AMBOIM - Algarve & Berlengas

The *Amboim* wreck is a proper time capsule, sitting upright and surprisingly intact in the Algarve. We love how much of the original ship is still there, especially the sheer scale of the thing at 129 metres. Dropping down, you’re met with a sprawling hulk, big enough that you’ll need multiple dives just to get a proper feel for it. What really makes the *Amboim* sing, though, is the life that’s claimed it. We’ve seen giant schools of sea bream ghosting through the holds, and the deck plates are often covered in jewel anemones, sparkling like scattered gems. Keep an eye out for resident conger eels peeking from every dark corner, and the occasional octopus tucked into a crevice. It’s a site for divers who appreciate history but also get a thrill from seeing nature reclaim something so immense; a genuinely engaging dive without being overly challenging.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.690970, -9.416389
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Wreck History - AMBOIM

Year Sunk
1974
Vessel Type
cargo ship
Cause
grounding

The M.V. Amboim was a Portuguese motor vessel whose final voyage took place during a pivotal moment in her country's history. In November 1974, just months after the Carnation Revolution signaled the end of the Portuguese Colonial War, the Amboim was sailing from Porto Alexandre, Angola. This was a period of great upheaval, with a mass exodus of citizens and assets from the former colonies back to Portugal. The Amboim's journey was part of this historic migration, but it was cut short when she ran aground and was lost just off the Algarve coast.

Lying in just 2 meters of water, the wreck of the Amboim is an incredibly accessible site, perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and novice scuba divers. The shallow, sunlit waters make for a vibrant and easy exploration of what remains of the vessel. Over the decades, the sea has broken up the hull, scattering it across the seabed where it has become a thriving, colourful reef. It's a fantastic location for underwater photography, allowing for long, relaxed bottom times to observe the fish and invertebrates that have colonized the ship's remains.

Marine Protected Area: Cabo Raso

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 AMBOIM

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 AMBOIM

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 are the typical diving depths at Ambon dive sites, and are there options for both shallow and deep dives?
At the AMBOIM wreck site, the typical diving depth is 2 meters. This makes it an exceptionally shallow dive, primarily suitable for those looking for very accessible wreck exploration.
What kind of unique marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see when diving in Ambon?
The AMBOIM dive site is primarily a wreck dive, featuring a large motor vessel that sank in 1974. Divers can explore the remains of this 129m x 17.9m ship, which still shows portions of its hull or superstructure. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided information, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How challenging are the dive sites in Ambon, and is it suitable for beginner or advanced divers?
The AMBOIM wreck dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. This suggests it is suitable for divers with some experience beyond basic certification, offering a manageable challenge for those comfortable with wreck diving.
What is the best time of year to go diving in Ambon for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data for the AMBOIM wreck does not specify the best time of year for diving or optimal conditions. For general information on seasonal diving in Portugal, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are typically required to dive at Ambon's various dive sites?
Given the AMBOIM wreck's intermediate difficulty rating, divers would typically need at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent. Specific wreck diving certifications might also be recommended for a more thorough and safe exploration of the vessel. Always check with local dive operators for precise requirements.
What are the typical water conditions, currents, and visibility like for diving in Ambon Bay and surrounding areas?
The provided data for the AMBOIM wreck does not include details on typical water conditions, currents, or visibility. For up-to-date information on these factors, it is always best to contact local dive centers in the Algarve & Berlengas region.