Almeida Carvalho (Wreck) - Algarve & Berlengas

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.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.092000, -8.602000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
28m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Wreck History - Almeida Carvalho (Wreck)

Year Sunk
2011
Vessel Type
warship
Cause
scuttled
Tonnage
1,485 GRT

The Almeida Carvalho began its long and distinguished career in 1944 as the USS Klickitat, a Patapsco-class gasoline tanker serving the United States Navy in the Pacific theater during the final stages of World War II. After the war, it was transferred to the Portuguese Navy in 1960, where it was renamed NRP Almeida Carvalho (A527) and converted into a hydrographic survey ship. For over four decades, it meticulously mapped the coastlines and seabeds for Portugal, contributing significantly to maritime safety and science.

After its decommissioning, the Almeida Carvalho was given a new mission. On October 21, 2011, it was purposefully scuttled off the coast of the Algarve as part of the ambitious 'Ocean Revival' project, creating one of Europe's premier artificial reef systems. Today, the vessel sits perfectly upright and fully intact on the sandy seabed at 28 meters. Divers can explore its bridge, decks, and open corridors, which were prepared for safe penetration. The wreck is a spectacular sight, already colonized by marine life and serving as a magnificent underwater monument to a vessel with a rich history in two navies.

Marine Protected Area: Ria de Alvor

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 Almeida Carvalho (Wreck)

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 Almeida Carvalho (Wreck)

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