Diving in Algarve & Berlengas

Explore 224 dive sites in Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Algarve & Berlengas

The warmest water temperatures in Algarve & Berlengas occur in January, averaging 16.7°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 16.7°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 16.7°C (air: 13.9°C)
  • February: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • March: 16.7°C (air: 14.4°C)
  • April: 16.7°C (air: 15.5°C)
  • May: 16.7°C (air: 16.9°C)
  • June: 16.7°C (air: 18.0°C)
  • July: 16.7°C (air: 18.7°C)
  • August: 16.7°C (air: 19.0°C)
  • September: 16.7°C (air: 19.3°C)
  • October: 16.7°C (air: 18.4°C)
  • November: 16.7°C (air: 16.7°C)
  • December: 16.7°C (air: 15.3°C)

Marine Life in Algarve & Berlengas

Home to 121 recorded species including 61 reef fish, 20 whales & dolphins, 14 sharks & rays, 7 crabs & lobsters, 4 other, 3 hard corals.

Dive Site Difficulty in Algarve & Berlengas

Algarve & Berlengas has 65 beginner, 24 intermediate, 6 expert dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Algarve & Berlengas

Based on average water temperature of 16.7°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

Marine Protected Areas in Algarve & Berlengas

  • Estuario do Tejo - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Arrabida - Nature Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Estuario do Sado - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ria Formosa - Nature Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina - Nature Park (IUCN Category V)
  • Estuário do Tejo - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ria Formosa - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category V)
  • Sado Estuary - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category IV)
  • Ria de Alvor - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagosteiros - Natural Monument (IUCN Category III)
  • Lagoas de Santo Andre e da Sancha - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)
  • Sintra / Cascais - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Estuário do Tejo - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Arrábida / Espichel - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Estuário do Sado - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa Sudoeste - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ria Formosa / Castro Marim - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ria de Alvor - Site of Community Importance (Habitats Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Estuário do Tejo - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Estuário do Sado - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagoa de Santo André - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagoa da Sancha - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Costa Sudoeste - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Leixão da Gaivota - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Ria Formosa - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cabo Espichel - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Lagoas de Santo Andre e Sancha - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Arrabida - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina - Marine Protected Area (OSPAR) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Cabo Raso - Special Protection Area (Birds Directive) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Recife do Algarve - Pedra do Valado - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)

Getting to Algarve & Berlengas - Nearest Airports

  • Portimão Airport (PRM), Portimão - 49 km away, approx 69 min travel time
  • Faro - Gago Coutinho International Airport (FAO), Faro - 85 km away, approx 108 min travel time
  • Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), Lisbon - 140 km away, approx 168 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres