ALMIRANTE VALDES - Algarve & Berlengas

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.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
37.115402, -7.138113
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
21m

Wreck History - ALMIRANTE VALDES

Vessel Type
fishing vessel
Cause
unknown

Don't let the grand name fool you; the Almirante Valdes is not a long-lost galleon from the Spanish Armada. This wreck is a far more modern fishing vessel that met its end off the coast of Portugal. Lying at a very accessible depth of 21 meters, the wreck is now a popular site for local divers. Details about its sinking are scarce, but its official classification as a 'Dangerous Wreck' hints at a sudden and unfortunate demise. Today, the structure provides an artificial reef teeming with marine life typical of the Algarve region. It's a fantastic dive for exploring how nature reclaims a man-made object, with schools of fish now patrolling the decks where fishermen once worked.

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 ALMIRANTE VALDES

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 ALMIRANTE VALDES

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