ALCHIMIST EMDEN - Algarve & Berlengas

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.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
39.073666, -9.423722
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - ALCHIMIST EMDEN

Year Sunk
1978
Vessel Type
tanker
Cause
grounding

The story of the Alchimist Emden is one of modern maritime disaster. Built in 1971, the German chemical tanker was only seven years old when she ran into trouble in February 1978. During a fierce storm, the vessel was driven onto the rocks just north of Cabo Roca, Portugal, the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The grounding caused a major environmental scare, with authorities concerned about a grave pollution threat and the potential for a catastrophic explosion from its volatile cargo. The ship broke apart under the relentless assault of the Atlantic waves.

Lying in just 2 metres of water, the wreck of the Alchimist Emden is not a traditional scuba dive but an intense shallow water or snorkelling experience. The site is a chaotic scrapyard of twisted metal, a testament to the immense power of the ocean. Divers and snorkelers can navigate the surge-swept wreckage, exploring the ship's mangled plates and machinery scattered across the rocky seabed. It serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of modern shipping and the unforgiving nature of the sea, offering a dramatically different kind of wreck exploration.

Marine Protected Area: Sintra / Cascais

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)

Nearby Dive Sites in Algarve & Berlengas

Nearest Dive Centres to ALCHIMIST EMDEN

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.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for ALCHIMIST EMDEN

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Alchimist Emden wreck for diving?
The Alchimist Emden wreck offers diving opportunities at a maximum depth of 2m. This shallow depth makes it accessible for various dive levels.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see at the Alchimist Emden dive site?
The Alchimist Emden is a significant wreck site, a tanker vessel built in 1971 by Ernst Menz, with dimensions of 87.2m x 13.4m. Divers can explore the remains of this wreck, which is classified as showing any portion of its hull or superstructure. For more information on wrecks in the area, visit our Algarve & Berlengas page.
How challenging is diving the Alchimist Emden wreck, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
Diving the Alchimist Emden wreck is classified as intermediate difficulty. While its shallow depth of 2m might seem easy, the intermediate rating suggests it may not be ideal for absolute beginner divers without proper guidance or experience. Divers should assess their skills before attempting this site.
What are the best months or seasons to dive the Alchimist Emden for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data does not specify the best months or seasons for diving the Alchimist Emden for optimal conditions and visibility. For general guidance on diving seasons in Portugal, you might consult our When to Dive section.
Are there any specific diving certifications or experience levels required to dive the Alchimist Emden, especially given its history as a chemical cargo ship?
Given the Alchimist Emden's classification as an intermediate difficulty dive, divers should possess appropriate certification and experience for such conditions. The wreck's history as a tanker vessel, noted for constituting a "grave pollution & possible explosion hazard," further emphasizes the need for experienced divers who understand the potential risks associated with such sites. Always dive within your training and comfort level.
What are the typical current and surge conditions at the Alchimist Emden dive site off Praia de Cambelas?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding typical current and surge conditions at the Alchimist Emden dive site. Furthermore, the context places the wreck "about 18m N of Cabo Roca," not off Praia de Cambelas. Divers planning to visit this wreck site should consult local dive operators for up-to-date environmental conditions.