ALMIRANTE VALDES

Best months: Jan–Dec

Why dive here

With 116+ marine species recorded in the area - including blue sharks, blue whales, dolphins, dwarf minke whales and ocean sunfish (mola mola) - ALMIRANTE VALDES offers some of Algarve & Berlengas's richest wreck diving. Water sits around 17°C.

Marine lifeBlue Sharks, Blue Whales, Dolphins, Dwarf Minke Whales and Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) · 116+ species recorded

Water17°C · warmest January, February, March

CharacterWreck dive · max 21m

StandoutRich in charismatic marine life

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.

Typical ALMIRANTE VALDES Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Depth of 21m - Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Always perform a 3-minute safety stop at 5m before surfacing.

Today05:5319:1113h 17m daylightGolden hour 18:36

ALMIRANTE VALDES Wreck History

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.