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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical water conditions, including visibility and currents, for scuba diving in the Algarve and Berlengas?
While the provided data describes the Algarve & Berlengas as featuring southern coast and offshore islands with caves, reefs, and wrecks, specific details regarding typical visibility and currents are not available in the current context. Divers can generally expect varied conditions depending on the specific dive site and time of year.
What kind of marine life and underwater ecosystems can divers expect to encounter in the Berlengas Natural Reserve and the Algarve region?
In the Algarve & Berlengas region, divers can explore diverse underwater ecosystems including numerous reefs, fascinating caves, and intriguing wrecks, as well as some wall dives. While specific marine life details are not provided in the current data, these varied habitats typically support a rich array of species. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
Which are considered the best or most popular dive sites in the Berlengas Archipelago and the Algarve for different diving interests?
The Algarve & Berlengas offers a wide array of dive sites catering to various interests. For wreck enthusiasts, notable sites include the João Pedro (Beginner), Navio Zambeze (Wreck) (Intermediate), and Barco das Telhas (Wreck) (Expert). Reef divers can explore sites like 3 Milhas (Beginner) and Pedra da Pata Roxa (Intermediate), while Cavernas (Beginner) offers a cave diving experience.
Is the diving in the Algarve and Berlengas suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to advanced divers?
Yes, diving in the Algarve & Berlengas is suitable for all experience levels, from beginners to expert divers. There are numerous sites for beginners, such as the João Pedro wreck or 3 Milhas reef, alongside intermediate options like Navio Zambeze (Wreck). For highly experienced divers, the Barco das Telhas (Wreck) offers an expert-level challenge.
What are the seasonal variations for diving in the Algarve and Berlengas, and when is the best time to visit for optimal conditions?
Based on the available data, the best water temperature months for diving in the Algarve & Berlengas consistently show an average of 16.71°C. While specific seasonal variations beyond these temperatures are not detailed in the current context, these months offer stable, cooler conditions. For more general information on seasonal diving, visit our When to Dive guide.
What are the average water temperatures for diving in the Algarve and Berlengas throughout the year, and what wetsuit thickness is recommended?
For the designated best water temperature months in the Algarve & Berlengas, the average water temperature is consistently 16.71°C. Specific average water temperatures for the entire year are not provided in the current data. While a recommended wetsuit thickness is not specified, divers should choose appropriate thermal protection for these cooler temperatures; you can find more information on our equipment page.
How do divers typically get to the Berlengas Islands from the mainland for a diving excursion?
Information regarding how divers typically get to the Berlengas Islands from the mainland for a diving excursion is not available in the provided data context for the Algarve & Berlengas sub-region.
Are there significant wreck diving opportunities in the Algarve and Berlengas, and what are some notable shipwrecks to explore?
Yes, the Algarve & Berlengas region offers significant wreck diving opportunities. There are numerous notable shipwrecks to explore, catering to various skill levels. Popular sites include the João Pedro (Beginner), Canhoneira Faro (Beginner), Navio Zambeze (Wreck) (Intermediate), and the challenging Barco das Telhas (Wreck) (Expert).