AREIERO DO TEJO - Algarve & Berlengas

The Areieiro do Tejo, shallow at just 5m, is one of our favourite wreck dives in the Algarve for its accessibility and surprising character. It’s a lighter vessel, and while the hull is largely broken, there's still plenty of structure to explore. We love drifting over the twisted metal, imagining its working life before it found its final resting place. The wreck has become a true artificial reef; expect to see schools of juvenile sea bream darting through the ribs, crabs scuttling in crevices, and anemones clinging to every available surface. It’s a superb dive for newer wreck enthusiasts, or photographers looking for a relaxed, shallow shoot with interesting light. We’d suggest going at high tide for the best visibility and less surge, as the site can get a bit churned up otherwise. It’s not about grand scale here, but the intimate details and the sheer amount of life that calls this old boat home.

Location
Algarve & Berlengas, Portugal, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
38.748722, -9.094944
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
5m

Wreck History - AREIERO DO TEJO

Year Sunk
1986
Vessel Type
barge
Cause
storm

The AREIERO DO TEJO, which translates to "Sand Dredger of the Tagus," was a vital piece of machinery for maintaining the navigable channels of Lisbon's Tagus River. This hardworking dredger spent its life scooping sand and silt from the riverbed, ensuring safe passage for the countless ships visiting the Portuguese capital. Its career came to an abrupt end on a stormy day in January 1986, when powerful waves overwhelmed the vessel at the mouth of the river, sending it to the bottom.

Today, the AREIERO DO TEJO lies in just 5 meters of water, so shallow that parts of its superstructure can break the surface on a low tide. This makes it an exceptionally accessible site, perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and novice scuba divers. The wreck is a vibrant artificial reef, its metal framework crusted with marine growth and teeming with fish that have taken refuge within its hull. Its shallow, sunlit location and the dramatic story of its demise make the AREIERO DO TEJO a fascinating and beautiful dive into Portugal's maritime heritage.

Marine Protected Area: Estuário do Tejo

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 AREIERO DO TEJO

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 AREIERO DO TEJO

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