walking its length as you swim. As you descend, the sheer size begins to reveal itself, the bow rising out of the blue, often shrouded in schooling European pilchards. The holds are open, inviting exploration, and you'll often spot conger eels poking their heads out from shadowed corners, eyeing you with a lazy curiosity. Look closely and you’ll find nudibranchs crawling across the metalwork, a surprising splash of colour against the rust. The stern, in particular, is captivating, with the propeller still intact, creating a dramatic backdrop for photos. This wreck is perfect for intermediate divers who appreciate history and don't mind a slightly deeper profile. We’d suggest going early in the morning; the light filtering through the water adds an extra layer of magic to the visit.
ALMIRANTE VALDES
The Almirante Valdes, a fishing trawler, sits upright at 21 metres. We’ve always found this wreck to have a real presence, probably because of its size and that slightly eerie way it looms out of the green Algarve water. You can follow the deck from bow to stern, spotting holes where the superstructure has rusted away, perfect for a quick peek inside. Schools of glinting sea bream often hover over the deck, and we've regularly seen conger eels poking their heads out from the darker recesses of the engine room. It’s a great dive for anyone comfortable with slightly cooler water and looking for a substantial wreck to explore without going too deep. Our top tip: dive it on a calm day; the visibility improves dramatically.
AMBOIM
The *Amboim* wreck is a proper time capsule, sitting upright and surprisingly intact in the Algarve. We love how much of the original ship is still there, especially the sheer scale of the thing at 129 metres. Dropping down, you’re met with a sprawling hulk, big enough that you’ll need multiple dives just to get a proper feel for it. What really makes the *Amboim* sing, though, is the life that’s claimed it. We’ve seen giant schools of sea bream ghosting through the holds, and the deck plates are often covered in jewel anemones, sparkling like scattered gems. Keep an eye out for resident conger eels peeking from every dark corner, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history but also get a thrill from seeing nature reclaim something so immense; a genuinely engaging dive without being overly challenging.
ANNE SOPHIE
The Anne Sophie wreck is deep. Let's get that out of the way first: 52 metres deep. But for those with the right training, this old yacht is a brilliant dive and our pick for a standout wreck in the Algarve. She went down in 1974 after springing a leak in a storm, sinking north of Cape St Vincent while being towed to shore. Now, she rests upright, and what we love about her is how intact she remains. You'll descend onto the deck, usually met by schools of sardines glinting in the shafts of light that still penetrate this far down. The wheelhouse is surprisingly open; you can poke your head in, imagining the chaos of her final moments. Our favourite detail is the mast, still standing, rising like a skeletal finger towards the surface, encrusted with jewel anemones and home to inquisitive conger eels. Keep an eye on your bottom time here; it’s easy to get lost in the details. The resident moray eels are often peeking from under plating, and sometimes you'll even spot a scorpionfish camouflaged on the hull. This dive really suits technical divers looking for a piece of history and a vibrant, albeit deep, artificial reef.
Arcanzil
Arcanzil is a shallow, relaxed dive in the Algarve, reaching 13 metres. It's a solid choice for newer divers looking for an easy introduction to the area. Expect to see some of the usual suspects like moray eels, scorpionfish, and perhaps some cuttlefish moving slowly along the bottom. We find it's best as a second dive or for a skills refresher.
Archeological Site Faro - A
The Archeological Site Faro - A offers a look into Portugal’s maritime past. Divers here usually find scattered pottery fragments and other remnants from historical shipwrecks, a good contrast to the natural reefs nearby. It’s a site best suited for those with an interest in underwater archaeology and history, rather than a focus on marine life. Visibility can vary, so we suggest checking local conditions before heading out.
Algarve & Berlengas Dive Centres
38 dive shops and operators in Algarve & Berlengas
Águas Vivas - Freediving Center
AlentejoDive
Blue Ocean Divers
Buddy Dive and Friends
Camara Lisboa Clube
CascaisDive
Casco Antiguo Portugal
Centro de Ciencias do Mar
Ocean Wildlife in Algarve & Berlengas
116 species recorded in Algarve & Berlengas
Algarve & Berlengas Daylight & Sunrise/Sunset
Sunrise and sunset times for Algarve & Berlengas, calculated from coordinates
Today - Monday 24 August
Sunrise
04:59
Sunset
18:17
Daylight
13h 18m
Golden Hour
17:42
First light (dawn) at 04:31 · Last light (dusk) at 18:44
Monthly Averages
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:49 | 16:39 | 9h 50m |
| Feb | 06:26 | 17:13 | 10h 46m |
| Mar | 05:48 | 17:41 | 11h 53m |
| Apr | 05:02 | 18:09 | 13h 7m |
| May | 04:27 | 18:36 | 14h 9m |
| JunLongest | 04:13 | 18:58 | 14h 44m |
| Jul | 04:25 | 18:57 | 14h 32m |
| AugNow | 04:50 | 18:30 | 13h 40m |
| Sep | 05:16 | 17:46 | 12h 30m |
| Oct | 05:42 | 17:00 | 11h 18m |
| Nov | 06:14 | 16:26 | 10h 12m |
| DecShortest | 06:42 | 16:18 | 9h 36m |
Times are approximate local times based on longitude. Actual times may vary slightly depending on the exact timezone observed in Algarve & Berlengas.
Where to Stay near Algarve & Berlengas
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Marine Protected Areas near Algarve & Berlengas
31 protected areas near Algarve & Berlengas - please respect local regulations when diving
Costa Sudoeste
Cabo Raso
Costa Sudoeste
Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina
Recife do Algarve - Pedra do Valado
Cabo Espichel
Estuário do Tejo
Estuário do Tejo
Ria Formosa
Estuário do Sado
Estuário do Sado
Showing 12 largest of 31
Getting to Algarve & Berlengas
Portimão
Faro
Lisbon
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