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